PRINCIPLE IN THE SAFE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS AND HAZADOUS SUBSTANCES.

A dangerous substance is any substance used or present at work or at home that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people as a result of a fire or explosion. Home is included in this definition because these substances have been over time used and stored in Nigerian homes. They include but not limited to solvents, paints, petrol, varnishes, flammable gases {LPG}, dusts from machining and sanding operations and dusts from foodstuffs. These substances are categorized as either being explosive, oxidizing, extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable.

Employers must carry out a risk assessment which is suitable and sustainable for the workplace, such risk assessment must include:

Ø Hazardous property of the substances

Ø Information on safety provided by the supplier, including information contained in the relevant safety data sheet.

Ø The work processes and substances used and their possible interactions

Ø Amount of substance involved/stored

Ø Arrangement for safe handling, storage and transportation

Ø Likelihood of formation of explosive atmosphere

Ø Anticipated effect of fire and or explosion

Ø Any other safety information as the employer may need in order to complete the risk assessment.

Ø Record of risk assessment shall be made available where the numbers of employees are more than five.

In a workplace, regulation demand that storage of the substances should be separated from the manufacturing, accommodation, public access, garages and equipment which has the potential for producing the much needed heat for fire hazard. But where it is not possible to situate the storage area away from the production or accommodation area, it should be carefully and safely sited within the building well away from escape route with exposing panels, so that the panel will give way and not the whole building. Store should have at least two access points with clear signs and labels.

Ventilation is very important for both gases and fumes, which may either be lighter or heavier than air. Storage for gases should ideally be wire mesh for continuous circulation of air. The floor should be of concrete or some other impervious material so that moisture will drain easily. The doors, locks and hinges all need to be strong and intrusion proof, there may be no need to have a window unless it is an escape route then it should be very secured with bar cross. Security should be on a level 1 at least.

Different types of goods {e.g. Packets, drums, cylinders} should be differently stored and stacking should follow the following principle:

· Keep the stacks as small as is practical

· Keep stacks away from wall and off the floor by suing pallets.

· Stacks should not be close to lights, alarms points, sprinklers and other firefighting equipment.

· Stalks should not block drains or scuppers.

The store should be inspected regularly and after each use. Waste and debris should not be allowed to accumulate. Good housekeeping involves:

ü Planned maintenance

ü Fire and safety equipment in good condition

ü Adequate space and proper layout

ü Unobstructed access in the workplace

ü Cleanliness and tidiness, safe disposal of scrap and waste

ü A good management attitude and effective supervision.

In the workplace, substances should be left in primary containment from the manufacturer or any other recommended container. It is important to check the integrity of the primary containers to ensure that they have not been damaged or show signs of wear and tear. Drums if stored outside, can rust and the content may become contaminated and spill. Plastic containers can age and, if exposed to extreme temperature may become brittle and crack.

Secondary containment involves the installation and use of drip trays, kerbs and bunds which are designed to contain leaks and spillage should primary containment fail. The general guidelines suggests that the secondary containment facility should be capable of retaining 25% of the total volume of the containers being stored or 110% of the largest of the container being stored, whichever is greater.

If hazardous substances are used in homes, storage should be limited. For example the storage of petrol in homes in not allowed in UK and USA but the Nigeria National Fire code 2008 allows the storage of not more than 9.8liters of petrol in homes but on the conditions that:

1. It is stored in a metal safety can

2. The safety can has a self-closing lid

3. That safety can is sealed and will not allow the content to escape should the can tip over.

Hammed Usman {IDIPNEBOSH, GIFireE, ANISP}

Health and safety expert II Fire Safety Instructor

08098558872

sheconcept@gmail.com