Storage and Handling

General Principles

The following general principles apply to the storage of most chemicals:

DO NOT STORE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Ensure incompatible substances are appropriately segregated;
Minimise the quantities stored;
Ensure the containers are sound (properly sealed and free from damage);
Use appropriate storage vessels (such as a flammable cabinet);
Store heavy items between knee and shoulder height;
Protect items from falling (use of a barrier or a lip on shelving);
Ensure there is adequate natural and/ or mechanical ventilation to prevent accumulation of gases, mists, vapours or dusts;
Locate removed from:
- Direct sunlight and/ or rain;

Heat or ignition sources;
High energy sources;
Areas occupied by people (offices etc);
Critical resources (computer resources etc).

Compatability

Chemicals can react with each other to cause fire or the release of toxic gases. As a result, it is essential that incompatible substances are appropriately segregated.

Segregation shall be achieved by firstly following the specific storage requirements detailed on the MSDS.

Secondly, where more than one class or sub-class of Dangerous Goods is stored, they must be segregated in accordance with the following table:

Table 1: Segragation of Dangerous Goods (reproduced from the Western Australian Explosives and Dangerous Goods (Dangerous Goods Handling and Storage) Regulations 1992.)

Segregation_Table

LEGEND:

L - Substances which are liquids
S - Substances which are solids
0 - No general segregation required
1 - Segregate by a distance of at least 1 metre
3 - Segregate by a distance of at least 3 metres
X - Segregate in separate depots that are at least 5 metres apart or segregate by a distance of at least 5 metres with use of a screen wall.