Identify Legislation Regarding Different Inputs

The Basic Rules And Regulations Regarding Handling And Storage Of Inputs

When should I wear proper personal protective equipment? If other methods, such as engineering controls, are not available or effective enough to control exposure to corrosives, wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Choosing the correct PPE to wear when doing a particular job is essential therefore it is best done with the help of someone who knows how to evaluate the hazards of the job and how to select the proper PPE. MSDSs should provide general guidance.

Avoid Skin Contact

Wear protective gloves, aprons, boots, hoods, or other clothing depending on how big a chance there is of skin contact. This clothing must be made of materials that resist penetration or damage by the chemical. Normally the MSDS formulate recommendations regarding appropriate materials, otherwise, contact the chemical's manufacturer or supplier for specific information.

Protect Your Eyes and Face

Always wear eye protection when working with corrosives. Although ordinary safety glasses provide some protection, chemical safety goggles are best. In some instances, you should also wear a face shield to protect your face from splashes. The current Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.3, "Industrial Eye and Face Protectors," provides advice on the selection and use of eye and face protectors.

Avoid Breathing Corrosive Vapours, Fumes, Dust or Mists

A written respiratory protection program should be followed when using respirators for breathing protection.

Where should corrosives be stored?

In general, stack different types of chemicals and fertilisers separately, away from processing and handling areas, and away from other materials. Separate storage can reduce the amount of damage caused in case of fires, spills or leaks. If totally separate storage is not possible, store corrosives away from incompatible materials.

Some corrosives are incompatible with each other (e.g. the reaction of acids and bases can be fatal) and should not be stored next to each other.

In storage areas where corrosive items are kept the walls, floors and shelving should be made from materials that resist damage by corrosives. Floors must be treated to prevent liquids from penetrating (in the case of liquid corrosives). Since many corrosive liquids flow easily, it is advisable to store the containers in corrosion-resistant trays to restrain spills or leaks. For large containers, such as 250-litre (55-gallon) drums, it will be necessary to build embankments around the storage area.

Store containers at a convenient height for handling, below eye level if possible. High shelving increases the risk of dropping containers as well as the severity of damage if a fall occurs.

Store corrosives in areas which are:

• well ventilated.
• supplied with adequate fire-fighting equipment.
• supplied with suitable cleaning equipment and materials in case of spillage.
• labelled with proper warning signs.

At all times:

• allow only trained, authorized people into storage areas.
• keep the quantity of corrosive material in storage as small as possible.
• inspect storage areas regularly for any corrosion, damage, leaking containers or poor housekeeping. Correct all deficiencies as soon as possible.

How should I store containers of corrosives?

Before storing corrosives, inspect all incoming containers to ensure that they are undamaged and properly labelled. Do not accept delivery of defective containers.

Corrosives can destroy containers made of improper materials. Be sure to store corrosive materials in the type of containers recommended by the manufacturer or supplier. Protect containers from slamming against each other when storing, transferring or using them. Keep them tightly closed when not in use.

How do I handle corrosive containers safely?

Containers with corrosives should always be handled carefully as damaged containers may leak.

Many workplaces receive corrosive liquids in large metal drums or barrels to refill smaller containers. Moving these full drums (weighing hundreds of pounds) by hand can be difficult and hazardous. Drum cradles are specially designed to ease this task with a forklift. You can also purchase special carbon caddies for bulky bottles and safety bottle carriers for smaller sized bottles. Safety equipment and laboratory supply retailers sell this equipment.

Self-closing, portable containers for carrying, storing and dispensing small amounts of corrosive liquids are also available. They are made from high-density polyethene and come in different shapes with capacities of up to 19 litres. These containers have spring-mounted spout caps that close automatically after filling and open automatically when the vapour pressure builds up inside the container (to allow vapours to escape and prevent rupture).

How do I dispose of waste material safely?

Corrosive waste is hazardous and must always be handled safely. Containers for waste must be made from corrosion-resistant materials. Identify the contents of these containers with suitable labels.

"Empty" drums, bottles and other containers often have hazardous corrosive residues inside them. Never use these "empty" containers for anything else, no matter how clean they seem to be. Treat them as corrosive waste. It is possible to decontaminate "empty" containers. A chemical manufacturer or supplier can advise you about this.

Never dispose of corrosives down sinks or drains that are connected to sanitary or storm sewers. Dispose of them according to the manufacturer or supplier's directions or through hazardous waste collection and disposal companies. In all cases, dispose of corrosive waste according to the environmental laws that apply to your area. Contact the appropriate environmental officials for details about the disposal laws that apply to specific corrosives.