OCM8 - Storing chemicals

Health and Safety Executive

OCM Storing chemicals

Offshore COSHH Control approach 1 essentials General ventilation

This information will help offshore What this sheet covers dutyholders (owners, operators and This sheet describes good practice for storing chemicals. contractors) to comply with the Control It covers the key points you need to follow to help reduce exposure to of Substances Hazardous to Health an adequate level, as part of your COSHH assessment. Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to protect workers’ health. Hazards This guidance consolidates good control 3 There is a wide range of hazards from these substances. practice and reinforces existing knowledge 3 Check safety data sheets (SDSs). with additional information. 3 See ‘Further information’ for information on exposure limits. It will help you carry out COSHH Access assessments, review existing assessments, deliver training and in 3 Restrict access to the chemical store. supervising activities involving substances 3 Provide a store with sufficient space, well organised, well lit and well ventilated. hazardous to health. 3 The store should have an impervious floor that is resistant to the chemicals used and is easy to clean. It is aimed at staff whose responsibilities include the management of substances 3 Store incompatible materials safely – see HSG71. Define the areas and put up clear signs. hazardous to health on offshore installations (eg occupational health 3 Keep tanks and containers in defined, bunded areas. specialists, COSHH assessors, supervisors 3 Label tote tanks, containers and lines clearly. etc). It is also useful for trade union and 3 Provide bulk storage with dust filtration or air cleaning for the displaced air. employee safety representatives. 3 Provide explosion relief where necessary. Following the guidance is not compulsory 3 Vent air displaced from bulk liquids to a safe place. and you are free to take other action. But 3 Segregate vehicle routes from walkways, where possible. if you do follow this guidance you will 3 Eliminate or control ignition sources. normally be doing enough to comply with Planning the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and 3 Minimise the range of chemicals that need to be stored. may refer to this guidance as illustrating 3 Develop emergency procedures that are suitable for the chemicals and amounts stored. good practice. 3 Provide spill clear-up kits. Also see essential information on the back 3 Provide suitable fire extinguishing equipment. of the sheet. 3 Make arrangements for the removal of waste packaging. 3 Impose permit-to-work procedures for work on tanks and silos. The method must include purging and air testing.

Storing chemicals OCM8 General ventilation

Control procedures Employee checklist 3 Check for damage and leaks at least once a day. Stack containers to Are all air vents and make finding leaks easy. grilles free of blockages? 3 Repackage and label, or dispose of the contents of leaking containers Use handling aids to as soon as possible. minimise the risk of spills. 3 Clean up spills immediately. This may need personal protective Look for signs of leaks, equipment. wear and damage before every job. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – see OCM3 Clean up leaks and spills 3 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not normally needed – check immediately. safety data sheets. If you find any problem, 3 RPE may be needed for clearing up spillages. get it fixed. Don’t just 3 Where necessary, provide CE-marked RPE with an assigned protection carry on working. factor of at least 20 for the air contaminants. Use, look after and store 3 Disposable RPE (FFP3) or cartridge RPE is acceptable. your PPE in accordance with instructions. Other protective equipment Discard single-use gloves 3 Provide standard or disposable coveralls. Check that coveralls have fire every time you take them retardant properties. off. 3 Provide clean chemical-resistant gloves and new gloves when these Wash hands before are damaged. eating, drinking or using 3 Tell workers to discard single-use gloves every time they take them off. the lavatory.

Cleaning and housekeeping 3 Clean the store once a week. 3 Collect liquid spills with absorbent material, then use wet cleaning methods. 3 Clean up solid spills with a Class H vacuum cleaner. Caution: Don’t use a brush or compressed air for cleaning. Never use compressed air to remove dust from clothing.

Waste 3 Segregate waste from other stored goods. Label it clearly. Training and supervision 3 Provide supervision – ensure that safe work procedures are followed. 3 Tell workers, including maintenance workers, what the hazards and risks are. 3 Explain the early signs of dermatitis. 3 Explain the importance of segregation for storage. 3 Supervise storage and inventory record keeping. 3 Training includes toolbox talks on: n emergency procedures;

n safe handling procedures;

n good record keeping;

n how to use RPE and check that it is working;

n how to clean up spills correctly; and

n what to do if something goes wrong.

3 Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training.

Storing chemicals OCM8 General ventilation

Essential information Other hazards OCE0 Advice for managers n Musculoskeletal disorders –

OCM3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) manual handling awkward/ OCM4 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) heavy items in restricted OCM5 Emergency planning places n Static electricity – earthing

fuel lines, storage tanks n Slips and trips

n Vehicle movements

n Substances harmful to the

marine environment

Further information Chemical warehousing: The storage of packaged dangerous substances HSG71 (Fourth edition) HSE Books 2009 ISBN 978 0 7176 6237 1 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ hsg71.htm

Tote tanks www.stepchangeinsafety.net

Safe handling of combustible dusts: Precautions against explosions HSG103 (Second edition) HSE Books 2003 ISBN 978 0 7176 2726 4 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ hsg103.htm

You can find the full Offshore COSHH essentials series at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

This guidance was developed by representatives from the UK offshore oil and gas industry and trade unions, with HSE.

© Crown copyright 2011 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 03/11