Toolbox Talk - Storage & Handling of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods are regularly used as an integral part of many

production processes. It is important that proper care is taken when
storing, handling and using Dangerous Goods. This will help prevent
accidents and maintain a safe working environment.
Hazards
The nature and types of hazards associated with Dangerous Goods are
wide and varied and depend on the type or types of Dangerous Goods
concerned.
Classification there are 9 different classes of Dangerous Goods that
group substances with similar characteristics together.
These
groupings are mainly concerned with the requirements and safe
storage and handling.
Safe Usage the information relevant to the safe use of different
materials should be determined by reading individual product Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The different classes of Dangerous Goods
do not necessarily take into account the toxicity or the ability of
substance to produce disease, injury or adverse health effects.
Planning and Assessment of Risks
To help prevent accidents associated with Dangerous Goods it is
important to plan each task involving Dangerous Goods and consider
possible risks to health and safety. The class(es) of Dangerous Goods
intended for use should be identified at the planning stage of each
job.
The 9 classes of Dangerous Goods are:
Class 1 -

Explosives

Class 2 -

Gases: compresses, liquefied or dissolved under pressure

Class 3 -

Flammable and combustible liquids.

Class 4 -

Flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous

combustion and substances which in contact with water
emit flammable gases.

Class 5 -

Oxidizing agents or organic peroxides.

Class 6 -

Poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances.

Class 7 -

Radio active substances.

Class 8 -

Corrosive substances.
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Toolbox Talk - Storage & Handling of Dangerous Goods

Class 9 -

Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

Risks and Hazards associated with the types of Dangerous Goods

intended for use, including product incompatibilities should be
determined by consulting the product(s) Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS).
Safe Work Practices
Largely depend on the type or types of Dangerous Goods that are
intended for use. Safe work practices relating to the storage and
handling of Dangerous Goods include:
Class 1 Explosives

Use of explosives on site is usually restricted to low powered

explosive powered tools. Explosive charges must be stored and
handled in accordance with manufacturers instructions and only
suitably trained personnel are permitted to operate explosive
powered tools.
Class 2 - Gases

All gas cylinders must be handled carefully to avoid damage to the

cylinder or value.

Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position at all times.

Flammable gases and oxygen cylinders must be fitted with flash back
arresters before they are used.

Oxygen cylinder valve and hose fittings must never be lubricated.

Fuel gases (e.g acetylene, natural gas, LPG etc) must be stored at
least 3 meters from oxidizing gases (e.g oxygen) unless the cylinders
are connected as part of a flame gas welding kit.

Cylinders and hoses must be prevented from coming into contact with
heated surfaces and so that they are not a risk of direct arc strikes
from welding equipment.

All cylinders and equipment should be checked daily for faults and
any signs of damage. Equipment that is unsafe in any way should not
be used until corrective action has been taken.
Class 3 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids should be kept away from heat

and sources of ignition.

Packages and containers of flammable and combustible liquids should

be kept closed when not in use to prevent the escape of flammable

Toolbox Talk - Storage & Handling of Dangerous Goods

vapors. Lids also act as a physical barrier to prevent sources of
ignition for coming into contact with the flammable liquid.

The pouring and mixing of flammable liquids should be performed in

areas with good ventilation to prevent fumes and vapors from building
up in the work area.

Flammable and combustible liquids must not be stored around exists.

Escape routes must be kept clear at all times form all buildings and
work areas.

Clean up all spills as soon as they occur and ensure that the clean up
materials are disposed of in an approved manner.

Store flammable and combustible liquids away from incompatible and

reactive materials.
Class 4 Flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous
combustion and substances which in contact with water emit
flammable gases
Class 4 Dangerous Goods are not widely used on site. Safe handling
should be in accordance with the manufacturers instructions on the
Product Material Safety Data Sheet.
Class 5 Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides
Class 5 Dangerous Goods must be stored at least 3 metre away from
ignition sources and direct heat. Care must also be taken to ensure
that Class 4 materials are stored away from flammable and
combustible materials or materials that are in compensable and may
react violently on contact.
Class 6 Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances

Poisonous substances must be kept away from food stuffs and items
for human consumption.

Where possible avoid skin contact and wash your hands prior to
eating.
Class 7 Radioactive Substances

Storage and handling of radioactive substances must in accordance

with the requirements of procedures developed by the site Radiation
Safety Officer (RSO).
Class 8 Corrosive Substances

Where possible corrosive substances should be kept in their original

storage containers.

Toolbox Talk - Storage & Handling of Dangerous Goods

Packages containing corrosive should only be stored on surfaces that

are not able to be attached by the contents of the package.
Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Protect aerosols by storing them under cover away from the weather
and direct sunlight.

Aerosols should be kept at least 3 metres away from any source of

heat or ignition.

Care should be taken to avoid damaging aerosol cans.

Dispose of aerosol cans properly when they are empty, pressure
may still remain in empty cans posing a significant risk of
explosion if cans are punctured or ignited.
General Precaution

Where possible keep materials in their original packages as this makes

the product more easily identifiable and helps ensure that the
package is not going to react with the Dangerous Goods.

Label all Dangerous Goods correctly and avoid using food or drink
containers to store Dangerous Goods.

Transport Dangerous Goods that are able to be spilt or generate dusts

in sealed containers.

Keep packages of Dangerous Goods closed until they are ready to be

used, to reduce the chance of spills and vapour/fume release.

Check Dangerous Goods for leaks or damage when they are delivered
to your work area. Damage or leaking packages should be repacked
immediately or prevented from further spilling by some means.
Damaged or leaking packages should not be taken into any storage
area.

Clean up spills involving Dangerous Goods immediately. Large spills

need to be prevented from spreading further.
Note: Dispose of clean up materials in an appropriate manner,
considering the physical properties Dangerous Goods that has
been cleaned up.

Packages of Dangerous Goods that have been opened should not be

returned to storage areas unless they are securely closed and the
packaging is free of any contamination.

Toolbox Talk - Storage & Handling of Dangerous Goods

Reporting of Faults/Hazards
Wherever possible hazards should be corrected as soon as they are
identified, by either fixing the problem yourself (without placing
yourself at risk) or by contacting your Supervisor.