Storage management
The importance of storage management
Factors to consider when determining incompatibility
Use of the HAZCHEM Code
Keeping incompatible dangerous goods apart
The importance of storage management
When incompatible dangerous goods come into contact with one another during a spill or release, the goods can react together adversely to cause fire, explosion or release toxic, flammable or corrosive vapours.
Workplaces where dangerous goods or combustible liquids are stored or handled must have systems and procedures to prevent these goods or liquids coming into contact.
To manage the storage of incompatible goods you must:
- identify each of the dangerous goods you intend to store onsite
- recognise those goods or other materials that are incompatible.
The compatibility and segregation tool can be used to determine if each combination of dangerous goods and combustible liquids is likely to be compatible or not.
Note: this segregation tool is only a guide and not meant to replace a material safety data sheet (MSDS) or a risk assessment.
An important part of the process in identifying incompatible goods and materials includes a review of storage and handling information provided in the MSDS for each dangerous goods. After reviewing the MSDS information, you should list each incompatible dangerous goods or other material mentioned in the MSDS and take appropriate measures to keep them apart.
Factors to consider when determining incompatibility
The factors influencing compatibility are complex and should include consideration of the following:
- Whether a violent reaction (fire or explosion) between one or more highly reactive chemicals may occur.
- A reaction between two or more spilt goods may liberate flammable, toxic, or corrosive vapours or gases. Such reactions may occur rapidly or slowly over time until a build up of a hazardous material occurs which can then give rise to an emergency situation.
- Released or spilled goods may deteriorate, contaminate or destroy the packaging materials of another incompatible product to worsen a situation.
- Flammable goods stored next to other toxic or corrosive materials may catch fire causing rapid dispersal of the toxic or corrosive materials into the environment.
- Flammable materials may catch fire and cause flame impingement on products stored nearby (e.g. gas cylinders) resulting in rupturing of the gas cylinder.
- Fire suppression media suitable for one type of dangerous goods may be incompatible with another dangerous goods stored in the same area.
- How the materials used in the construction of spill catchment systems will react with dangerous goods spilt in the catchment (e.g. hydrochloric acid will rapidly corrode concrete walls used as a spill containment system).
Use of HAZCHEM Code
The HAZCHEM Code is a three digit, alphanumeric code providing initial emergency response information about:
- appropriate, compatible fire suppression media
- the likelihood of a violent reaction and other response advice
- spills containment or dilution
- personal protective equipment.
The product’s MSDS can also be used to determine the HAZCHEM Code. Alternatively the ADG CODE may be used. This is Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail Transport (Australian Dangerous Goods Code or ADG Code).
Where more than one dangerous goods are stored, a HAZCHEM Code for the mixture must be determined. Appendix 4 of the ADG Code provides more detail about the HAZCHEM Code.
Find out how to purchase the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (Australian Code for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail) (non-Queensland Government link).
Keeping incompatible dangerous goods apart
Once you have identified which goods are likely to be incompatible, you will then need to determine what will be the best approach to segregate (to keep apart) the incompatible goods. The control measures that you employ to segregate your incompatible materials will depend on the hazardous properties and the level of risk presented from each scenario.
Last updated 21 August 2008