What do you need to consider when deciding on the storage location of toxic and flammable substances in drums and cylinders?
Before deciding where and how and where to store these materials, there are several things that you should consider, including:
- The particular hazards of the material(s);
- The size of the inventory (amount) that needs to be stored;
- The distance from other stored materials;
- Process plant;
- Traffic Routes.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provide several Codes of Practice that can you give you guidance on separation distances such as:
- HS(G)51 Storage of flammable liquids in containersand;
- HS(G)40 Safe handling of chlorine from drums and cylinders
Firewalls can also be made use of where separation distances are inadequate. These should help to reduce the impact of any incidents that might occur. The HSE also provide guidance in their Technical Measures Document, Active / Passive Fire Protection, that covers active and passive fire protection systems and refers to relevant codes of practice and standards.
The operator should be able to demonstrate that:
- the storage location, and its design, has taken into account any site-specific security requirements
- the potential for vandalism
The content on this page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Please note that any images forming part of this advice article are for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of colours, labelling or markings relating to any country specific legislation, guidelines or standards. Written information and guidance relate to the United Kingdom and specifically to information provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other UK public sector bodies.
Information herein is primarily provided for the purposes of managing fire risk. However, in order to give the reader a more complete understanding of the storage and handling of toxic and flammable substances in drums and cylinders, we have provided additional information. If you need specific advice or information on matters not directly related to fire risk management, you should consult an expert with the appropriate knowledge and/or the supplier or manufacturer.
Disclaimer: INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TREATED AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT A FIRE PROFESSIONAL, OR OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL, FOR ADVICE ON YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND REQUIREMENTS.
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