Storage of dangerous goods - 2

HBY: I want to come back to the storage of dangerous goods. You mentioned that spill pallets are made especially for this purpose and have to meet specific requirements. Can you tell more about what you mean by that?
EH: Then we’ll go more into depth. At Lely, we have the precondition that they must, of course, be able to support the storage quantity. It may sound weird, but make sure the drip trays are chemical-resistant. Even more important is the size. Such a spill pallet must be able to absorb at least the contents of the largest container.
HBY: I understand that there are certain calculation modules that tell you how big the spill pallets should be. Do we apply that here?
EH: That’s basically right, but at the farm level I’d recommend just sticking to the largest packaging. In any case: provide more than sufficient reception capacity.
HBY: I get that, and we quickly agree that it’s about protecting against uncontrolled spills and preventing dangerous goods from coming together and causing nasty reactions.
EH: Right. Just use common sense and handle these products consciously. So don’t pile up 3 or 4 high, mix them up criss-cross and that sort of weird stuff. Keep it manageable and, above all, clear.
HBY: But what about empty packaging? Do they also have to be on a spill pallet?
EH: That’s a tough question. As long as empty packaging has not been rinsed, you should see it as dangerous in my opinion. And approach it in the same way as if it were full packaging. After all, there is still a remainder. My advice is to close the packaging properly after use and make sure that the label is still on it and remains. This makes handling and storage many times easier and, as far as I’m concerned, it no longer needs to be placed on the spill pallet. That is also safer for the people who collect and recycle the empty packaging.
HBY: Do you have any special recommendations when it comes to handling dangerous goods? I can imagine that it takes more than just placing a spill pallet. My industry experience goes well beyond that.
EH: The idea that we have to do the same on the farm as we do on an industrial level is a bit too much for me, despite the fact that similar products are used and there are no differences in the dangers. But mostly it concerns much smaller use. As far as I’m concerned, safe storage is already served by using the spill pallets, when lye and acid are separated, and the special storage cabinets. If it becomes more large-scale, you will also have to store more and therefore more in accordance with industrial guidelines. But you know everything about that!
HBY: That’s right. Perhaps good to mention that we have already come a long way in supervising storage at large-scale companies. In need of advice? Feel free to contact us!