MINOR STORAGES OF DANGEROUS GOODS

MINOR STORAGES OF DANGEROUS GOODS
37. What are minor storages?
Minor storages are dangerous goods storages in quantities below the “Placarding Quantity” in
Schedule 2 of the Regulations. A premises could have a number of such storages and this Part
would be applicable to each storage
38. Relationship with other Parts of this Code
This Part of the Code only applies to minor storages of dangerous goods (other than
dangerous goods on display for retail sale for which part 4 applies).
If this Part of the Code applies to your premises, you will be in compliance with the
Regulations if you follow the guidance in this Part. You do not need to refer to Part 3 of the
Code (except where noted).
39. Risk management for minor storages
39.1 Hazard identification
It is sufficient compliance with Regulation 404 in relation to each minor storage if you
prepare a list of all the dangerous goods in each minor storage that includes:
· the name of each of the dangerous goods;
· the Class, Subsidiary Risk and Packing Group of each of the dangerous goods, and
· a summary of the hazards identified in the MSDS for each of the dangerous goods
The MSDS must be obtained for each of the dangerous goods at the premises. The MSDS
provides the hazard information on the dangerous goods.
39.2 Risk assessment
It is sufficient compliance with Regulation 405 in relation to each minor storage for youto:
· review the MSDS for each of the dangerous goods kept in each minor storage; and
· document the following broad types of risk associated with the dangerous goods in the
minor storage:
– fire and explosion risks associated with the storage and handling of flammable gases
(Class 2.1 or Subsidiary Risk 2.1), flammable liquids (Class 3 or Subsidiary Risk 3),
dangerous goods of Class 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 or Subsidiary Risk 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, and
combustible liquids;
– fire risks that may result from the storage and handling of oxidising agents of Class 5.1
or Subsidiary Risk 5.1 or organic peroxides of Class 5.2;
– the toxic risks associated with dangerous goods of Class 6.1 or Subsidiary Risk 6.1; and
– the corrosive risks associated with dangerous goods of Class 8 or Subsidiary Risk 8.
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39.3 Risk control
To control risk associated with minor storage of dangerous goods, implement the following
measures:
Minimise quantities kept
· Consider substituting the dangerous goods with other goods that have a lower risk
associated with their storage and handling. Examples of substitution are the use of:
- degreasing with a detergent instead of a chlorinated or volatile solvent;
- a combustible liquid such as diesel instead of petrol and kerosene which are Class 3
flammable liquids; and
- a dangerous good with a higher Packing Group number. An example is substituting
xylene (PGIII) for toluene (PGII).
· Ensure the quantity of dangerous goods kept at any one time is kept to a minimum
consistent with the operation of the premises.
Follow MSDS instructions
· Where the label or MSDS for a dangerous goods specifies measures and/or equipment to
be used for the storage and handling of the dangerous goods then you should adopt those
measures or use that equipment.
Storage and handling of packages
· Keep packages securely closed when not in use. They should be stored on surfaces that are
resistant to attack by their contents if spilt, and will not react dangerously with spilt
dangerous goods.
· Stow packages in a way that minimises the risk of them falling or being dislodged.
· Store packages so that leakage cannot adversely affect other dangerous goods in the
storage area. Liquid dangerous goods in packages should not be stored above solid
dangerous goods in paper or absorbent packaging. Glass containers of liquids should be
stored at lower levels.
· Where dangerous goods require special storage conditions to ensure their stability (ie to
eliminate the risk of hazardous reaction), make regular checks to ensure that these special
conditions are maintained. Examples of special storage conditions are the need for
stabilisers or refrigeration.
· Where aerosols are stored together in outer packaging, enclose the storage area in a strong
mesh enclosure to reduce the risk from projectiles in the event of a fire involving the
aerosols.
Transfer of dangerous goods
Where dangerous goods need to be transferred (by pumping, decanting, dispensing and
filling) into or from a container or moved from place to place in a minor storage area, ensure
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that:
· spill containment is provided that can hold at least the quantity of the largest container;
· the container being filled and any transfer equipment is earthed, if there is a likelihood of
static electricity being generated and risk from ignition of flammable vapours during the
transfer;
· the transfer is done in a manner reduces the generation of any vapours and avoids
splashing or spillage of the dangerous goods;
· the place where the transfer is carried out is:
- set aside for that purpose;
- not within the storage area but adjacent to it;
- free of ignition sources;
- free of obstructions with sufficient room to enable the transfer to be carried out and to
hold containers and associated equipment;
· any decontamination materials or clean-up equipment is kept close by;
· where dangerous goods are to be transferred into containers at the premises, the container
is suitable and can’t be damaged by the dangerous goods. For example, don’t use a plastic
container that could be softened or made brittle by the dangerous goods;
The container receiving the transferred dangerous goods as part of a work process does not
require marking.
Segregation
· Segregate any dangerous goods that are incompatible to prevent them mixing. This may be
achieved by the use of an impervious barrier or by a separation distance sufficient to
prevent contamination (a distance of 1.5 metres should be sufficient in most
circumstances).
· Section 9.1.3 of the ADG Code provides advice on the compatibility of dangerous goods.25
Separation
You must provide separation of the dangerous goods from people or property at or beyond the
boundaries of the premises. For guidance on separation of dangerous goods, refer to section
18.5(e) on isolation.
Avoid sources of heat and ignition
· Keep ignition sources away from flammable or combustible dangerous goods (dangerous
25 Examples of dangerous goods which are incompatible and which should be segregated are:
- Class 5.1 oxidising agents from Class 2.1 flammable gases, Class 3 flammable liquids, C1
combustible liquids from Class 4.1 flammable solids (fire and explosion hazard);
- concentrated acids from alkalis (reaction hazard);
- cyanides from acids (generation of toxic gas hazard); and
- calcium hypochlorite from isocyanurate pool chlorine products (reaction and fire hazard).
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goods class or subsidiary risk of 2.1, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or combustible liquids). Naked flames
from direct fired heaters and any flames associated with maintenance work should be kept
at least 5 metres from the goods.
· Store dangerous goods away from sources of heat (for example, heating appliances).
· Where dangerous goods being stored or handled can generate flammable or explosive
atmospheres, use electrical equipment that is intrinsically safe or flameproof.
Spill control and clean-up
· Prevent any potential flow of dangerous goods to other parts of the premises that could
create a risk or reach any watercourse or the property boundary. Possible means are
bunding, provision of channels and utilising the slope of the land. Where spill containment
is required, it should have a sufficient capacity to contain the dangerous goods spillage.
· Keep equipment and materials for clean up at the premises to cope with spills from the
largest packages kept at the premises.
· Immediately clean up any spills and leaks. Contaminated, spilt or leaked goods should not
be returned to their original packaging except for the purposes of disposal or where it is
known that this will not increase the risk.
· Safely dispose of waste generated after the clean up of a spill or leak.
Decommissioning
· Ensure that any container or piece of equipment that has been used to store or handle
dangerous goods, and which is no longer required for that purpose, is cleaned free of
dangerous goods or otherwise made safe.
Ventilation
· Provide the areas in which dangerous goods are stored and handled with adequate natural
or mechanical ventilation sufficient to prevent the generation of a flammable or harmful
atmosphere. The level and type of ventilation will depend on the nature of the goods and
whether they are being stored or used. Ventilation is not required where the documented
assessment of the risks indicates that the likelihood of the release of flammable or harmful
dangerous goods into the atmosphere in the storage area is negligible.
· If you intend to rely on natural ventilation and need to install vents to achieve the
necessary airflow to maintain a safe atmosphere in the room being ventilated you should
consider the following:
- The need to provide vents at floor level and near the ceiling. Most dangerous goods
gases and vapours are heavier than air and will vent through the floor level vents. The
high level vents allowing fresh air to circulate into the room.
- The need to ventilate directly to the outside and not into another room.
- The need to provide a minimum amount of vent area and the spacing of vents to ensure
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effective airflow. A useful guide is to allow at least 1 square meter of vent area for each
50 square meters of floor area. The actual amount of vent area and the number of vents
that should be provided will be dependent on the size of the room to be vented and
whether there are restrictions to the free circulation of the air within the room.
Lighting
· Provide sufficient lighting of areas where dangerous goods are stored and handled to allow
normal work to be undertaken safely.
Security
· Secure storage areas for dangerous goods against unauthorised entry.
Personal protective equipment
· Ensure PPE, appropriate to the goods being handled, is worn when people are handling
dangerous goods.
· Periodically check and maintain any PPE provided. Refer to Section 18.5 for additional
guidance.
Access and egress
· Don’t store dangerous goods where they could hinder escape from the building or area in
the event of a fire, spill or leak.
Fire prevention
· Keep areas in which dangerous goods are stored or handled clear of combustible matter
and refuse. In the case of storage or work outdoors, the surrounding area should be cleared
of combustible vegetation for a distance of at least 3 metres.
40. Fire protection
A supply of water should be available, at a nearby location for emergency use.
In addition to building fire protection, provide portable fire extinguishers appropriate to the
type and quantity of dangerous goods being stored and handled at or near to the place where
the dangerous goods are stored or handled.
Maintain all fire protection equipment in an operable condition.
41. Emergency procedures
Establish procedures for responding to all emergencies, taking account of:
- the nature and quantity of dangerous goods;
- the types and likelihood of emergencies;
- the fire protection and other emergency equipment provided;
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- the physical features of the site;
- access to the premises; and
- the number of people on the premises and adjoining premises.
Ensure that all relevant emergency contact telephone numbers are displayed in a prominent
location at the premises.
42. Consultation, information and training
You have duties regarding consultation, information and training. Refer to section 14 and
section 28 for further guidance.