guideline for managing risks with chemicals in...

Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DET Workplaces (HLS-PR-006) Chapter 4 Purchasing, Storage and Handling

1 Working with Chemicals

When working with chemicals it is essential to be aware that they have the potential to cause injury or damage in many different ways. However, injury and damage is not an automatic consequence of the use of chemicals, provided appropriate control measures are developed that take account of all of the hazards of the chemicals and the potential exposures to them.

1.1 Purchasing

The following points should be considered prior to the purchase of a chemical in a departmental workplace:

Choose the safest chemical for the application by collecting information, consulting with staff who may be required to use the chemical, reading the MSDS and conducting risk assessments before the purchase is made;

Purchase chemicals in small workable amounts to reduce the risks associated with bulk storage, decanting and waste due to surplus stock or storage past expiry dates;

Request a copy of the latest MSDS for the chemical from the supplier and ensure that a copy of the MSDS is available for the users of the chemical at the location of use;

The quantity and type of waste produced;

New equipment associated with the use of chemicals and maintenance requirements;

Any identified controls should be put in place prior to the purchase of a new chemical; and

Do not purchase any chemicals prohibited or not recommended by Queensland legislation or the department. Persons responsible for purchasing chemicals should be familiar with the list of prohibited chemicals in Appendix 3.

1.2 Storage and Handling

Proper chemical storage is required to minimize the hazards associated with leaks, spills, and accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals. Only the minimum quantities of chemicals to allow efficient operation should be stored in departmental workplaces. The quantities of hazardous materials should be kept to a minimum, commensurate with their usage and shelf life. Some chemicals degrade in storage and can become more hazardous (e.g. chloroform can produce phosgene gas from prolonged storage). When handling and storing chemicals, the following precautions should be observed:

ensure chemical containers and their seals or stoppers are appropriate for the type and quantity of chemical stored. As far as is practicable, chemicals should be stored in the containers in which they are supplied

all packages in storage shall be labelled to allow unmistakable identification of the contents

storage of chemicals, including wastes, shall be based on the properties and mutual reactivities of the chemicals. Incompatible chemicals shall be kept segregated from one another (e.g. by fire isolation in a chemical storage cabinet


or segregation in space). Refer to the Chemical Compatibility and Segregation Requirements in Appendix 5 for further information

containers shall be kept closed when not in use. Packages should only be opened in a well-ventilated area, and, if their contents are flammable, away from any potential ignition sources

where possible, store chemicals on spill trays on shelves or within cabinets and storage rooms

chemicals should be stored in such a manner that leaks cannot affect other substances in the store. Liquids should not be stored above powders and solids

packages shall be inspected regularly to ensure their integrity. Leaking or damaged packages shall be removed to a safe area for repacking or disposal. Labels shall be reattached or replaced, as necessary, to clearly identify the contents of the package

procedures shall be established to deal with clean up and safe disposal of spillages. Supplies and materials needed to control the spillages shall be readily accessible

chemicals should be stored away from any heating and ignition sources

chemicals which are unstable at ambient temperature shall be kept in a controlled temperature environment set to maintain an appropriate temperature range. Reliable alternative safety measures shall be provided for situations when utilities, such as power, fail

chemicals that can present additional hazards on heating or are dependent on a stabilising agent to maintain the stability of the chemical shall be clearly identified

sunlight can affect some plastic containers or the chemical contents. Containers or chemicals that can be affected shall not be stored in a location where they can be exposed to direct sunlight

chemicals must not be stored with foodstuffs or personal use products

chemicals must not be stored in food/drink containers or containers that are easily mistaken as food/drink containers.

containers that have held hazardous materials shall be treated as full, unless the receptacle or package has been rendered free from hazardous materials

regularly review the chemicals held in storage and correctly dispose of those no longer required

housekeeping standards for chemical storage areas must be maintained at a high level, in particular keeping areas free of combustible materials and promptly cleaning up any spilled materials

after handling chemicals, hands should be washed prior to eating or drinking.

1.3 Physical Requirements

Where available, chemicals should be stored in a specifically designed enclosed space, such as chemical storage cabinets or chemical storage rooms. Where locations were not designed and built for use with the particular hazardous materials, additional care is required to ensure suitability and that risks are controlled. The surfaces on which chemicals are to be stored should:

Be resistant to attack from stored chemicals; and Not react dangerously with stored chemicals.


Minor quantities of hazardous materials may be stored on open shelves or work benches. However, as storage in an enclosed space provides a higher level of protection, it is recommended that the quantities stored in the open are kept to a minimum. Where containers are kept on shelves in work areas, the shelves should be wider than the containers to be stored on them. Larger and heavier containers should be kept at about one metre from the floor to avoid the need for difficult bending to retrieve them, or the increased risk of their falling if placed on higher shelves. When storing chemicals on shelves or racks ensure:

shelving and it’s fixtures are compatible with the goods stored, or suitably protected from the goods

the maximum holding capacity of the shelving systems is not exceeded

shelves used for chemical storage are restrained against lateral movement and have lips on them to prevent containers being pushed off the shelves.

It is recommended that chemical storage cabinets or chemical storage rooms are used for the storage of dangerous goods. All chemical storage cabinets and rooms should have the following attributes:

lockable to prevent unauthorised entry into the store and use of the chemicals; the number of access keys should be limited to those workers that use the chemicals in the store. Security of outdoor storages for gas bottles etc. is also to prevent unauthorised access and use

bunding (a physical perimeter to prevent the escape of fluids) to contain any spills or leaks, prevent environmental contamination and enable chemical recovery or disposal.

good lighting and ventilation for the comfort and safety of the user, and clear bench space for decanting, mixing, cleaning etc.

When determining the location of chemical storage cabinets: ensure that within a radius of 10 metres, measured from any one cabinet, the

cabinet storage capacity aggregated for all cabinets in that radius does not exceed 250L or 250kg.

the radius is to be measured horizontally through intervening walls, unless those walls are able to prevent the spreading of a fire of the magnitude that could be expected to result from the contents of the cabinet/s.

Cabinets are not to be located: one above the other

where they can jeopardize emergency escape (a minimum of 3 metres is recommended between any cabinet and escape door)

under stairs or in corridors

closer than 3 metres to ignition sources other than ceiling lights. Impervious bunds are to be provided to prevent the spread of product arising from a spill or leakage. This is most important in order to prevent the spread of fire or other


hazardous condition, and to prevent environmental damage caused by spread to adjacent water courses or drains. Bunding should be able to contain 100% of the largest chemical container within the bunded area and at least 25% of all containers stored within the bunded area. The need for bunding will be determined by

the level of risk at the storage site

the type of storage facility

the type and amount of liquid being stored

the ability to prevent spills and leaks

the sensitivity of the environment

the type of drainage. It is also good practice to provide bunding for all chemicals stored irrespective of the size of the containers. For practicality, the bunding for small quantities could be:

a plastic bag around a small bottle (short term application)

a sheet metal tray with or without a plastic liner

a sheet metal tray with absorbent material

a plastic tray with a liner or absorbent material.

1.4 Separation and Segregation

Separation is the isolation of hazardous materials from people and other property, including other hazardous materials. Physical separation is the principal method by which such risks are controlled. Separation fulfils a dual purpose: protecting other personnel from the hazardous materials; and protecting the hazardous materials from unwanted access. The use of distance, effective barriers (such as fire rated walls or vapour barriers) or a combination of both may achieve separation. Incompatible classes of chemicals must be segregated to prevent any dangerous reactions. Segregation may be achieved by the use of an impervious barrier or by a separation distance sufficient to prevent contamination. Detailed information is provided in Appendix 5 to assist with determining chemical incompatibilities and the most appropriate storage requirements. The MSDS is another source of information for determining which classes of chemicals are not compatible when stored together. The users of chemicals must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the chemicals stored on site do not present a risk to health and safety at the workplace by using the separation and segregation principles to minimise the risk of adverse chemical reactions.

1.5 Labelling and Decanting

Labelling of chemicals is a critical issue because it is the most visible hazard communication tool. The label is often the first source of information alerting users to the inherent hazards of a chemical and any instructions for its safe storage, handling and use. All containers that contain chemicals must be labelled, irrespective of the size of the container. The label on all chemical containers must be in English and contain the following:

full name of the product


risk and safety phrases that give information about the chemical’s hazards

the chemical names of hazardous ingredients.

hazard pictograms (eg Dangerous Goods diamonds) A container that has had chemicals decanted into it must be labelled if the contents are not used immediately. If the chemicals are to remain in the container for some time, the container must be labelled with at least the name of the chemical and the relevant risk and safety phrases and dangerous goods diamonds where applicable. ChemWatch, ChemAlert and similar chemical MSDS databases can assist with the production of labels that satisfy these requirements. If the container into which the hazardous substance is decanted is small, it may not provide sufficient room for label information. In this case, the label should be attached to a supporting device or container. For example, in the case of a test tube, the label may be attached to the test tube rack. Alternatively, a tag with the required label information affixed to the container may also be used. Other considerations when decanting a chemical into another container are:

only decant a chemical if it is necessary to do so

choose a container that will not react with the chemical

do not decant into food or drink containers

only decant sufficient chemical for the immediate use on an individual job. If a container is not labelled and the contents of the container unknown mark the container with: “Caution do not use – unknown substance”. The container should then be stored in a safe area, away from other substances where it cannot be used, until its contents can be identified and the container appropriately labelled. If the contents cannot be identified, the container should be disposed of following the processes outlined in Chapter 6 in this guideline.

1.6 Storage Placarding (Signage)

If the quantities of chemicals stored at a site are below the threshold limits defined in Appendix 6, the workplace is considered to be a Minor Storage Location. These storages are not required to have any placarding in accordance with the relevant legislation. It is recommended that workplaces (other that those with large storage facilities) reduce the quantities of stored chemicals to ensure the sites chemical quantities are below the threshold storage limits. A workplace that stores quantities that exceed the thresholds is considered to be a “Dangerous Goods Location” and will require specific placarding in accordance with the legislation. For further information on placarding requirements, refer to Appendix 6. If a particular workplace is unsure about the requirements for placarding, contact the Regional Health and Safety Consultants, Institute Health and Safety Managers/Coordinators and the health and safety staff in the Organisational Health Unit for assistance. Placarding assists emergency services respond appropriately and safely to emergencies at Dangerous Goods Locations as it serves to:

alert emergency services to the presence of hazardous materials

http://education.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/hscontacts.html




identify areas where significant quantities of hazardous materials in packages are stored

identify the hazards of goods present

indicate the required emergency actions through the use of the HAZCHEM code.

1.7 Transport of Flammable Liquids and Gas

Officers in Charge should manage the following three factors to ensure that staff (e.g. schools officers and grounds maintenance staff) can safely transport fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in their private vehicles: Transport of dangerous goods requirements Workplace health and safety factors Private vehicle insurance.

1.7.1 Transport of Dangerous Goods Legislation

The legal quantity limits for transporting dangerous goods such as flammable liquids and gases in a private vehicle for private use are quite considerable (See Specific Legislative Requirements further in this document). However it is important that all risks associated with transporting dangerous goods are managed to minimise the potential for injuries or illnesses including manual handling. It is strongly recommended that: less than 40 kg/litres of fuel and/or less than 40 kg/litres of gas should be

transported in a private vehicle at any time unless there are lesser limits imposed by any particular vehicle insurance policy

the goods are packaged and transported appropriately in containers designed for the particular product (e.g. fuel tanks or gas bottles marked with the relevant Australian Standard).

1.7.2 Transporting LPG Cylinders in Enclosed Vehicles

Transporting LPG cylinders in enclosed vehicles poses significant additional risks. Officers in Charge should ensure staff adopt the following requirements: For enclosed vehicles a person must not carry a cylinder of more than 30L

(16kg) in size 9kg cylinders or larger gas cylinders can only be transported in enclosed vehicles

for the purposes of getting the cylinder refilled (or exchanged). In addition no more than two cylinders may be transported at the one time

When transporting LPG cylinders make sure the cylinder is stored securely in an upright position (so it cannot fall over or become a projectile), is placed in the boot/tray rather than the passenger cabin, and in a way that avoids excess exposure to sunlight or heat.

Also check that: the service valve is turned off the safety relief valve is positioned so that any gas release will not impinge on

another cylinder the cylinder has a current test date (no more than 10 years) there is screw plug in the cylinder outlet when not in use.


1.7.3 Workplace Health & Safety Obligations - Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995

Although departmental staff are not technically be required to comply with transport regulations regarding stowage of fuel and LPG because of the relatively small volumes that will be transported, as with any load, a person driving a vehicle should ensure that the load is secure. This will require any load to be restrained so that it will not tip over and spill its contents as a result of normal vehicle operation or an accident. The load is to be carried outside the passenger cab of the vehicle. That is it must be secured in the luggage boot, open tray of a utility or in a trailer being towed by a vehicle.

Workplaces should be conducting risk assessments to ensure that the best practice possible is being used for this activity. For example consideration of quantities purchased and stowed, vehicle used, securing the load, manual handling of the goods to load and unload etc. The risks may be eliminated by organising for the delivery of fuels/gases.

Staff should obtain the written approval of, or direction, from their officer in charge to purchase the fuel and to transport it in their personal vehicle. This will provide documentation confirming both the work activity and the transport method. Similar to any other work task, should an injury occur during this activity the staff member will be afforded protection under the department’s workers’ compensation policy.

1.7.4 Insurance

Staff who use their private vehicle to undertake official duties are to be paid a motor vehicle allowance (refer to Public Service Directive – Motor Vehicle Allowances for further information). Staff are entitled to claim a Kilometric Allowance in accordance with this directive and departmental policy. Staff should obtain written approval from their supervisor/officer in charge prior to using their private vehicle for work related duties. Before getting this authorisation, staff are to: ensure that the vehicle is covered by either a comprehensive motor vehicle

insurance policy or a third party property damage insurance policy produce evidence that the insurance policy has been endorsed to indemnify the

Queensland Government against certain liabilities at law. This is a standard endorsement available on request from all insurance companies. Staff are also required to provide a Certificate of Currency for the motor vehicle insurance policy.

The insurance company may charge a fee to supply this endorsement. The Public Service Directive also states that the department should refund any endorsement fees that might be charged by an insurance company.

Staff are to seek advice from their own insurer regarding the type and amount of cover in their current insurance policies. Each staff member is to confirm whether:

their policies cover use of their personal vehicle for work purposes

the effect an accident would have on any no claim bonus

the extent of cover if the vehicle is involved in an incident while being used for work

the extent of cover if fuels being transported explode or burst into flames.


1.7.5 Specific Legislative Requirements

The Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Dangerous Goods) Regulation 1998 provides the following information with regard to the issue of staff carrying containers of fuel and LPG in their personal vehicle for use at the workplace in departmental machinery and equipment.

s11 Transport of small quantities

This regulation does not apply to the transport by a person of a load of dangerous goods by road if: (a) the goods are packaged dangerous goods (e.g. more than 400 litres/kg of specified goods) (b) the goods are not, and do not include, designated dangerous goods (c) the aggregate quantity of the dangerous goods in the load is less than 25% of a placard load (d) the goods are not being transported by the person in the course of a business of transporting goods by road. In this section, designated dangerous goods means dangerous goods of class 1 (except of class 1.4S), class 6.2 or class 7. A Queensland Transport document “Transporting Dangerous Goods – Guide to new requirements” offers the following guidance: “A person who is not in the business of transporting dangerous goods by road may transport for personal or business use up to 25% of a placard load of dangerous goods without being subject to the regulations covering dangerous goods. Examples of this could include • a boat owner transporting fuel for power boat use • a pool owner transporting chlorine home from the supermarket • a salesperson transporting chemical samples • a painter transporting paint for trade use • a plumber transporting an oxy set for trade use. But remember: any person transporting dangerous goods still has a duty to do so carefully and safely.” Staff are extremely unlikely to purchase and transport fuel in large quantities or greater than 25% of a placard load (250 kg/litres for flammable gas or PG I products or 1000 kg/litres of any other dangerous goods like fuels). They are therefore exempt from the regulations of transporting dangerous goods under this condition.

s123 Driver’s duty

A person must not drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods by road if the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, the goods are not stowed on the vehicle and secured as stated in the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. The ADG Code is a national standard on road and rail transport of dangerous goods in Australia. More information is also provided in the Safe Transportation of LPG cylinders provided by Department of Mines and Energy: http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/zone_files/petroleum_pdf/info_cylindertransport.pdf

http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/zone_files/petroleum_pdf/info_cylindertransport.pdf


Appendix 3 Prohibited Chemicals in Departmental Workplaces A number of chemicals are banned from purchase and use in departmental workplaces because of their inherent risks to staff, students and others. The prohibited chemicals are listed by occupation or student groups.

All Staff

Asbestos containing materials CCA treated timber

Schools Officers (EQ schools)

Schedule 6 poisons Schedule 7 poisons Organophosphate pesticides Creosote 2,4-D based herbicides

Cleaners (EQ Schools)

Bleach School Cleaners must only use chemicals listed on the preferred supplier agreement provided by the department (i.e. chemicals ordered by each site through the relevant regional based School Cleaning Advisor). If a worksite wishes to purchase a chemical that is not on preferred supplier agreement list, the worksite must obtain approval from the relevant regional based School Cleaning Advisor.

Students (EQ Schools)

Potassium chlorate in the preparation of oxygen with manganese dioxide as a catalyst (potentially explosive) Benzene Carbon tetrachloride A number of other substances pose potentially major risks and schools should consider very carefully whether the curriculum relevance of experiments and demonstrations involving these substances is sufficient to warrant their being stocked. In such cases, minimum quantities should be obtained, stored and used. Such substances include:

mercury (Mercury might be required for some senior chemistry and physics experiments/ demonstrations (e.g. manometers/barometers), and mercury thermometers might be necessary for senior classes, but generally the use of mercury should be limited. Primary and lower secondary students can use alcohol thermometers or digital devices in most circumstances)

mercuric salts and the salts of other heavy metals

very strong oxidising agents (e.g. sodium dithionite)

very strong reducing agents (e.g. ferrocyanide)

very strong caustic/corrosive agents (e.g. perchloric acid)

very toxic substances (e.g. ammonium dichromate).


Refer to ‘Aspects of Science: A reference manual for schools’ for further information regarding the management of chemicals in school science laboratories. See Chapter 6 for disposal information.

http://education.qld.gov.au/health/pdfs/healthsafety/aspects-science-mgmt.pdf


Appendix 4 Dangerous Goods Classification Dangerous Goods are chemicals that have the potential to present an immediate threat to people, property or the environment. They are classified into nine categories according to the predominant type of hazard. The Dangerous Goods classifications are:

Class 1 Explosives - substances that contain a great amount of stored energy that can produce an explosion, a sudden expansion of the material after initiation, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. Examples are ammunition, fireworks, detonators.

Class 2 Gases - may be lighter or heavier than air. Heavier than air gases can collect in low lying areas such as pits, depressions, and drains. Gases can be supplied as either compressed (e.g. aerosols), liquefied, refrigerated liquefied or gas in solutions. This class has 3 divisions:

Division 2.1 – flammable gases i.e. butane, propane, acetylene, hydrogen, LPG Division 2.2 – non-flammable, non-toxic gases i.e. oxygen, nitrogen,

compressed air Division 2.3 – toxic gases i.e. chlorine, ammonia, carbon monoxide

Class 3 Flammable liquids - Flammable liquids produce vapour that can be ignited in air on contact with a suitable ignition source. By definition these must have a flash point of less than or equal to 60.5 degrees Celsius. Examples are petrol and alcohol, acetone, thinners, kerosene.

Class 4 Flammable solids - substances liable to spontaneous combustion and substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases. This class has 3 divisions:

Division 4.1 – flammable solids such as hexamine solid fuel tablets for camping stoves, self-reactive substances and desensitised explosives, magnesium, metal powders, sulphur, activated charcoal.

Division 4.2 – substances liable to spontaneous combustion under normal conditions such as Phosphorus which burns by itself when exposed to air, sodium sulphide

Division 4.3 – substances which come in contact with water emit flammable gases i.e. “Dangerous when wet”. Examples are sodium, zinc particles, calcium carbide, alkali metals etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explosion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure


Class 5.1 Oxidising substances - substances which in themselves are not necessarily combustible, but which by yielding oxygen may cause or contribute to the combustion of other material. Examples are pool chlorine, sodium peroxide, potassium permanganate, ammonium nitrate fertiliser.

Class 5.2 Organic peroxides - organic chemicals containing the peroxy group (-OO-). These are thermally unstable substances which may undergo heat generating, self accelerating decomposition – which may be explosive, rapid, sensitive to impact or friction or react dangerously with other substances. Examples are hydrogen peroxide and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP).

Class 6.1 Toxic substances - those substances which are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Examples are pesticides and poisons such as cyanide, paraquat and arsenic compounds.

Class 6.2 infectious substances - those substances known or reasonably expected to contain pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, clinical or medical waste.

Class 7 Radioactive material – those substances that contain unstable (radioactive) atoms that give off [ionizing] radiation as they decay i.e. uranium, tritium, thorium.

Class 8 Corrosives - substances capable of causing the degradation and destruction of

living tissue, steel and other materials on contact. In the event of a leakage, corrosives can cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue or materially damage other property. Corrosive materials are either acids or bases/alkalis. Examples are nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, liquid chlorine, mercury and car batteries.

Class 9 Miscellaneous - comprises substances and articles that present a danger not

offered by other classes, including asbestos, magnetic articles, molten bitumen, dry ice (Solid carbon dioxide).

http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/pqrs/radioactivity.htm

http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/pqrs/radiation.htm

http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/pqrs/radioactive-decay.htm


Appendix 5 Chemical Compatibility and Segregation Requirements

Application

This tool is only intended for use in workplaces where dangerous goods are stored. It is not intended for transport situations where the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code should apply. It is not intended for application against open (in use) packages kept on a shelf or bench top within a laboratory, workshop or similar situation. The segregation chart is provided to assist occupiers of storage locations to better minimise the risk of storing incompatible goods. Radioactive materials (class 7) and explosives (class 1) should be deemed incompatible with all other dangerous goods.

Directions for use

Identify if the material is a dangerous goods or combustible liquid. A combustible liquid has a flashpoint above 61 degrees Celsius using the MSDS/label.

Identify the class, subsidiary risk and packing group (where relevant) of each of the two dangerous goods you intend to store together.

Where goods are also combustible liquids this should be regarded as a "subsidiary risk" for consideration.

Use the chart below to ensure that the goods and or combustible liquids are compatible by aligning where the vertical and horizontal axis meet, (see key).

Check and repeat this process for any subsidiary risks that either of the goods may have.

It is recommended that an MSDS be consulted to ensure the materials are compatible. Goods with different UN numbers within the same class may be incompatible.

Follow directions provided using the compatibility chart key, checking all guidance notes and supplementary notes.

Where goods are incompatible consider greater separation if the packing group is PG I or II irrespective of the symbol used to account for the higher level of danger.

Compatible goods

Two or more goods are compatible provided that their interaction does not give rise to any of the following outcomes: Harm to persons, property or the environment. Fire, or explosion, generation of toxic, flammable or corrosive vapours/gases. Accelerate the combustion of other goods/liquids in the event of fire. Release of the contents results in the premature degradation/corrosion of other

dangerous goods or combustible liquids' packaging/means of containment. During the event of a fire/spill/release, the interaction of dangerous

goods/combustible liquids with incompatible fire fighting or dispersal media. Some materials are water reactive and should be stored away from other


goods that are reliant on water or foam as a fire fighting/dispersal/suppression media).

Compatibility chart key

Symbol Meaning

May be compatible in many cases with exceptions. Follow the alphabetical compatible goods guidance notes.

Likely to be incompatible. Segregation strongly recommended, follow the segregation of guidance notes for incompatible goods.

Table 1 - Compatibility and segregation chart

Class of goods

2.1 2.2 2.2 SR 5.1

2.3 3 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 6.1 8 9 Combustibleliquids

2.1 A B

S1

S1

S2

S2

S4

S5

S2

S4

S1

S1

C S2

2.2 B A B

S1

S2

S2

S4

S5

B

S4

B S1

C S2

2.2 SR 5.1

S1

B

B

S1

S2

S2

S4

S5

S2

S4

C

S1

C S2

2.3 S1

S1

S1

I S2

S2

S4

S5

S2

S4

C

S1

C S2

3 S2

S2

S2

S2

A S3

S4

S5

S2

S4

S3

B B B

4.1 S2

S2

S2

S2

S2

A

S4

S5

S2

S4

S3

B B S2

4.2 S4

S4

S4

S4

S4

S4

A

S5

S4

S4

S4

B B S4

4.3 S5

S5

S5

S5

S5

S5

S5

A

S5

S5

S5

S5

G S5

5.1 S2

B

S2

S2

S2

S2

S4

S5

D

S4

C

S3

C S3

5.2 S4

S4

S4

S4

S4

S4

S4

S5

S4

E CE

S4

CE S4

6.1 S1

B C C

S3

S3

S4

S5

C CE

A H B S3

8 S1

S1

S1

S1

B B B

S5

S3

S4

H F C S3

9 C C C C B B B G

C CE

B C A B

Combustible liquids

S2

S2

S2

S2

B S2

S4

S5

S3

S4

S3

S3

B A


Segregation guidance notes for incompatible goods

S1 Segregate these goods by 3m or more in a well ventilated area. For liquid dangerous goods the distance is measured from the edge of the spill catchment area. See supplementary notes 6 and 7.

S2 Segregate by 5 m or more. If one of the dangerous goods is a liquid, measure the distance from the edge of the spill catchment area. Liquid dangerous goods should be located within a separate spill catchment area. See supplementary notes 6 and 7.

S3 Segregate by 3 m or more for PG III goods and 5m or more for PG II, PG I goods or where the goods may react dangerously. If both are solids then a minimum of 1m separation may be used. Where one of the goods is a liquid the distance is measured from the edge of the spill catchment area. See supplementary notes 6 and 7.

S4 Segregation preferred by the use of fire-rated partitioned areas. Consider use of separate detached building for organic peroxides and for highly pyrophoric class 4.2 goods.

S5 Segregation of class 4.3 preferred by use of a separate, detached building without water based fire suppression system.

Compatible goods guidance notes

A. In most cases materials of the same class will be compatible. However, not all materials with different UN Numbers will always be compatible. The MSDS should be checked.

B. In many cases the goods will be compatible. Must check for subsidiary risk compatibility. Please check the MSDS.

C. If one of the goods present is also a "fire risk substance" (one of class 2.1, 3, 4, 5, a combustible liquid or has a subsidiary risk of one of these) or elevated temperature goods, segregation is required by at least 3 m or more. Sub-risk MUST be considered. Check the MSDS.

D. Not all class 5.1 goods are compatible as follows:

o Ammonium nitrate is not compatible with tetranitromethane, dichloroisocyanuric acid, any bromate, chlorate, chlorite, hypochlorites, or chloroisocyanurate, or any inorganic nitrate; and

o Calcium hypochlorite (and its mixtures) are incompatible with dichloroisocyanuric acid, ammonium nitrate, or any chloroisocyanurate.

E. Organic peroxides are highly reactive materials. Please check the MSDS to ensure compatibility.

F. Where one of the goods to be stored together is a concentrated strong acid and the other a concentrated strong alkali, they should be deemed incompatible.

G. Class 4.3 goods must not be stored next to goods that are in a solution containing water, or where water or foam is the chosen fire fighting/spill/leak dispersal or suppression media for the storage.

H. Except where the class 6.1 is cyanide and the class 8 an acid. Please check the MSDS.


I. Toxic gases ammonia and chlorine must be segregated due to risk of explosion. It is important to refer to the MSDS for incompatibilities within this class division. It is strongly recommended that each different toxic gas (Class 2.3) be segregated unless information in the MSDS says otherwise.

Supplementary notes for use with segregation tool

1. Class 2 dangerous goods are generally not recommended to be stored with any other class of dangerous goods particularly flammable dangerous goods due to the risk of flame impingement. Corrosive goods can cause damage to the gas cylinder walls and thus should be kept away from class 2. In a fire gas cylinders need to have copious quantities of water applied to keep them cool. Toxic gases are stored away from other gases to minimise the release of toxic gases in a fire.

2. Class 6.1 dangerous goods are not recommended to be stored with fire risk goods or gas cylinders. In the event of a fire, the toxic material will be liberated and may be spread more effectively due to the heat of the fire or explosion of gas cylinders.

3. Two or more goods within the same class with incompatible subsidiary risk should be kept apart.

4. The packing group (PG) of dangerous goods denotes the magnitude of danger the material poses from its hazard. PGI is most dangerous. PG II these are more dangerous than PG III. If one of the incompatible materials is a PGI or II dangerous goods it is recommended that a greater segregation distance or other means of segregation is employed.

5. If class 4.3 dangerous goods are stored or handled care needs to be taken to segregate these away from all containers of aqueous (water containing) solutions even if the solutions are not dangerous goods. The areas these materials are stored in must not be serviced by a water based fire suppression system.

6. If one of the incompatible goods is a liquid OR a solid that is likely to melt from the heat of a fire, separate spill catchment systems or means of separating the incompatible goods must be considered. Solid dangerous goods should not be stored in direct contact with floor surface to avoid contact with liquids.

7. Fire rated walls constructed of appropriate impervious, chemically resistant materials may be used if provided with an FRL of 240/240/240. Timber structures are not appropriate barriers.

8. In the case of incompatible gases in cylinders intended for use in welding (such as acetylene and oxygen), these gases may be stored together in a purpose built cradle and separated when not in use for extended periods of time.

9. For oxidizing agents: although only dangerous goods and combustible liquids feature in the compatibility chart care must also be taken to segregate oxidizers from those dangerous goods and other materials that are combustible in nature (e.g. polymeric beads, cotton bales, excess packing materials). Chlorine and some other halogens are considered potent oxidizers even though their class and assigned with any oxidizing agent subsidiary risk under the dangerous goods classification system.


Appendix 6 Placarding Thresholds for a Dangerous Goods

Minor Storage This table is to be used to determine if a departmental workplace is considered to be a dangerous goods minor storage or a dangerous goods location under the Dangerous Goods Safety Management legislation. A departmental workplace may be required to implement considerable administrative measures if the storage thresholds for a dangerous goods minor storage are exceeded.

Item Stated dangerous goods or

combustible liquids Packaging Group Threshold Quantities

1 Class 2

Class 2.1

Class 2.2 - Subsidiary Risk 5.1

Class 2.2 – Other

Class 2.3

Aerosols

Cryogenic Fluids

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

500 L

2 000 L

5 000 L

50 L

5 000 L

1 000 L

I 50 kg or L

II 250 kg or L

III 1 000 kg or L

2 Any one of class 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 or 8

Mixed Packaging groups in a single class with the quantity of each packaging group below the quantity specified for the packaging group.

1 000 kg or L

II 1 000 kg or L

III 5 000 kg or L

3 Class 9

Mixed packaging groups in class 9 with the quantity of each packaging group below the quantity specified for the packaging group.

5 000 kg or L

4(a) Mixed classes of stated dangerous goods where none of the classes, types or packaging groups (if any) present exceeds the quantities specified in items 1, 2 and 3 of this table.

Not Applicable 2 000 kg or L

Where the quantity specified in this schedule for each of the classes is 2 000 kg or L or less.

4(b) Mixed classes of stated dangerous goods where none of the classes, types or packaging groups (if any) present exceeds the quantities specified in items 1, 2 and 3 of this table.


Where the quantity specified in this schedule for the one or more of the classes is 5 000 kg or L and placarding is not required for Items 1, 2, 3 and 4(a).


5 Goods too dangerous to be transported

Not Applicable 5 kg or L

6 Combustible liquids with fire risk dangerous goods


Includes both C1 and C2

7 C1 combustible liquids Not Applicable 10 000 L in a tank

50 000 L in packages

50 000 L in tanks and packages combined provided the quantity of the C1s in the tanks does not exceed 10 000 L

If a departmental workplace stores chemicals in quantities greater than the threshold quantities for a dangerous goods minor storage, the workplace must determine the dangerous goods location placarding requirements using the steps shown below.

Determining Dangerous Goods Location Placarding Requirements

Step 1 Conduct a survey of all chemicals at the workplace

This step should be done at the same time as the survey of chemicals during the risk assessment process.

Step 2 Determine their dangerous goods classifications

Refer to the MSDS and chemical container labels for information on whether the chemical has a dangerous goods classification. The classification is usually depicted by a coloured diamond symbol and numerical descriptor.

Step 3 Determine compliance with storage thresholds

Total all surveyed quantities of dangerous goods within each classification and compare to the threshold limits in Table 1. If the stored quantities do not exceed the threshold limits, the workplace is considered to be a Minor Storage Location and is not subject to any further legislative requirements under the Dangerous Goods legislation. If a threshold limit is exceeded, the workplace will be considered to be a Dangerous Goods Location. The workplace will be required to implement some legislative requirements for the safe management of dangerous goods if these requirements have not already been put in place. The workplace should consider reducing the volumes of chemicals stored so that the requirements of the Dangerous Goods legislation are not applicable.

Step 4 Conduct a risk assessment

Ensure a risk assessment has been conducted for all dangerous goods stored at a Dangerous Goods Location. Refer to Chapter 5 and Appendix 7 of this guideline for further information on conducting risk assessments.

Step 5 Minimise the quantities of goods stored

A DET workplace that has been categorised as a Dangerous Goods Location should try to minimise the quantities of chemicals stored so that thresholds are not exceeded. The management of these chemicals should be discussed with


the supplier to ensure that operations are not put at risk by reducing the quantities of chemicals on site.

Step 6 Contact authorities for further advice

If a DET workplace classifies itself as a Dangerous Goods Location or is unsure about the application of the thresholds, the workplace should contact the Workplace Health and Safety Officer or Regional/Institute Health and Safety Consultant for more information about the implementation of the minimum requirements.

Step 7 Placarding (Signage)

If the quantities of chemicals stored at a site are below the threshold limits defined in Appendix 5, the workplace is considered to be a Minor Storage Location and is not required to have any placarding required by the Dangerous Goods legislation. A workplace that stores quantities that exceed the thresholds is considered to be a “Dangerous Goods Storage” and will require specific placarding in accordance with the legislation. Placard requirements are explained in a Dangerous Goods Safety Management Information Paper. This document can be accessed at the following link: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/chem/dgsm-infopaper1-placarding.pdf If a particular workplace is unsure about the requirements for placarding, contact your Regional Health and Safety Consultants, Institute Health and Safety Managers/Coordinators and the health and safety staff in the Organisational Health Unit. Further assistance can be obtained from the Hazardous Industries and Chemicals Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney-General via the Infoline 1300 369 915, or by email: [email protected].

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/chem/dgsm-infopaper1-placarding.pdf

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/chem/dgsm-infopaper1-placarding.pdf




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