APPENDIX B: Storage of Dangerous Substances

From Handcrafted Policy

Storage of Dangerous Substances

Introduction

The following provides guidance on the key areas employers need to address in order to meet the requirements of DSEAR and covers the need to assess the risks from, and the control and mitigation measures necessary, for places where dangerous substances are stored. It includes the safe disposal of waste material.

Assessment of the risk

Employers must assess any place where dangerous substances are stored and this should be completed before the storage area is used. The assessment should be reviewed on a regular basis and in particular when changes are made to the storage conditions or dangerous substance.  The assessment should identify the hazards from the storage of the dangerous substance and determine measures that will:

  • avoid or minimise the potential risk of a spillage or release of a dangerous substance
  • minimise the risk of a fire or explosion occurring at the storage location
  • protect the storage area from fires occurring elsewhere

The following factors should be taken into account when assessing the storage installation:

  • Properties of the substance and waste material being stored
  • Information provided by the supplier on the substance
  • Method of storage
  • Temperature and pressure of the stored substance
  • Location of the storage installation in relation to other buildings, site boundaries, occupied buildings, means of escape, etc.
  • Design standards for the installation
  • Corrosion possibilities
  • Activities on adjacent premises
  • Training and supervision of operatives
  • Number of deliveries and frequency
  • Unloading and loading activities
  • Inspection and maintenance of the storage installation
  • Security

Containment

Gases, liquids or liquefied gases that are dangerous substances should be stored in appropriate storage vessels which should be constructed to appropriate national or international standards.  If there are no relevant standards containers should be constructed in accordance with good practice.

There should be means to contain leaks to prevent them from spreading to other areas.  If the storage vessels are situated underground then secondary containment or leak detection should be provided.

Solid or powders that are dangerous substances should be stored in closed vessels or stored in the containers used to transport them to site.

Separation and segregation

Storage areas should be adequately separated to allow sufficient time for people to escape from a fire at the storage area and be sufficiently protected from fires that may occur elsewhere.  Storage areas should be adequately separated from:

  • Site boundaries
  • Occupied buildings
  • Process areas
  • Fixed sources of ignition
  • Other dangerous substances

If the dangerous substance stored is either a gas or a liquid inside a building, a dedicated storeroom building or a separate room within the building should be used which is located in a safe position.

Incompatible mixtures of materials, whether dangerous substances or not, should be separated and segregated to minimise the risks.

In areas where the flammable gases or liquids are stored good ventilation should be provided in the form of natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure, in the case of a leak or a spillage, the vapours given off are dispersed readily.

The storage vessel should be clearly identified with its contents and hazards, and any cupboards, compounds and storerooms identified in the same manner.

Where potentially explosive atmospheres could be formed in and around the storage facility the area should be designated as hazardous zones as required by DSEAR.

Substance transfer

When transporting dangerous substances to and from the storage area, or between work areas, the following measures should be taken as necessary to minimise the risk of spills or releases:

  • Use of closed vessel
  • Convey in a totally closed system
  • Fill and discharge points clearly identified
  • Decant and dispense in a safe area away from storage area
  • Design and locate unloading and loading facilities to avoid or minimise the risk of fire or explosion by implementing measures to minimise the risk of leaks, spills and overfilling plant and equipment and inadvertent mixing of incompatible materials
  • Prevent damage to storage vessels, pipe work and other equipment by protective measures such as physical barriers

Storage in process areas and workrooms

Employers should ensure that the following measures are taken as necessary:

  • The quantity of any dangerous substance within associated plant and equipment is kept to a minimum with respect to the process and operation being undertaken
  • If material is a dangerous substance because it can create a dust explosion hazard then the process and handling operations must be designed to limit the formation of an explosive atmosphere both inside and outside of the plant or equipment
  • A maximum of 250 litres of flammable liquid may be stored in a workroom and a maximum of 50 litres of highly flammable liquid or flammable liquid with a flash point below the ambient temperature
  • In retail premises the quantity of dangerous substance stored in closed or sealed containers be kept to a minimum
  • Remove empty containers that contain residue of dangerous substances and store in the same manner as full containers
  • Openings of a storage vessel should be kept closed whether full or empty except when being used or maintained

Security

Employers should ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place to prevent unauthorised access to dangerous substances and associated storage equipment.

Maintenance

The storage facility should be maintained in a safe condition by being subject to an appropriate inspection programme with the period between inspections and tests of storage vessels and associated equipment being determined by a competent person.  The inspection and maintenance of the facility should include the following criteria:

  • Checking for leaks
  • Correct operation of valves, gauges and other safety devices
  • Integrity of primary and secondary containment facilities
  • Testing of electrical equipment
  • Housekeeping standards

Disposal of waste material

When undertaking the risk assessment account should be taken of the risks arising from the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste materials by:

  • ascertaining the properties of the waste material from known data or undertaking additional testing
  • implementing appropriate control measures to ensure the safety of employees and others who may come into contact when disposing waste material
  • reducing the risk of fire and explosion from waste material by effective control measures
  • ensuring that waste material is stored in suitable containers and labelled accordingly
  • establishing procedures and precautions for the safe collection and mixing of compatible waste materials
  • storing nominally empty or reusable containers in the same manner as full containers, and returning to the supplier or disposed of as soon as is practicable
  • ensuring that if the waste material is to be burnt, it is burnt by a competent person in a safe manner using plant, equipment or location that is suitable for the purpose
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