428 STORAGE & HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES – ARE THEY SAFE? In many companies and laboratories, the use of hazardous substances is part of everyday work and is unavoidable. When hazardous substances are handled in companies, operators and users bear great responsibility for people and the environment. Improper storage of hazardous substances poses various risks to people, the environment and property: • Fires and explosions caused by, for example, the improper storage of flammable liquids and gases • Pollution of soils, groundwater and surface waters through e.g. contaminated extinguishing water or leaks - even one drop of oil can pollute e.g. up to 1,000 litres of water and a "supposedly small" leak can thus lead to ecological damage • Downtimes or worse, bankruptcy, e.g. due to destroyed buildings, laboratories after fires (after a fire, approx. 80% of companies go bankrupt) • Risk to human life But it is not only when storing hazardous substances indoors and outdoors that special measures have to be taken in day-to-day operations; protective measures for people and the environment should also, and especially, be a top priority when it comes to handling. Wherever material is moved, manoeuvred or stored and retrieved, there is an increased risk of damage. If the goods being transported are also hazardous substances, then more stringent conditions apply. Improper handling or damage to the container can cause uncontrolled leakage of critical substances – often with devastating consequences. Business owners and company managers must be aware of their responsibility for handling and storing hazardous substances and regularly ask themselves the following questions: • Do I know the legal regulations for hazardous substances? • Do I apply these regulations? • Am I fulfilling my duty of care towards people and the environment? On the following pages you will find numerous products that make storage and handling of hazardous substances safer and simplify the operational process.
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