Chemicals are used across many different industries, including construction, agriculture, and hospitality. While their use is essential to completing work, chemicals must be handled with care, especially during transportation. Carelessness and negligent handling of chemicals often come with an enormous fallout including damage to the environment and harm to people’s health. Throughout this article, we’ll take a look at the hazards of transporting chemicals alongside how to get the job done safely.
Hazards Involved with Transporting Chemicals
Dangerous goods are classified according to their level of threat in the event of a transportation accident. The United Nations splits up harmful materials into the following categories:
- Corrosive substances. Corrosive materials cause damage to the environment and health. In particular, respiratory failure, burns, and irritation to the eyes are common.
- Toxic substances. This covers anything deemed infectious or toxic.
- Flammable solids. Some solid materials are flammable, others react when they meet water, and others can spontaneously combust.
- Flammable liquids. If a liquid catches fire easily and it’s spilled in transit, it causes damage to the environment and structures.
- Gases. Harmful gases can be toxic, poisonous, or flammable.
- Explosives. As the names suggest, these materials can explode during transit.
- Radioactive materials. If radioactive materials are spilled, the impact on the environment and health can be enormous.
Transporting Chemicals Externally
When large quantities of chemicals are being transported, be it by road, train, plane, or boat, there is a considerably high risk involved. To adhere to regulations and keep your team and the public safe, follow these best practices when transporting harmful chemicals:
- Different chemicals call for different spill kits, so be sure to carry the correct one.
- Ensure chemicals and substances are completely secured before moving.
- Always split chemicals into the categories above – never mix them during transport.
- Always label chemicals properly according to the UN categorizations.
- Only trust competent logistics companies – you can obtain evidence beforehand.
- All packaging must be labeled with appropriate warnings.
If you mess up during chemical transportation, you may harm the environment and cause harm to people’s health. Follow this link for a case study demonstrating what can happen if disaster strikes during chemical transportation: https://www.rblaw.net/casestudy-beach-park-illinois-chemical-spill.
Transporting Chemicals Internally
The most common form of chemical transportation happens on-site, whether that be moving around a construction site or being carried from room to room in a restaurant or shop. It may not feel necessary to worry too much about such short distances, but accidents happen anywhere, and they can be fatal. To limit accidents during chemical transportation, follow these guidelines:
- Never carry chemical containers by hand – use a cart or other transportation equipment.
- Always place jars and bottles inside secondary containment before transporting.
- Never transport reactive chemicals together.
- Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Always carry a spill management kit.
- If you do spill chemicals, never attempt to clean them alone, and always be sure of protocols.
Businesses are responsible for safely transporting chemicals, whether that be internally or externally. Above, you will find a series of best practices, which will help you keep compliant and avoid accidental chemical spills.
