Chemical Storage
35
CHAPTER 7. CHEMICAL STORAGE
A. INVENTORY
I.
PURPOSE
An annual inventory of hazardous materials is
required. According to the WCB Health and Safety
Regulation, Part 5, Section 5.98, “an inventory must
be maintained which
identifies all hazardous
substances at the workplace in quantities that may
endanger workers
in an emergency
including
controlled products covered by WHMIS, explosives,
pesticides, radioactive materials, hazardous wastes,
and consumer products.
Annual inventories allow for the following:
• Check chemicals with limited shelf life.
• Remove surplus and old chemicals.
• Correct incompatible storage.
• Know what you have.
• Cleanup containers & shelves.
•
It’s the Law!
II.
CRITERIA
1. BASED ON NAMES?
3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropanal (IUPAC)
2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (Aldrich)
Propanal, 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl (CAS)
Hydroxypivaldehyde (Common)
2. BASED ON CHEMICAL FORMULA?
CH3
O
HOCH2 C
C
H
CH3
Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3 CHNaO3
3. UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS
(Manufacturer’s Or Employer’s Code)
Aldrich
26,918-2
CAS
597-31-9
SI
OX-33450-1
III.
HOW TO LOCATE CHEMICALS
Develop system for finding information such as:
• Computer database system
• Cardex system
A good system should:
• Direct you quickly to the chemical.
• Be easy to use.
• Be easy to maintain.
• Be updated annually.
B. CHEMICAL STORAGE
I. GENERAL
1. Store in central, properly ventilated area that
includes forced ventilation from floor to ceiling
and with exhaust above roof level.
2. Know the location of the master control shut-off
valves for gas, water and electricity.
3. Smoke detector is required.
4. A communication system to the main office or
emergency system is recommended.
5. Shelving should be accessible with chemicals at
eye level or lower; no high shelf chemical storage.
6. Avoid floor chemical storage (even temporary).
7. Shelf assemblies are firmly secur