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Dangerous goods storage and handling regulations are used to define the regulatory requirements for storing and handling hazardous materials. It is a vital set of guidelines that helps ensure the safety of people and prevent incidents from taking place. Here is what you should know about dangerous goods.
Who is responsible for the storage and handling of dangerous goods?
The answer depends on the situation. In general, it’s the responsibility of the person handling the goods and those who supervise them. If you are working in an organization where you handle dangerous goods, your employer is responsible for ensuring you are properly trained and supervised. They also have the responsibility of ensuring that any storage facilities or transport vehicles meet all relevant regulations.
A person who conducts business at the facility and has possession or control of dangerous goods at the facility is also considered a person in charge. The individual must ensure that their use, storage, handling, and disposal of dangerous goods comply with these regulations. For example, a contractor who does work on an industrial site that has dangerous goods on-site would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations for their work activity.
Minimise dangerous goods storage in buildings
If a fire occurs on the property, it could cause a large amount of damage to the building. In addition, chemicals that are stored in the building could be damaged or destroyed by a fire. Underground tanks, however, can minimize the risk of a fire spreading to the dangerous goods.
Ensure that there is enough space underneath the building for underground storage tanks. Do not build underground storage tanks next to other storage tanks. Underground storage tanks must be installed properly in order to prevent both spills and leaks from occurring. This will help to ensure that there is minimal environmental and health damage caused by dangerous goods that are stored in underground tanks.
Risk assessment for dangerous goods storage locations
The safe storage of dangerous goods is an essential aspect of industry and commerce. The risks associated with the improper storage of dangerous goods can result in serious consequences including death, injury, environmental impact, loss of production, and property damage.
The risk assessment must be carried out before any hazardous material is stored at the site. The aim is to ensure that all aspects are considered and that the risk is reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are changes in the nature or extent of the activities conducted on-site.
Staff training for dangerous goods storage
Companies that use dangerous goods or hazardous materials in the course of their business are responsible for ensuring they are stored safely. This will require staff training in the handling and transport of the substances, as well as how to store them.
It’s important not only that your staff is aware of the basic regulations regarding dangerous goods act of storage and handling, but also that they understand the risks associated with their storage.
Staff members who deal with dangerous goods must be trained to identify and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the substances they work with. This will allow them to identify potential hazards and safely handle, store, and transport the materials.
Dangerous goods delivered to business premises
If you’re a business receiving goods that are classified as dangerous, you need to be aware of your responsibilities.
A good first step is to check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information about how to safely handle and store dangerous goods.
Additionally, if the dangerous goods are considered hazardous waste, there may be extra rules that apply to their transport or disposal.
The information in this guide will help you understand the steps you need to take when receiving dangerous goods and what information you need to provide if the goods are classed as hazardous waste.
Transporting dangerous goods in business
Transporting dangerous goods by road is a complicated business, but the authorities are clear on their requirements and the penalties they will apply if you fail to comply.
The regulations affecting the transport of dangerous goods are there for good reasons. Failure to comply with them could result in prosecution and possible imprisonment for drivers or operators.
However, the transport of dangerous goods by road is a complicated business, because not only does it involve the movement of dangerous substances from one place to another, but also deals with packaging, storage, labelling, and paperwork associated with such shipments. To ensure compliance it is essential that both employers and drivers understand the regulations that apply and how to implement them.
Packaging, labelling and marking of dangerous goods
Packaging, labels, and marks play a key role in the safe handling, carriage, and storage of dangerous goods. All packages containing dangerous goods must be clearly marked to indicate their contents. Packages containing quantities of dangerous class 1 articles or substances must be in strong outer packaging and must not exceed the maximum gross weight allowed for that type of packaging.
In the event of an incident or accident involving dangerous goods, these requirements ensure that emergency responders have all the necessary information to know what action to take. Packaging must be designed to protect human health and safety as well as be respectful of the environment during transport. Hazards must be clearly indicated through labels and marks.
Bottom line
Gaining knowledge about transportation, storing, and handling regulations of dangerous goods will fundamentally reduce the risk of an accident and impact your business days positively. Changes occur to the rules governing dangerous goods storage and handling as governments and industry organizations try to keep up with changes in technology and standards. If your business ships items that may be classified as dangerous goods, it is important to stay up to date on these regulations in order to protect the public, your employees, and yourself. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the best code of practice for shipping these types of items so that you can avoid any mishaps.
