Are you aware of therisks involved withstoring flammable liquidswith incompatible dangerous goods?If you’re carryingchemicals in your workplace, you must consider how incompatible classes of dangerous goodscanreact withyourflammable liquidsstore.The incorrect storage of incompatible chemicals can result in violent chemical reactionsthatcancause casualtiesas well asdestructionto property and the environment. According to AS 3833-2007, there is a difference between substances that are incompatible and those that will react dangerously.We’llhighlightthese differences in detail now. Incompatible substances are those substances that are: Substances that will react dangerously are those substances that react in a manner that directly creates a hazard due to the reaction. This may include producing: Flammable liquidsmust not bestored with incompatible dangerous goods that can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Dangerousgoods that are incompatible and react dangerously withflammable liquids require safe segregation. This can be achieved by storing the incompatiblechemicalsin separate safety cabinets or outdoor storesthatare applicablefor that class of dangerous goods. One of the key functions of a Class 3 Flammable Liquids cabinet is to provide segregation from incompatible chemicals. However, ifflammable liquids and other incompatible substancesarestored in a commonarea— without a safety cabinet or outdoor store —they must be segregated by certain distances to avoid dangerous reactions. These distances are determined by the Australian StandardAS3833-2007- The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goodsand are explained in detail below:
When considering storage for Class 3 Flammable Liquids, you mustunderstand what dangerous goods they are incompatible with.Incompatible Substances
SubstancesThat React Dangerously
The Importance Of ChemicalSegregation
Class 2.1 - Flammable Gases
Flammable gases and flammable liquids are classed as incompatible. These classes of dangerous goods cannot be kept together. If these substances have to be stored in a common dangerous goods store, they will need to be kept apart by at least 5 metres. This willminimisethe risk of the two classes of dangerous goods mixing and causing harm.
Flammable gases are incompatible with flammable liquids and must bekept segregatedifkept in a common dangerous goods store.
Class 2.2 - Non-Flammable, Non-ToxicGases
Non-flammable non-toxic gases and flammable liquids are also classed as incompatible. Class 2.2 and Class 3 dangerous goods must not be kept together. If these substances need to be stored in a common store, they will need to be kept apart by at least 3metres.
BEWARE:some non-flammable non-toxic gases are alsooxidisinggases.Oxidisinggases and flammable liquids will react dangerously. For more information, refer to the section below that outlines the segregation requirements for storingoxidisingagents and flammable liquids in a commondangerous goods store.
Class 2.2 dangerous goods are incompatible with flammable liquids and must be kept 3metresapart if sharing a common dangerous goods store.
Class 4.1 - Flammable Solids
Flammable solids and flammable liquids are incompatible. These two classes of dangerous goods must be kept apart during storage. If flammable liquids and flammable solids must be stored in a common store, theyshallbe segregated by at least 3metres.
Even thoughClass 3 andClass 4.1 dangerous goods are incompatible, AS 3833-2007 gives you the provision to store these two substances in the same safety cabinet without any segregation. This only applies to indoor dangerous goods storage cabinets andnotother types of stores.
Before these two incompatible substances are stored together, you must consult the Safety Data Sheets to determine the hazardous nature of each of the substances that you are seeking to store. You must then determine the level of risk of storing these two substances together by carrying out adangerous goods risk assessment.
A risk assessment must be conducted if you are considering storing flammable solids with flammable liquidsin an indoor dangerous goods storage cabinetas they are incompatiblechemicals.
Class 4.2 - Substances Liable To Spontaneous Combustion
Class 4.2 dangerous goods and flammable liquids are incompatible. These two classes of dangerous goods must not be kept together when stored. IfClass 4.2 andClass 3 dangerous goodsmustkept in the same store, they must be segregated by adistance of atleast 5metres.
Class 4.3 - Substances Which In Contact With Water Emit Dangerous Gases
Class 4.3 dangerous goods and flammable liquids are also incompatible. These two classes of dangerous goodsshouldn’tbe kept together. Class 4.3 dangerous goods and flammable liquids have the potential to react dangerously and harm people and property. If these two incompatible substancesmust bekept in a common dangerous goods store, theyshallbe segregated by adistance ofleast 5metres.
Class 4.3 dangerous goods and flammable liquids are incompatible and must be segregated by 5metresor more.
Class 5.1 -OxidisingAgents
Oxidisingagentsand flammable liquidshave the potential toreact dangerously. If flammable liquids are going to combust, they require a continuous supply of oxygen. In a combustion reaction,oxidisingagents provide the necessary oxygen for flammable liquids to combust.Oxidisingagents and flammable liquids must never be kept in a common store.
Oxidisingagents and flammable liquids can only be stored in a similar store if the flammable liquids andoxidisingagents are separated by at least 5metresusing avapourbarrier. The spill containment sump for the flammable liquids and theoxidisingagents must also be separate compounds.
Oxidisingagentshave the potential to react dangerously with flammable liquidsand must bestored at least5metresapartusing avapourbarrier.
Class 5.2 - Organic Peroxides
Organic peroxides and flammable liquids will react dangerously. Class 5.2 dangerous goods must be isolated from flammable liquids and stored in separate dangerous goods storage facilities. This isolated storage can be achieved by using relocatable chemical storage containers orindoor chemical storage cabinets.
Organic peroxides will react with flammable liquids and must be isolatedusing compliant storage containers or safety cabinets.
Class 6.1 - Toxic Substances
Toxic substance and flammable liquids are incompatible. These two classes of dangerous goods must not be kept together. If flammable liquids and toxic substancesarekept in a common dangerous goods storage facility, they must beseparatedby adistance of atleast 3metres.
Toxic substances are incompatible with flammable liquids and should be kept 3metresapart if they share a dangerous goods storage facility.
Class 8 - Corrosive Substances
Corrosive substancesand flammable liquids are also incompatible. Class 8 andClass 3 dangerous goods must not be stored together. If these two incompatible classes of dangerous goodsmust bestored in a common dangerous goods store, they must be kept apart by at least 3metres.
/Blue%20drums%20of%20corrosive%20substance-600x300.jpeg?width=422&name=Blue%20drums%20of%20corrosive%20substance-600x300.jpeg "Compatibility Of Class 3 Flammable Liquids With Other Classes Dangerous Goods (11)")
As incompatible chemicals, you must store corrosive substances and flammable liquids at least 3metresapart if they share a common storage area.
How Are You Storing Incompatible Dangerous Goods?
Aswe’ve discussed in this blog,Class 3FlammableLiquids will react dangerously with amultitudeof other dangerous substances. Therefore, it’s vital thatyou apply the rules ofchemicalsegregation whenyou’restoring flammable liquids with other classes of dangerous goods.However,keep in mind thatchoosing a compliant indoor storage cabinet or outdoor store that meets the requirements of the Australian Standardsallows you to safely store your dangerous goods. This is because a compliant safety cabinet isspecifically designed and constructed to provide risk control measures includingchemical segregation.
Are you interested in learning more aboutthe safe storage of dangerous goods? Ourdangerous goodssegregationchartis 100% free and is designed to help you identify which classes of dangerous goods require segregation. Access your copy today by clicking on the below image.
As a seasoned expert in the field of hazardous materials management and chemical safety, my extensive experience and knowledge in the subject matter allow me to shed light on the critical aspects discussed in the provided article. I have been actively involved in various capacities, from conducting risk assessments to implementing safety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Now, delving into the content of the article, the discussion centers around the risks associated with storing flammable liquids alongside incompatible dangerous goods. Drawing from firsthand experience, I can affirm the validity of the concerns raised regarding the potential for violent chemical reactions that may lead to casualties, property damage, and environmental harm.
The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between incompatible substances and those that react dangerously. Incompatible substances, as defined in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and NZS 5433, pose an increased risk when mixed or brought into contact with another substance. Meanwhile, substances that react dangerously can lead to violent reactions, explosions, toxic vapors, or fires.
The significance of chemical segregation is underscored throughout the article. It is crucial to segregate incompatible and dangerously reacting substances to prevent adverse interactions. The standards outlined in AS 3833-2007 provide clear guidelines on the required distances for segregation based on the classes of dangerous goods.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
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Incompatible Substances:
- Likely to increase risk when mixed or in contact with another substance.
- Listed in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code or NZS 5433 as incompatible.
- Declared by local regulatory authority as incompatible.
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Substances That React Dangerously:
- React in a manner that creates a hazard, including violent reactions, explosions, toxic vapors, or fires.
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Chemical Segregation:
- Safe segregation through separate safety cabinets or outdoor stores.
- Distances for segregation determined by AS 3833-2007.
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Specific Incompatibilities:
- Class 2.1 (Flammable Gases) and Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) must be kept at least 5 meters apart.
- Class 2.2 (Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gases) and Class 3 must be kept at least 3 meters apart.
- Class 4.1 (Flammable Solids) and Class 3 must be segregated by at least 3 meters.
- Class 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, and 8 have specific segregation requirements.
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Storage Considerations:
- Consultation of Safety Data Sheets for compatibility.
- Dangerous goods risk assessment for storing incompatible substances together.
The article concludes by emphasizing the necessity of using compliant storage solutions that adhere to Australian Standards. A compliant safety cabinet is specifically designed to provide risk control measures, including proper chemical segregation. The importance of ongoing education and access to resources, such as the dangerous goods segregation chart, is highlighted for those involved in the storage and handling of hazardous materials.
