Putting Safety First in Your Business
Hazardous materials can pose serious risks if they are not handled correctly. Having proper safety measures in place and using the right storage can keep these risks to a minimum and maintain a safe workplace. Here are some great tips, including how investing in bespoke bunded storage can help.
Understanding Hazardous Materials
Flammable liquids, chemicals, petroleum mixtures, and other kinds of hazardous materials all need to be handled and stored with care. The materials that you have on site will depend on your industry, but it’s important to familiarise yourself with what they are and what effects they can have. Everything from your own health to the environment can be at risk – and that’s not to mention the raised chances of fire or explosions. So, do your research!
The Importance of Safe Storage
Storing hazardous materials safely will help you to comply with all relevant regulations and protect your team. Preventing costly accidents and downtime will also save your business money in the short and long term. So, what kind of storage should you opt for? Bunded storage is designed to contain spills and leaks from hazardous materials. This type of storage provides an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind.
Some of the biggest benefits of bunded storage are:
- The bunded area can capture spills, preventing them from spreading or causing damage
- Made from robust materials, making it resistant to corrosion and chemicals
- Designed to meet safety standards and environmental regulations
- Can be made bespoke to suit the demands and layout of your business premises
Some of the most common applications of bunded storage include storing oil drums and fuel tanks, as well as housing chemical containers and flammable liquids.
Storing Hazardous Materials
As well as using bunded storage, there are some other things that you can do to present any accidents involving hazardous materials on site.
Keep Incompatible Materials Separate
Some materials need to be stored separately if they have certain properties. Things such as acids and bases, or flammables and oxidisers, should never be stored together.
Clearly Label All Containers
Ensure all hazardous materials are clearly labelled. These labels should state the contents of the container, followed by risks and handling instructions.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Some substances require well-ventilated storage areas to prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes. Having proper ventilation in place will reduce fire risks and improve the air quality.
Easy Access to Safety Equipment
Place things like fire extinguishers and PPE near where hazardous materials are stored or used. Your team should be trained on how to use all equipment, with regular refreshers of their knowledge.
Carry Out Inspections
You should inspect storage areas regularly to see if there are any leaks or damage to the containers. Addressing problems right away can prevent bigger issues from developing further down the line.
What Now?
Safe storage of hazardous materials is essential! Now you know how to do so within your business premises, why not invest in the right storage today?
