Guide to the safe handling of solvents in a bituminous ... - Aapaq.org

Appendix B - Recommendations for solvent storage1. IntroductionMany of the guidelines/rules set out in Appendix B, are furthercircumscribed or superseded by the legislative requirements as set out inthe OHS Act and Regulations as applicable.Operations involving the handling of solvents or chemicals in general,whether they are small quantities of pure or concentrated substances orlarge quantities of more dilute materials, provide the setting for accidentalrelease into the environment. Laboratory storage practices may enhance ordiminish overall laboratory safety. There are many factors to be consideredduring storage of chemicals such as the amount, location and organisationof the stored chemicals as well as packaging and labelling. However thereare general guidelines when it comes to laboratory storage.2. General storage guidelines• Do not block access to emergency safety equipment such as fireextinguishers, eye wash bottles, showers, first aid kits or utilitycontrols such as breaker boxes or gas shut-off valves;• Avoid blocking exits or normal paths of travel: keep hallways,walkways and stairs clear of chemicals, boxes, equipment and shelfprojections;• Ensure that the weight of stored material does not exceed theload-bearing capacity of shelves or cabinets;• Ensure that wall-mounted shelving has heavy-duty brackets andsupports and is attached to studs or solid blocking. Regularly inspectclamps, supports, shelf brackets and other shelving hardware;• Arrange items so that they do not overhang or project beyond theedges of shelves or counter tops;• Do not stack materials so high that stability is compromised;• Leave a minimum of 45,7 cm of clearance between sprinkler headsand the top of storage;77