In order to maintain safety of warehouses, there are a variety of methods needed to keep control of chemicals so that the hazard is controlled. A lack of control and storage of dangerous chemicals could lead to explosions, toxic gas spills, or other disasters, so make sure to keep these tips in mind when it comes to your storage policies.
Labeling and Inventory
As required by OSHA and state regulations, it is vital to properly label chemicals within the warehouse. If your warehouse breaks up larger shipments into smaller storage containers, this is an area of particular concern. Making sure employees properly label the new units keeps you in compliance with federal and state requirements. Perhaps more importantly, it adds to the safety of your warehouse. Additionally, having a good inventory of the items in your warehouse is important in keeping safe. It also gives you a place to start in the event of an emergency.
Proper Storage
The warehouse setting can be both protector and hazard for chemical storage. Proper storage containers and staying within recommended stack heights are necessary. It is also important that you and your employees keep the warehouse aisles clear. Forklifts and other machinery needs to be in good working order. Overall, keeping the warehouse in good order means you can identify what and where the hazardous materials are located.
Temperature Control
Maintaining a constant temperature within a warehouse is extremely difficult. The increased use of tote tanks for storing chemicals has led companies like Powerblanket to develop tote heaters to maintain the optimum temperature for the chemicals. These specialized heating units fit around the container like a heating blanket. Tote heaters will help keep the warehouse safe by keeping volatile chemicals at constant temperature.
Chemical Segregation
Keeping chemicals segregated by class will decrease the likelihood of accidental chemical reactions if something does go wrong in the storage process. If a container is damaged during transport, you do not want to have a chemical reaction that creates unsafe air or a fire. By referring to the labeling system and the materials safety data sheet, you will be able to classify the chemical and keep it in an area with non-reactive chemicals.
Storage of chemicals plays an important part of the business of warehousing. There are any number of hazardous materials that may be found in your warehouse. The measures listed here are among the most important as you keep your warehouse safe for employees.
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