18 Hazardous substances basics WHAT STORAGE OPTIONS EXIST FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES? Improper storage of, for example, flammable hazardous substances poses various risks to people, the environment and property and material assets. In the worst case, this leads to fires and explosions, which not only endanger human lives, but can also lead to downtimes and even bankruptcy for companies (after a fire, approx. 80% of companies go bankrupt). The pollution of soils, groundwater and surface waters, through e.g. contaminated extinguishing water or leakages, are among the possible consequences. The storage of hazardous substances in compliance with the law should therefore be given high priority in every company. Basically, these three storage concepts are to be distinguished: 1. Outdoor storage / storage buildings / hazardous material containers – central outdoor storage 2. Storage rooms in buildings – central indoor storage 3. Safety cabinets type 90 / type G90 – decentralised storage in workrooms Storage of Flammable Materials – External Many facilities require large volumes of flammable materials to be typically held on the premises. At these sites, flammable materials may be stored in large containers – 200 litre drums or 1,000 litre IBC’s (Intermediate Bulk Containers) are most common. One of the most effective control measures when working with bulk flammables is to remove them from the workplace and into a safer, external storage location. Particular note should be taken to adequately separate flammable liquids from: ››› Site boundaries ››› Occupied buildings ››› Process areas The recommended minimum separation distances (HSG51) shown below are widely accepted industry practice. Although these distances may not provide complete fire protection to prevent other parts of the premises from being affected by a fire in the storage area, or prevent fire causing damage beyond the boundary, they should provide time to implement emergency procedures and enable people to evacuate to a place of safety. Where these separation distances cannot be realised, additional protective measures, may be used to justify a reduction in the minimum separation distances. Improper storage Safe storage Central storage Decentralised storage Unauthorised, random storage High risk Legal consequences Hazardous substance storage/hazardous substance container Large storage quantities Long distances Safety storage cabinets Storage directly at the workplace Flexibility Mobile storage space Requirement for storage containers Distance to buildings min. 10 m No fire protection requirements Distance to buildings > 5 m No fire protection requirements for exclusively passive storage of 200–1,000 l Please observe local legislation and regulations.
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