Many chemicals used in the workplace are incompatible — meaning they can create violent reactions if they’re mixed (or sometimes even just contact one another). Mixing incompatible chemicals like bleach and ammonia creates dangerous vapours; water or steam contacting calcium oxide (lime) generates heat; and oxidisers contacting flammables cause fires and explosions. This blog outlines the steps required for chemical segregation of incompatible substances at your worksite, so you can prevent dangerous reactions and emergency situations.
Are you searching for the ‘incompatible chemicals meaning’? Before we get into the rules of chemical segregation, let’s look at the definition of incompatible chemicals.
Incompatible chemicals and dangerous goods are those that are listed as incompatible in the Australian Dangers Goods (ADG) Code — or are declared incompatible by the regulatory authority. If the incompatible substances are mixed or even brought into contact with goods, they’re likely to interact, thereby increasing the hazard.
To determine incompatible chemicals, you must refer to your Safety Data Sheet for each chemical that you have onsite. Segregation charts, like our Storemasta DG Segregation Chart, can assist with general segregation considerations for each chemical class. However, you must always refer to your Safety Data Sheet, while using the segregation chart as your general guide.
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Correctly identifying each of the chemicals used and stored at your worksite is the first (and arguably the most critical) step to safely segregating incompatible chemicals. You’ll do this by creating a master register to document each and every chemical you have onsite and collate a copy of all the Safety Data Sheets (SDS). You may have to conduct a walk-around to physically identify each chemical, taking the time also to note how they are labelled and stored.
Once you have your list, you can take a deeper dive and identify the following for each chemical product:
This information is specialised and may not be printed on the label, so you’re going to have to read that SDS carefully. Now it’s time to work out which chemicals require segregation and how you are going to do it.
TIP: Conduct visual inspections of hazardous chemicals and their containers regularly — noting worn or missing labels, damaged containers, out-of-date chemicals.
To begin your segregation scheme, you should group chemicals according to their hazard class. But also remember it’s not simply a matter of placing all the flammable liquids in one corner and the flammable solids in another.
Most chemicals have multiple hazards, with many substances having sub-risks. Things get tricky when you have (for example) flammable solids that are also a corrosive, or a flammable liquid that is also a toxic substance.
Ultimately, your decision will be based on a complete hazard analysis and risk assessment that identifies the consequences of an accidental release or dangerous chemical reaction.
Here at Storemasta we’ve developed a free Dangerous Goods Segregation Chart to help you quickly identify chemical hazard classes that are incompatible, and those which must be either isolated or completely separated.
The chart is easy to navigate, and in less than a minute you can work out that flammable solids must be stored at least 3 metres from flammable liquids, and in a separate compound or building (at least 5 metres apart) from flammable gases.
TIP: Your segregation scheme must also include procedures for safe removal and disposal of hazardous chemicals, such as organic peroxides, corrosive chemicals or flammable liquids, so they don’t mix with incompatible substances.
Now it’s time to implement the plan and setup those storage areas. For example, proper segregation of incompatible chemicals in warehouse storage is vital for operational and community safety, so specific measures (storage, handling practices, delivery procedures, administrative controls) must be put in place to control the risks.
Again, the actual control measures you use and how the chemicals are separated will depend on the chemicals you use, the hazards they possess, how often they are used, as well as any special features of your workplace.
Here are some general tips and reminders:
Tip: For expert segregation, Involve the manufacturer or supplier of the chemicals, as well as professional safety consultants. They can recommend segregation methods that have been successful at other worksites, and fully explain the WHS legislation that applies to the chemical hazards in your workplace.
Would you like to know more about chemical segregation? We recommend you access your free copy of our helpful eBook How to manage the risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the workplace. Our comprehensive guide outlines our step-by-step methodology for managing the risks associated with hazardous chemicals. Download your copy today and take the next steps towards ensuring you meet your WHS obligations for chemical safety.