Chemical warehouse explosions in Tianjin Port, China and the Lebanese Beirut Port killed nearly 400 people, Injured thousands, left many more homeless and caused massive property damage.
The common element is the absence of safe warehouse practice, particularly identifying and safely managing non-compatible chemicals and the avoidable loss of emergency responders unaware of what they are dealing with.
The nature of New Zealand’s chemical supply chain means hazardous substances are increasingly in longer-term storage mode. It is therefore essential that safe storage, handling and emergency preparedness is comprehensive, correctly implemented and constantly reviewed. This includes liaison with local emergency services.
Safe storage of hazardous substances follows well-defined principles and practices, eliminating and minimising the inherent hazards by safely managing the risk. Does a company’s 3PL chemical storage performance meet and exceed these fundamental measures to protect people and our environment?
Risk assessment
All chemicals are hazardous, especially when mismanaged and mishandled. Safe chemical inventory management begins with the hazards identified in the safety data sheet (SDS) and conveyed on product labels which determine your risk management strategy, to eliminate or minimise the effect of an incident.
A risk assessment will include the correct classification, segregation and safe handling by skilled workers correctly wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), with quick access to safety showers, fire-fighting appliances and spill kits.
Inventory management
An accurate inventory of the DG classification, locations and maximum quantities of hazardous substances onsite and DG pictograms on site signage, will help safeguard emergency responders, site visitors and the public.
Warehousing
Bulk chemical storage requires compliance with the UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNRTDG), together with training, supervision and sound emergency plans. Proven international operational procedures drive safe chemical management and must be well practiced and enforced.
Safe chemical storage and particularly major hazard facility (MHF) regulations require purpose-built warehousing facilities featuring dedicated storage bays with secondary containment (with spills captured in sumps and kept out of drains), safety showers and fire suppressant systems. The most hazardous chemicals in bulk are Class 3 Flammables, Class 5 Oxidisers and Class 9 Environmental contaminants.
Signage
Identification of the primary chemical hazards present throughout the site is achieved by providing site plans to the emergency services and site signage displaying DG pictograms, together with the Hazchem Code required by fire- fighters. Signs must also include a 24/7 contact for reporting the threat of pollution.
Emergency preparedness
Site emergency plans typically reflect fire and natural disasters but not always a chemical incident. Provide local emergency services with a site emergency plan showing the location of bulk chemicals by DG class and maximum quantity.
Invite a visit and seek participation in a periodic emergency drill which can save time and possibly lives, should a chemical incident occur. Recognising which chemical incidents can be safely managed or whether to order the safe evacuation of the site and the provision of information to the arriving emergency services is now considered best practice.
Training
Ensuring workers are competent and well-practiced to safely manage the chemicals present throughout the facility is arguably the best precaution PCBUs can undertake. Most workers will never see an SDS. They must, however, know how to utilise the key information provided on DG compliant documentation, labelling and DG pictograms on packaging and containers.
The correct use of PPE safeguards workers in hazardous environments from lifelong illness and injuries.
Specialist chemical training, together with mentoring and supervision, reduces the likelihood of an incident, thereby helping to safeguard people, property and the environment.
Competent chemical handlers provide early warning that chemical management requires attention. Investigators too often find management failed to ensure workers were competent and equipped to safely handle the chemicals in their workplace. Cheap versions of PPE do not provide the necessary protection, while failing to require and supervise safe work practice increases the risk of a costly incident.
If a company contracts out a bulk chemical storage, periodically visit the 3PL contractor’s facility to verify compliance with certification and local licensing requirements, as well as any additional SH&E performance criteria required by foreign-based principals.
Companies need to be confident that their chemical warehousing operation meet and exceed regulatory and best industry practice obligations, safeguarding workers and helping to reduce unease about the safety of chemicals to sustain quality of life.
Responsible Care can help by providing educational, no risk, cost-effective performance assessments, unique site certification, specialist training and industry codes of practice enable leading chemical warehousing providers to confirm and enhance their chemical management performance.