Chemical hazards in the warehouse pose threats to all living things & the environment. If your business uses chemicals, taking proper security measures is necessary. The incidents arising from mishandling these chemicals range from mild to severe. It can also lead to deaths of workers.
If you are using chemicals, storing them correctly is necessary. The warehouse where you store these chemicals needs to adopt security measures. Something that prevents spills or leaks. Also, quick remedies to deal with any spills or leaks.
Here are a few ways to manage chemical hazards in the warehouse.
1. Assessing the risks for better planning
The first step in ensuring that your warehouse remains safe is assessing it. It means checking the safety measures that are already there versus where they should be. Do not rush into buying security equipment like drip-tray bunning or spill pallets.
First, create a security strategy that covers everything. By everything, we mean learning:
- What chemicals are in your warehouse currently?
- What chemicals will be coming in your way in the future?
- Learning about the type of chemical is necessary too. (More on that later)
- What safety measures do you currently have?
- Future safety requirements
2. Ensure every employee is aware of the safety measures
Having proper safety measures in place will not help you if the employees are unaware. Thus, have a seminar demonstrating every safety measure in place. For instance, have a drum trolley? Then show the correct manner of using it, so no worker handling it gets injured due to limited knowledge. Have tons of fire extinguishers in places where the employees can access them. And train them about using it appropriately.
Another thing to do is to train any new employee about the safety measure. Detailed safety orientation for them is necessary.
3. Provide PPE kits to your employees
Every person who handles the chemicals should have a personal protection kit. These PPE kits can safeguard employees against any leak or spill. It can ensure that there are no serious injuries to the workers.
Regarding PPE, there are many options available for face, eyes, and so on. Depending on the type of chemicals you are storing, you will have to buy the appropriate ones. Also, ensure that every employee has training in usage of PPE, as it can be challenging to work in it.
4. Learn the classification of chemicals
There are nine types of chemicals. These are:
- Corrosive substances
- Flammable liquids
- Gases
- Radioactive substances
- Explosives
- Organic peroxides
- Toxics
- Flammable solids
- Infectious substances, and more.
When you create a warehouse handling chemicals, knowing their
types are important. Why? Because, if you are unaware, you may end up keeping a
flammable solid near to an explosive. And that is a fast recipe for disaster.
When you know the chemical type, you can get proper storage for them, and do inventory quickly.
5. Label everything
When storing chemicals, one thing you need to consider well is labeling. Yes, it helps reduce incidents. When people can read what they are moving or storing, they are careful. Make sure that the label has every detail. From, chemical name, hazards it poses, safety measures, the name of the manufacturer, to more. Checking whether they are in one piece or not is essential, too.
6. Alert ground-keeping staff
First, have a CCTV camera placed at every point so that if any incident happens, people can notice it. Also, if there are any spills or leaks the ground-keeping staff needs to move fast. It will help them prevent the spill from spreading. They also need proper training and safety gear to keep their health intact.
7. Check the storage requirement
Everyone checks the storage options for storing chemicals in a warehouse. But you need to do more than just finding the right spill tray to prevent leaks. You need to know the proper storage conditions for them. For instance, if a certain chemical needs a cold temperature for stowing. You must know about it.
8. Frequent inspection
Hire an expert to inspect the warehouse. Make sure they inspect everything. From labeling to conditions of PPE & storage containers & more. They also check the status of inventory. Also, they must send a report to the concerned person about any issues immediately.
These tips will help you keep your warehouse and the environment nearby safe & sound. Also, follow the rules & regulations set up for the safety of warehouses. It will keep the workers and the environment safe.
