Safety precautions for storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals

Any item that poses a risk to life or property during transportation because of its inherent flammability, explosiveness, corrosiveness, toxicity, or radioactivity, or due to friction, vibration, shock, exposure to sunlight, or external factors such as temperature and humidity is considered dangerous goods.

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1. Safe Handling of Chemical Hazardous Substances

1.1 Before operating hazardous chemicals, you should understand their properties and inspection tools. If tools are contaminated by flammable substances, organic matter, acids, or alkalis, they must be cleaned before use.

1.2  Wear corresponding protective equipment according to the hazardous characteristics of the material. These include coveralls, rubber aprons, sleeves, gloves, boots, masks, goggles, gloves, etc. Make sure equipment is inspected before use and cleaned after use.

1.3 Care should be taken when handling hazardous chemicals. Avoid impact, friction, impact, or vibration. Precautions should be taken to lower liquid drums slowly to avoid spills. Never tip over items marked “Do Not Invert.” Clean up spills promptly.

1.4 Do not drink alcohol or smoke when handling hazardous chemicals. After getting off work, wash your hands, face, and mouth, or shower as needed. Maintain good ventilation during handling. If you feel sick or dizzy, seek fresh air.

1.5 Iron wheel carts, battery carts without spark control devices, or other non-explosion-proof transportation tools are not allowed to transport explosives, flammable liquids, and oxidants. Avoid wearing spiked shoes when operating. Make sure the load is stable and not excessively stacked.

1.6 When handling highly corrosive substances, check whether the bottom of the container is corroded to prevent danger. Use proper lifting techniques and avoid tipping or shaking to prevent spills.

1.7 When handling radioactive materials, minimize contact and avoid damaging packaging. Wash thoroughly after getting off work and before eating. Cleaning tools and protective equipment to eliminate radiation contamination.

1.8 Separate items with conflicting properties when loading and unloading. Take precautions with heat or moisture-sensitive items when operating in rainy or icy conditions. And take anti-slip measures.

2. Chemical hazardous material storage

2.1 Store large quantities of dangerous goods in warehouses with fire protection facilities. If necessary, classify according to nature and store separately.

2.2 Explosive items, highly toxic items, and radioactive items must be stored separately in special warehouses.

2.3 Avoid storing items that may cause combustion or explosion together. And store items with different fire-fighting methods or acidity levels separately.

2.4 Items that are flammable or sensitive to sunlight should be kept away from outdoor storage areas. Freeze-sensitive items should be stored in warmer warehouses.

2.5 Operations that may cause fire shall not be conducted in storage areas or near outdoor stacks.

2.6 Regularly check the integrity of the container. If damaged, dispose of it safely. Avoid using tools that may generate sparks near flammable or explosive materials.

2.7 Regularly check for unstable or decomposable materials. And take appropriate measures to prevent spontaneous combustion or explosion.

2.8 Thoroughly clean and inspect empty containers before use to prevent contamination or accidents. Keep it clean by promptly removing any hazardous materials left on the floor or storage boards.

3. Classification of hazardous chemicals

3.1 Explosives

These materials are prone to combustion and explosion. Violent chemical reactions will occur when exposed to heat, vibration, friction, or contact with acidic or alkaline substances. A large amount of gas and heat are produced, causing an explosion.

It can be divided into four types according to its properties:

① Ignition materials include igniters and fuses.

② Explosive materials include detonators and detonators.

③ Explosives and explosive chemicals include TNT, explosives, black powder, ammonium nitrate explosives, sodium azide, etc.

④ Other explosives include shotgun shells, fireworks, firecrackers, etc.

3.2 Oxidizing agent

These substances have strong oxidizing properties. Under certain conditions, such as friction, vibration, impact, heating, or contact with acids and alkalis, violent reactions can occur. Causes combustion and explosion.

They are divided into four levels:

① Primary inorganic oxidants include chlorates and perchlorates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, peroxides and nitrates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

② Level 1 organic oxidants include organic derivatives of hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid.

③Secondary inorganic oxidants include chromate and nitrite.

④Secondary organic oxidants include peracetic acid and turpentine.

For storage safety, these categories are further divided into seven subcategories.

3.3 Compressed gas and liquefied gas

These materials are stored in pressurized containers as compressed or liquefied gases. It expands when heated. An explosion can occur if the internal pressure exceeds the pressure limit of the container or if the container is damaged by impact. Some gases are also toxic.

They are divided into four types:

① Highly toxic gases include hydrogen cyanide, liquid chlorine, liquid ammonia, etc.

② Combustible gases include acetylene, ethylene, and hydrogen.

③ The combustion-supporting gas includes oxygen.

④ Non-flammable gases include neon, krypton, helium, nitrogen, etc.

3.4 Self-igniting materials

These items decompose or oxidize in the air and generate heat, causing fires. They are divided into two levels:

① Level 1 pyrophoric materials ignite rapidly due to decomposition or oxidation when exposed to air. Such as white phosphorus, nitrocellulose membrane, etc.

② Level 2 pyrophoric materials slowly oxidize in air. Build up heat until ignited. Such as oilcloth, cotton soaked in vegetable oil, etc.

3.5 Water-reactive materials

These substances react violently with water or moist air. Releases heat and produces flammable or explosive gases. Cause combustion or explosion. They are divided into two levels according to their reactivity with water:

① Level 1 water-reactive substances react violently with water. Generates hydrogen or other flammable gases. Such as potassium metal, sodium metal, calcium carbide, etc.

②Secondary water-reactive substances react slowly with water. Generates flammable gases. Such as zinc powder, insurance powder, etc.

3.6 Flammable solids

These substances have low ignition points and are easily oxidized. They can ignite violently or explode when heated, exposed to fire, struck or rubbed, or come into contact with oxidants or strong acids. Toxic gases are released. They are divided into two classes according to their flammability:

① Class 1 flammable solid, low ignition point, easy to burn and explode. It burns quickly and releases a large amount of toxic gases (such as nitrocellulose, and red phosphorus).

② Class 2 flammable solids are less flammable than Class 1. But it is still easy to burn and releases toxic gases (such as sulfur, naphthalene, and aluminum powder).

3.7 Toxic Chemicals

These substances are highly toxic. Even small amounts entering the body or coming into contact with the skin can cause local irritation, poisoning, and even death. Toxic substances that can cause death when ingested or inhaled are classified as highly toxic. According to their properties, they are divided into four categories:

①Potassium cyanide, arsenic trioxide, and other inorganic highly toxic substances.

② Dimethyl sulfate, triphenyl phosphate, and other highly toxic organic substances.

③ Inorganic toxic substances such as barium chloride and sodium fluoride.

④Carbon tetrachloride, formaldehyde, and other organic toxic substances.

3.8 Corrosive materials

These substances are highly corrosive. Contact with other substances may cause damage due to corrosion. Contact with humans can cause burns that are difficult to treat. It is divided into eight categories according to its properties:

①Nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and other first-level inorganic acid corrosive substances.

②Formic acid, trichloroacetaldehyde, and other first-level organic acidic corrosive substances.

③ Secondary inorganic acidic corrosive substances such as hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid.

④ Secondary organic acidic corrosive substances such as glacial acetic acid and chloroacetic acid.

⑤Inorganic alkaline corrosive substances such as caustic soda and sodium sulfide.

⑥ Organic alkaline corrosive substances such as sodium methoxide and diethanolamine.

⑦ Bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite solution, and other inorganic corrosive substances.

⑧ Phenol, cresol, and other organic corrosive substances.

3.9 Radioactive materials

These substances emit penetrating radiation that cannot be detected by human sense organs. Exposure to large doses of radioactive material can cause harm to the human body. They are divided into four categories:

①Radioactive isotopes.

② Radioactive chemical reagents and chemical products.

③Radioactive mineral sand.

④Industrial products coated with radioactive luminescent substances.

4. Safety precautions for transporting hazardous chemicals

Items that are corrosive, pyrophoric, flammable, toxic, or explosive and may cause personal injury and property damage during transportation, loading, unloading, and storage and require special protection are considered dangerous goods. Dangerous goods have unique physical and chemical properties. Improper handling during transportation may result in accidents. The consequences can be more serious than a typical vehicle accident.

To ensure the safety of dangerous goods transportation, the following eight points should be considered:

4.1 Packaging: Dangerous goods should be appropriately packaged according to their nature, transportation distance, and road conditions. Packaging must be secure, tight, and clearly labeled with identifiable markings.

4.2 Loading and unloading: Loading and unloading sites must comply with safety requirements for roads, lighting, signs, and fire protection facilities. During loading and unloading, vehicles should be parked outdoors. Workers should wear the necessary protective equipment. Strictly abide by operating procedures. Handle goods with care when handling them. Prevent collision, collision, overturning, and crushing. Goods that are susceptible to moisture should be covered with tarps and stacked neatly and firmly. Different types of dangerous goods must not be mixed in the same vehicle.

4.3 Vehicle selection: Appropriate vehicles should be selected for dangerous goods transportation. Trailers, tricycles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and bicycles are not allowed to transport explosives, primary oxidants, and organic peroxides. Tractors may not be used to transport explosives, primary oxidizers, organic peroxides, or Class 1 flammable substances. Except for Category II fixed dangerous goods, other dangerous goods shall not be transported by dump trucks.

4.4 Fire Protection: It is vital to avoid fire during transportation. Non-sparking tools should be used when loading and unloading dangerous goods. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the car. Vehicles must not be parked near open flames, high-temperature areas, or areas exposed to direct sunlight. Tank trucks should be grounded when parked and unloaded. Prevent static electricity from causing a fire.

4.5 Driving: Vehicles transporting dangerous goods should display the signs specified in GB13392-92 “Road Transport Signs of Dangerous Goods”. Drivers must strictly abide by traffic, fire protection, public security, and other regulations. Control your speed and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. In case of emergency, slow down in advance to avoid sudden braking. Do not overtake illegally and ensure safe driving.

4.6 Spill Management: Hazardous material spills should be handled appropriately depending on their nature. When explosives are spilled, they should be moved to a safe location for repair or repacking. Leaking compressed gas bottles or liquefied gas tanks should be moved to a ventilated area. And pour water to cool the leaking cylinder. Soak it in water to absorb ammonia leaks. Other highly toxic gases should be immersed in lime water. When flammable solids spill, they should be moved to a safe location promptly. White phosphorus spills should be immediately immersed in water. Sodium or potassium metal spills should be immersed in iron drums containing kerosene or non-aqueous liquid paraffin. If flammable liquid leaks point the leaking area upward. And promptly move the goods to a safe and ventilated place for repair or repackaging. Spills should be covered with yellow sand or dry soil and cleaned up in time.

4.7 Parking: Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must not be parked in schools, institutions, markets, scenic spots, or tourist areas. If loading, unloading, or temporary parking is required in these areas, safety measures should be taken. And obtain permission from the local public security department. When parking, someone should guard the vehicle. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to approach to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

4.8 Cleaning: After unloading dangerous goods, the vehicle should be cleaned of residues. Vehicles and tools contaminated with dangerous goods must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. It is strictly prohibited to transport food, medicine, feed, animals, and plants that have not been thoroughly sterilized.