This article details the necessary requirements for winter chemical storage. During winter, industries reliant on the storage and use of chemicals face unique challenges. Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, shares critical insights into the risks posed by colder temperatures and offers actionable strategies to ensure safety throughout the season.
Colder conditions introduce distinct hazards in chemical handling and storage. These challenges can compromise safety if not properly addressed. Here are the primary risks to consider during winter:
Many chemicals are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, this particularly affects winter chemical storage. Low temperatures can alter their viscosity, solubility, and reactivity, increasing the risk of accidents. For example:
Certain chemicals, especially aqueous solutions, are prone to freezing in low temperatures. This can damage containers, cause leaks, or result in the unintended release of hazardous substances. Additionally, frozen chemicals may expand, placing further strain on their containers.
In cold weather, the vapour density of volatile chemicals increases. This causes dangerous vapours to settle closer to the ground, creating heightened risks of inhalation exposure and potentially explosive atmospheres in poorly ventilated areas.
4. Equipment malfunction
Freezing temperatures can compromise essential equipment like valves, pumps, and seals, leading to brittleness and a higher likelihood of leaks or malfunctions.
Winter conditions such as reduced visibility and slippery surfaces increase the risk of spills and accidents during the handling and transportation of chemicals.
To address these risks, it’s advisable to adopt proactive safety measures. Below are essential tips for maintaining safety during the winter months:
Review your chemical inventory and consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to identify temperature limits for each substance. Store sensitive chemicals in suitable conditions to prevent risks.
Use temperature-controlled environments such as insulated containers or heated storage facilities to keep chemicals stable and prevent freezing. An ideal solution for storing chemicals in low-temperature environments is the Thermovault, a perfect solution for winter chemical storage. Click here for more information on Chemstore’s Thermovault range.
Perform frequent inspections of storage equipment, including tanks, pipelines, and containers. Pay close attention to seals, valves, and other components prone to cold-related wear and damage.
Develop and maintain robust spill prevention and response plans. Equip storage areas with spill kits, barriers, and absorbent materials for quick containment of leaks.
Provide employees with PPE designed for cold conditions, including insulated gloves and outerwear. In areas with hazardous vapours, ensure the availability of proper respiratory protection.
Train employees to identify and mitigate risks associated with winter chemical handling. Include hazard identification, proper storage protocols, and emergency response procedures in your training programs.
Continuously monitor the temperature and humidity of chemical storage areas using data loggers or alarms. Act promptly if conditions approach unsafe thresholds.
Winter poses unique challenges for chemical storage and handling, but proactive measures can significantly mitigate these risks. By prioritising safety, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of awareness, industries can protect their employees and assets.
At Chemstore, we’re dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions for safe chemical storage. For all your winter chemical storage needs contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance your chemical storage capabilities.
Corvault – Bunded Drum & IBC Stores for Corrosives Electric car revolution welcome but safety is paramountChemstore UK welcomes the Government’s announcement that all new vehicles in Britain will be electric from 2035 and the positive impact this will have on the environment, however when it comes to the technology behind electric vehicles – lithium-ion batteries – it must be remembered that safety is paramount.
Lithium-ion batteries have quickly become ubiquitous powering so many of our every day devices from mobile phones and laptops to power tools. However their risks are still poorly understood.
Lithium-ion batteries are now a common contributor to household fires and they have become a serious hazard in waste and recycling centres as people casually dispose of them within their household waste with little understanding of the dangers they pose. They are also present a serious hazard within industrial premises.
One major issue is that they are vulnerable to thermal runaway, an uncontrollable chain reaction during which the high heat created by the failing cell can develop to the next cell, causing it to also become thermally unstable. Once ignited, the batteries can also emit toxic fumes and battery cells can reignite hours after an initial fire has been extinguished making them extremely unpredictable for the fire service to deal with.
Why lithium-ion battery fires start is unclear but manufacturing defects and contamination, damage in transit and over charging are all thought to play a role. If they are not appropriately segregated there is also the risk of them being affected by a fire that has started elsewhere which can have devastating consequences.
More questions than answers
The reality is that there are more questions than answers at the moment about lithium-ion battery safety and even the fire service is learning as we go. Research is underway which will hopefully provide some clarity but it is prudent to manage lithium-ion batteries with the utmost caution until we fully understand their risks, handling them with care and keeping them in specialised safe storage facilities, such as Chemstore’s Electrovault range, segregated from other hazards.
As trusted specialists in hazardous materials, at Chemstore UK, we are already working with leaders in the automotive and motorsports industry to ensure they are handling and storing their lithium-ion batteries in line with best practice as it is currently understood.
However whether you are an electric car manufacturer handling and storing vast quantities of lithium-ion batteries, or just dealing with this technology in small amounts, it is important not to overlook this omnipresent risk.
Chemstore UK offers a range of indoor and outdoor handling and storage solutions for lithium-ion batteries as well as providing bespoke storage options. Contact us today on 020 8704 1807 to find out more.
Case Study: Storing AcetoneWhen professional nail product distributor, Pure Nails, was looking for a storage solution for safely storing Acetone within their factory before it was forwarded for onward distribution, they turned to Chemstore UK.
As Acetone is highly flammable it needed to be housed in a 90minute fire rated structure but it also needed to be easily accessible so orders could be fulfilled quickly and efficiently.
Following a site visit from Account Manager, Stephen Mansell, Chemstore UK proposed a bespoke Firevault unit which measured 14m long and, rather than housing standard pallet racking, incorporated front and back access for easy loading and unloading of boxes.
Stephen Mansell explains: “The Acetone remains within its manufactured sealed containers during the time that Pure Nails handles it so it is unlikely to be the source of a fire, but due to Acetone’s highly flammable nature, it was essential to keep it protected from potential fires started elsewhere within the premises. The bespoke Firevault was the perfect solution because it ensured when storing Acetone the product could be protected from fire without hindering the company’s operations.”
Nathan Palmer, Head of Operations, Pure Nails comments: “From their first site visit through to the design and approval of the Firevault to it arriving and being installed in great condition onsite, we were very impressed with both the product and service provided by Chemstore UK.
“Getting the unit into the factory was really impressive. I would definitely recommend using them.”
Chemstore’s got lithium-ion battery storage covered
Chemstore, the hazardous materials experts, have added the ION-LINE, a 90 minute fire rated lithium-ion storage and charging cabinet for the indoor storage of lithium-ion batteries, to its lithium-ion battery storage offering.
When charging lithium-ion batteries heat can be generated, if this heat output is too high, a fire may occur, for example if the lithium-ion battery, charger or the cable is defective. Another major risk factor is thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries
The ION-LINE allows charging of batteries overnight in the safe knowledge they are protected by a 90minute fire rated cabinet that has smoke detection and fire suppression built in.
“Standard fire-rated units just won’t do when it comes to lithium-ion battery storage which is why it is important to consult a specialist such as Chemstore who are fast becoming the go-to experts on this issue.”
The ION-LINE cabinet also features a fire suppression system and smoke detectors.
Chemstore Managing Director Mike Brodie comments: “The addition of the ION-LINE to our range means that we now have lithium-ion battery storage covered with an outdoor (Electrovault) and indoor offering as well as the option to create bespoke storage solutions.
“Standard fire-rated units just won’t do when it comes to lithium-ion battery storage which is why it is important to consult a specialist such as Chemstore who are fast becoming the go-to experts on this issue.”
ION-LINE features include:
Dimensions: External 1,196W x 616D x 1,968H (mm)
Cabinet Weight: 424Kg
Loading: 180Kg evenly distributed load per shelf.
Storage: 6 No. shelves and 1 no. bottom collecting sump .
Spillage Collection: 33 L Leak tested, welded steel, liquid collection sump in base.
Access: Twin hinged wing doors
Finish: Chemical resistant powder coat finish (Blue)
Sentence after teenage apprentice overcome by chemicalsSouth Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 12 December 2017, the employee of Wheelnut Ltd, entered an area of the company’s former premises in Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, known as the “acid room”. The employee entered the room to retrieve alloy wheels from one of three barrels of a chemical substance containing Dichloromethane (DCM), Methanol and Hydrofluoric Acid used in the stripping process. He was subsequently found by a colleague slumped unconscious over a barrel.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a risk assessment for the chemical wheel stripping process was not suitable or sufficient. Appropriate control measures should have included suitable exhaust ventilation in the room as well as respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for the employees. RPE was provided but it was not maintained in an efficient or effective state. Several parts of it were damaged and the air feed to it from the compressor was not filtered correctly. The investigation found that on this occasion, and previously, the employee was not wearing the RPE when he entered the room. Employees were not provided with suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training with regards to the risks involved with using the chemicals, particularly the risks involved with using DCM.
Wheelnut Ltd of Whickham Bank, Swalwell, Newcastle upon pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £32,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £1718.50.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Joy Craighead said: “A young worker suffered a potentially serious injury. Breathing in DCM vapour can produce narcotic effects and, at high concentrations, unconsciousness and death. In this instance, the boy made a full recovery, but it could have easily resulted in his death.”
Commenting on the sentencing, Mike Brodie, Chemstore UK Managing Director said: “A storage arrangement with suitable extraction could have prevented this incident from happening. It is easy to underestimate the dangers of gases and vapours given off by chemicals because they can be odourless and vapourless but their effects can be devastating. Thankfully the apprentice in question made a full recovery but the incident is a reminder of the importance of storing hazardous substances correctly.”
If you are unsure of your obligations in this area, contact Chemstore today for a free site assessment.
You may also be interested in our free corrosives storage checklist.
V Line V90.196.081.VDAC 90 Minute Fire Rated CabinetThe asecos range of Fire Rated Cabinet are a renowned standard of quality employed throughout a full range of industries in the UK.
90 minutes fire-resistant V90
Dimensions : External 819W x 863D x 1,966H (mm)
Cabinet Weight: 344 Kg
Loading: 50 Kg evenly distributed load per shelf.
Storage: 5 No. shelves and 1 no. bottom collecting sump with perforated insert.
Spillage Collection: 12.5 L Leak tested, welded steel, liquid collection sump in base.
Access: 2 No. Electric opening slide-out doors
Finish: Chemical resistant powder coat finish
Time to review your corrosive substance storage?
Chemstore, The Hazardous Materials Expert, is encouraging businesses large and small to review their corrosive storage requirements to ensure that they are keeping staff and members of the public safe and Chemstore has created a corrosives storage checklist to help.
The advice comes in light of an increasing number of public acid attacks which serve as a reminder of the devastating impact corrosive substances can have on human health.
Corrosives and their vapours can cause devastating damage to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and digestive tract
As news reports have highlighted, corrosives and their vapours can cause devastating damage to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and digestive tract and some corrosives can even eat through metal. Controlling access to these substances and storing them correctly in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 is therefore essential but Chemstore finds it is a hazard that is easily overlooked, often because people don’t realise they are dealing with corrosive substances in the first place.
Mike Brodie, Chemstore UK managing director explains: “There is a common myth, as quoted by the HSE in its brief guide to COSHH, that companies don’t think they have any hazardous substances in their workplace when on closer inspection this is rarely the case.
People think that because they have been supplied with a substance it must be safe but this is simply not true
“There is an increasing drive to control public access to corrosives with retailers becoming more vigilant and measures such as banning cash purchases of acid being proposed but there has been less attention given to the fact that corrosive substances are still easily ac-cessible in many workplaces. Consequently we are urging companies to consider whether this is an area that needs review.”
Mike adds: “Another common myth is that people think that because they have been supplied with a substance it must be safe. This is simply not true yet this attitude means that many companies and consequently workers remain oblivious to the hazards of some of the substances they work with. At the most extreme we have seen hydrofluoric acid ,which is used for glass etching, metal cleaning and electronics manufacturing and can be fatal, stored in boxes on factory floors.”
The good news is that meeting your obligations in this area is often easier than people think. Chemstore has come up with a simple checklist which can be downloaded here to help businesses review their procedures and signpost them in the right direction for further information.
Download the corrosives storage checklist here.
Fire-proof lithium-ion battery boxChemstore, the hazardous materials experts, have added a fire-proof case for the safe storage and transport of lithium-ion batteries to their lithium-ion battery storage range.
The Zarges K470 battery box is a high quality aluminium container which is suitable for up to 3 lithium ion batteries of 814 Wh. The box is equipped with fireproof padding and absorbent material and has been successfully fire tested to ensure flame does not spread to adjacent batteries.
The box was originally designed for transporting damaged lithium-ion batteries and is tested and approved as hazardous goods packaging in accordance with UN requirements therefore it can be transported on public roads.
Chemstore already offers an outdoor storage option for lithium-ion batteries (the Electrovault) and an indoor storage option (the ION-LINE) so the Zarges K470 battery box is the perfect addition to the range.
Chemstore Managing Director, Mike Brodie comments: “Lithium-ion battery storage is a complex area with best practice guidance still evolving and misinformation unfortunately quite commonplace. Chemstore Engineering has fast become one of the leading product specialists in this area so we are delighted to further broaden our lithium-ion battery storage range with the addition of the Zarges battery box.”
Watch this video to find out more.
Contact Chemstore Engineering on 020 8704 1807 or email sales@chemstore.co.uk to find out more about our range of lithium-ion battery storage products and to arrange a free site survey.
CORROSIVES HUB: Download our free checklist
0208 704 1807