CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

Standards and requirements related to chemicals including

transportation, storage and handling
CHAPTER 3

3.1 Introduction

Due to scientific progress in the industrial, technical and laboratory fields, chemicals in all their
forms are needed, as they are a major aspect in industry and progress and have become an
important and indispensable aspect of our life matters. From this standpoint, and to ensure the
safety of using these materials, they have been classified according to the international
classification into nine categories. To define their characteristics and risks, in addition to
developing safety guidelines for all chemicals, including their physical properties, risks,
extinguishing materials, intervention in their accidents, procedures for dealing with them in
emergencies, procedures for their transportation and everything related to them.

The world is full of petroleum and chemical industries and other modern industries in which
chemicals have become an element in industry and research fields. From this standpoint,
procedures and requirements for storing chemical materials have been legislated and developed
in proportion to the characteristics of these materials according to their international
classification and according to the scholarly references specialized in this field and as much
interest in by applying them, we can achieve business continuity in order to achieve security and
safety, to protect lives and property, and to maintain the progress of work.

Chemical transportation is an essential part of the chemical supply chain. However, if not
handled properly, the transportation of hazardous chemicals can pose a risk to people,
communities and the environment. By knowing the risks associated with transporting chemicals,
ways must be found to store, protect and transport harmful chemicals safely.

3.1.1 Globally Harmonized System of Classification (HSC) and Labeling of

Chemical (GHS) [1]

The purpose of GHS is to classify materials Chemicals, labeling, scope and application

3.1.1.1 The use of chemical products to enhance and improve life is a widespread practice
worldwide. But alongside the benefits of these products, there is also the potential for adverse
effects to people or the environment. As a result, a number of countries or organizations have
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developed laws or regulations over the years that require information to be prepared and
transmitted to those using chemicals, through labels or Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Given the
large number of chemical products available, individual regulation of all of them is simply not
possible for any entity. Provision of information gives those using chemicals the identities and
hazards of these chemicals, and allows the appropriate protective measures to be implemented in
the local use settings. [1]

3.1.1.2 While these existing laws or regulations are similar in many respects, their differences are
significant enough to result in different labels or SDS for the same product in different countries.
Through variations in definitions of hazards, a chemical may be considered flammable in one
country, but not another. Or it may be considered to cause cancer in one country, but not another.
Decisions on when or how to communicate hazards on a label or SDS thus vary around the
world, and companies wishing to be involved in international trade must have large staffs of
experts who can follow the changes in these laws and regulations and prepare different labels
and SDS. In addition, given the complexity of developing and maintaining a comprehensive
system for classifying and labelling chemicals, many countries have no system at all. [1]
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3.1.1.3 Thus the reasons for setting the objective of harmonization were many. It is anticipated
that, when implemented, the GHS will: [1]

 enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally
comprehensible system for hazard communication.
 provide a recognized framework for those countries without an existing system.
 reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals, and facilitate international trade in
chemicals whose hazards have been properly assessed and identified on an international
basis.

3.1.1.4 The work began with examination of existing systems, and determination of the scope of
the work. While many countries had some requirements, the following systems were deemed to
be the “major” existing systems and were used as the primary basis for the elaboration of the
GHS: [1]

 Requirements of systems in the United States of America for the workplace, consumers and
pesticides
 Requirements of Canada for the workplace, consumers and pesticides
 European Union directives for classification and labelling of substances and preparations
 The United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

3.1.1.5 The requirements of other countries were also examined as the work developed, but the
primary task was to find ways to adopt the best aspects of these existing systems and develop a
harmonized approach. This work was done based on agreed principles of harmonization that
were adopted early in the process: [1]
 the level of protection offered to workers, consumers, the general public and the
environment should not be reduced as a result of harmonizing the classification and
labelling systems
 the hazard classification process refers principally to the hazards arising from the intrinsic
properties of chemical elements and compounds and mixtures thereof, whether natural or
synthetic;
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 harmonization means establishing a common and coherent basis for chemical hazard
classification and communication, from which the appropriate elements relevant to means
of transport, consumer, worker and environment protection can be selected
 the scope of harmonization includes both hazard classification criteria and hazard
communication tools, e.g. labelling and chemical safety data sheets, taking into account
especially the four existing systems identified in the ILO report
 changes in all these systems will be required to achieve a single globally harmonized
system; transitional measures should be included in the process of moving to the new
system
 the involvement of concerned international organizations of employers, workers,
consumers, and other relevant organizations in the process of harmonization should be
ensured
 the comprehension of chemical hazard information, by the target audience, e.g. workers,
consumers and the general public should be addressed
 validated data already generated for the classification of chemicals under the existing
systems should be accepted when reclassifying these chemicals under the harmonized
system
 a new harmonized classification system may require adaptation of existing methods for
testing of chemicals
 in relation to chemical hazard communication, the safety and health of workers,
consumers and the public in general, as well as the protection of the environment, should
be ensured while protecting confidential business information, as prescribed by the
competent authorities.

3.1.2 Facts on Aligning the Hazard Communication Standard to the GHS

[2]

3.1.2.1 Proposal to modify the HCS to align with the GHS: OSHA is proposing to modify the
current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the provisions of the Globally
Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The HCS requires
that chemical manufacturers and importers evaluate the chemicals they produce or import
and provide hazard information to downstream employers and workers by putting labels on
CHAPTER 3

containers and preparing safety data sheets. Under the current HCS all employers must have
a hazard communication program for exposed workers, including container labels, safety
data sheets, and training. [2]

3.1.2.2 GHS: The primary benefit of the GHS is to increase the quality and consistency of
information provided to workers, employers and chemical users by adopting a standardized
approach to hazard classification, labels and safety data. The GHS provides a single set of
harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards
and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets. Under the
GHS, labels would include signal words, pictograms, and hazard and precautionary
statements and safety data sheets would have standardized format. This system was agreed
on at an international level by governments, industry, and labor, and adopted by the UN in
2002 with a goal of 2008 for implementation. [2]

3.1.2.3 Why modify the HCS: OSHA's proposal to adopt the GHS will not change the
framework and scope of the current HCS but will help ensure improved quality and more
consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals. This will enhance worker
comprehension, resulting in appropriate handling and use of chemicals. The harmonized
format of the safety data sheets will enable workers to access the information more
efficiently. In addition, currently multiple labels and safety data sheets must often be
developed for the same product when shipped to different countries. This creates a major
compliance burden for chemical manufacturers and those involved in international trade,
increasing the cost of providing hazard information. The adoption of GHS will minimize this
burden.

3.1.2.4 Major proposed changes to the HCS:

 Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and
physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
 Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that
includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard
class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
 Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
CHAPTER 3

 Information and training: The GHS does not address training. However, the
proposed HCS will require that workers are trained within two years of the
publication of the final rule to facilitate recognition and understanding of the new
labels and safety data sheets. [2]

3.2 Correct conditions for storing chemicals

There is no industrial facility or chemical factory, and it was exposed to fire or pollution due to
poor storage of chemicals, but to avoid fires and maintain the health of workers, it was necessary
to follow the necessary conditions that limit as much as possible the danger of these chemicals.

it is necessary that you put this table in mind, and it is a table that shows how to separate
dangerous chemicals from each other.
CHAPTER 3

Figure (3.1): The method of separating dangerous chemicals from each other

3.2.1 Safety requirements required at material container storage sites

Dangerous chemical

 Data of all hazardous materials containers stored in the yard

 According to their location.

 Emergency plan in cases of leakage or fire.

 Personal safety tools (Protective clothing for chemicals - independent respirator –

respirators for the face - foot boot - hand gloves).

 Unwinding, fastening and filling tools.

 A water shower for cases of exposure of the body to the chemical.

 Surveillance cameras.

 First Aid Box.

3.2.2 General conditions for storing hazardous chemicals

 Do not store items based on the alphabet but according to severity and category.

 Keep a copy of Safety Instructions (MSDS) for each Matter.

 Not to expose the stored materials To sunlight or heat.

 Not storing chemicals according to the alphabet, but rather They are stored according to

the type of risk.

 Ensure that containers The chemicals are airtight.

 Reducing the quantities Stored as much as possible.

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 Do not expose the stored materials To sunlight and heat.

 Maintain a temperature Preservation of stored materials according to their quality.

 Each item is placed separately In a separate location as an independent fire breaker.

 That the materials are traded Chemical carefully and not to be thrown or fall to the

ground.

 To be stored in a suitable manner With the nature of its risks.

 To be the container Chemicals are manufactured from suitable materials that are not

likely to be affected by the substance they contain.

 To distinguish the stored materials Clear signs (warning signs).

 To preserve the vessels The cylinders are upright.

 Homogeneous storage of materials Separating the materials that may cause danger when

they come into contact with other materials from the rest of the two stocks So that it

cannot be connected.

 Decreasing as much as possible of the volume of stored materials and in a manner

appropriate and need.

 Take into account when storing materials, They are expected to be damaged or affected

when they come into contact with water. They should be in airtight containers. No. Water

is allowed to get into it.

3.2.3 Storage conditions for large containers of hazardous chemicals [3]

 Putting written safety instructions at the gate entrance.

 Enclosing the site with an iron fence and providing it with a permitting gate to control the

entry and exit of equipment and workers.

CHAPTER 3

 Adequate lighting throughout the site to permit operations Handling and inspections at

night

 Planning the floor of these sites according to the rules of the international classification

Marine Hazardous Materials (IMDG-CODE) to store Hazardous materials according to

their classes and classifications.

 Numbering the floor of the sites so that each stored container has a number Its location

can be accessed quickly and easily in emergency situations.

 It is not allowed to store more than two adjacent containers of the side

 It is not allowed to store more than the height of three containers

 Leave a space of at least two meters between containers to facilitate The process of

inspecting containers and noting any traces of leaks from them.

 Providing the site with various fire extinguishers of different sizes.

 Securing the barrel for fine sand

 Insurance of a qualified and specialized supervisor in the field of handling and storage

hazardous substances

 Ensure that there are signs and labels of hazardous materials on Surface o containers

 Building a room adjacent to the arena gate for security guards

 hours and provide them with security and safety requirements.

CHAPTER 3

3.3 Classifying hazardous chemicals

3.3.1 The classification process assigns categories to hazardous chemicals based on agreed
hazard classification criteria. GHS classification includes:

 physical hazards, for example flammability

 health hazards, for example toxicity and carcinogenicity.
 environmental hazards, for example hazardous to the aquatic environment

The GHS provides an internationally standardized method to classify chemicals, allowing

manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and users of hazardous chemicals to quickly identify a
chemicals hazards.

This guide is based on the GHS as implemented in the model WHS Regulations. As
environmental hazards are not captured by the WHS Regulations, classification of these hazards
is not discussed in this guide.

3.3.2 Classification of substances and mixtures

Hazard classification in the GHS requires three steps:

1. identify the relevant data for hazards of a substance, mixture or article

2. review the data to determine the hazards associated with the substance, mixture or article, and

3. decide whether the substance, mixture or article will be classified as hazardous and in which
classes and categories

3.3.3 System issued by NFPA 704

 Hazardous materials have been classified by the NFPA

NFPA = NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

Which established the system (NFPA 704) and the United Nations “UN,” and has been
established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Canada.

 System (NFPA 704) is a system for identifying hazards in fixed installations and is applied in
many countries and scientific bodies. It is not used for transportation (it can be used to
transport dangerous materials within the borders of the country) nor for the general public.
CHAPTER 3

 Through the (NFPA 704) system, hazardous materials can be identified with their inherent
risk to health, fire risk, risk of interaction and activity, or any other risks characteristic of
them. [3]

3.3.4 The NFPA 704 system also indicates the severity of the hazardous substance (listed from 0
to 4 according to its hazardousness) and takes the following forms: [3]

 The health effect box is given in blue.

 The flammability square is given in red.
 The activity score box is given in yellow.
 Specific hazard box given in white

Figure (3.2): Classification of hazardous substances

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3.4 Work with hazardous chemicals in the event of a spill

3.4.1 Spill Response [4]
Dangerous goods or hazardous substance spills should be cleaned up immediately, taking
appropriate precautions for the hazards of the material.

Step 1 – Assess safety and stop the source of the spill

 Limit access to the immediate area where the spill has occurred and ensure that only
personnel with the appropriate training and equipment deal with the spill (providing it
is safe to do so).
 This may involve righting an overturned container or placing the source (e.g. cracked
container) in a larger container to contain the spill.
Step 2 – Review safety precautions and risk controls

 Review relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the spilt chemical (SDS should be located
where the chemicals are used and stored). The SDS will have specific instructions on
how to deal with chemical spills as well as first aid information. Safe Work Procedures
should also be referred to, if developed.
Step 3 – Clean up the spill

 Using appropriate PPE promptly cover the spill with absorbent material taking care not
to spread the spill further.
 Using a dustpan or spade, collect the absorbent material/waste and place into a thick
walled, puncture proof chemical resistant bag/bin which is suitably labelled. The waste
disposal method will depend on the amount and the type of chemical that was spilt and
disposal should be in accordance with local and state regulations.
Step 4 – Notify the appropriate authority

 The Workplace Manager should be notified immediately and the incident logged on
Edu Safe Plus. If there is a hazard to health or property, call 000. The escape, spillage
or leakage of any substance including dangerous goods must be reported to Worksafe
as per the Department’s Incident Notification to Worksafe Flowchart and to the
Victorian Environment Protection Authority on 1300 372 842.
Step 5 – Restock the chemical spill kit

 Restock the spill kit and return it to its designated storage location.

Note: Certain types of chemicals must be prevented from entering the storm water system and
appropriate procedures and or systems should be in place if you have chemicals of this nature.
Dangerous goods or hazardous substance spills should be cleaned up immediately, taking
appropriate precautions for the hazards of the material.
3.4.2 Classification of hazardous chemicals spills and how to deal with them
CHAPTER 3

Chemical type Processes

 Control all sources of ignition- turn off all
Flammable Liquid Spills electrical and heat generating equipment
 Spread the absorbent pads over the spill starting
from the edge. Allow the pads to completely
soak up the liquid
 Pick up the contaminated pads with tongs or
scoop and minimise direct contact
 Place the waste into the chemical resistant bin.
 Wipe the area down with a paper towel and
copious amounts of water
 Dispose of paper towel into a chemical resistant
bin and seal the bin so it is airtight
 Never use wet vacuum cleaner on flammable
solvents
 Spread absorbent pads over the spill starting
Liquid Spills (other than flammable with the edges first. This will help to contain
liquids) the spill to a smaller area. Enough pads should
be used to completely cover the liquid
 Pick up the contaminated pads with tongs or a
scoop and place into a chemical resistant bin
 If the chemical is water soluble, wipe the area
down with a paper towel, followed by wet mop
and detergent
 Appropriately dispose of used paper towel
 Clear the area of persons to prevent exposure
Mercury Spills
 Open all windows and close internal doors of
the room for approximately 15 minutes before
you attempt cleaning up.
 Turn off heating and cooling units to prevent
vapours from circulating.
 Never use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean
up the spill.
 Take off any jewellery and put on latex, rubber
or nitrile gloves.
 Shine a torch on the area to find the mercury
droplets.
 Use an eyedropper or syringe to pick up the
droplets.
 Sticky tape may be used for smaller droplets.
 Place the droplets onto a piece of card.
 Carefully place card into a strong plastic
container with a lid.
CHAPTER 3
Neutralising Acid spills
Acid spills can be neutralised with
sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate,
or calcium carbonate
Neutralising Alkali spills
Alkali spills can be neutralised with
sodium bisulphite, boric acid or oxalic
acid. Many alkalis can result in serious
burns to skin and eyes, so proceed with
extreme caution
 If mercury was spilt over a sink the plumbing
may need to be inspected.
 Place all items, including gloves into a sealed
bag and label the bag as hazardous waste
containing mercury.
 Go to the Australian Government Department
of the Environment for details on how to
properly dispose of mercury
 Contain the liquid first
 Sprinkle powder over the spill slowly, starting
from the outside
 Acid is neutralised if effervescence ceases in
the presence of excess bicarbonate
 Avoid breathing in the fine powder and the gas
evolved (carbon dioxide)
 Ensure that there is adequate ventilation
 Eliminate all sources of ignition as
neutralisation of alkali can produce heat. This
includes removing all combustible materials
that are close to the spill
 Right any overturned containers where the spill
originated or stop leak at source only if safe to
do so
 Avoid handling fluid even with nitrile gloves.
 Liberally apply the alkali neutraliser around the
perimeter of the spill to limit the extent of
spreading and continue sprinkling it towards the
centre. This should be done until the entire spill
is covered and there is no free liquid or liquid
migration. The neutralisation reactions should
occur 1-5 minutes after application
 Stand clear as splattering of reaction products
might occur. The heat and vigour of the reaction
will depend on the type and concentration of the
alkali being neutralised
 The alkali will be neutralised when the reaction
has stopped and there is no more fizzing from
the liquid
Caution: Neutralised alkalis may produce heat.
Wait until mixtures have cooled before
sweeping up spilled material
 Avoid handling spilled material until absorption
is complete
 Use non-metal, non-sparking tools such as a
CHAPTER 3

broom, scoop or scraper to clean-up neutralised

spill. Take care not to overly disturb the
neutralised spill
 Sweep solid material into a plastic dustpan and
Solid Spills place in a sealed container. Care should be
taken so as to minimise dust or the
contaminated powder becoming airborne
 Use of a dust mask is advisable
 Wipe the area down with a wet paper towel and
dispose of the used paper towel in a strong
polyethylene bag. Seal the bag and ensure all
waste is collected for proper disposal
Table 3.1: Chemical Spill Management [4]

[1] Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), By

Economic Commission for Europe, sixth edition

[2] Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.

[3] NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for
Emergency Response Edition 2017

[4] HAZARD COMMUNICATION Hazard Classification Guidance for Manufacturers,

Importers, and Employers U.S. Department of Labor