At each entrance a full-sized primary hazard warning diamond as detailed in SANS 10232-1 must be displayed. The class of hazard presented by the stored goods must be indicated. Where more than one type of SANS 10228 class of goods is stored in the area a full size “multifold” warning diamond must be displayed.
Symbolic safety signs must be displayed as necessary to comply with SANS 1186. These shall include “no smoking”, “no naked flames”, “no fires”, positions and types of fire related equipment and protective clothing requirements.
All openable panels in building walls shall be appropriately identified as well as first aid stations, other apparatus, and emergency exit routes.
Warehouses must be marked to indicate which classes of goods are permitted to be stored in each area, and the floor area must be marked showing designated storage areas and traffic/escape/rescue routes.
It is vital that a label is fixed to a hazardous agent’s container.
The amount of information on a label will depend on the size of the container. However, where the container is so small that the label cannot be placed on the actual container, the label can be attached by other means, for example, by a string round the neck of a test tube.
Labels should be fixed to the container in colours that provide sufficient contrast to the background. Lettering should be of a size and style that is clearly legible and in the English language.
If an SDS has been amended by the manufacturer, the label should be changed to ensure that it contains the same information as the amended SDS.
When a substance is decanted at work, the requirement for labelling will depend on whether the substance is used immediately or over a longer period of time.
Where a hazardous agent is decanted to be used straight away, the container into which the hazardous agent has been decanted does not require labelling only if the container has been cleaned of any residue.
The labels on the decanting containers should be used to provide information for the safe disposal of both the remaining hazardous agent and the container.
If the container into which the hazardous agent is decanted is small, it may not provide sufficient room for label information. In this case, attach the label to a supporting device or container.
For example, in the case of a test tube, the label may be attached to the test tube rack. Alternatively, a tag with the required label information may also be used.
If a container label is damaged or defaced, obtain a replacement copy from the supplier. If the label cannot be obtained, the information on the SDS should be used to produce a label for the container.
If the container is not labelled and the contents of the container not known, the container should be marked as follows:
A container of an unknown agent should be stored away from other agents where it cannot be used until its contents can be identified and the container appropriately labelled. If the contents cannot be identified, they should be disposed of following consultation with the relevant Local Authority.
Mark enclosed systems such as piping, conduits and ducts by signs designed in accordance with appropriate standards and other requirements.
Colours, letters, and symbols on the sign should enable everyone (not only workers, but visitors such as emergency services personnel) to identify the contents easily.
Confined spaces potentially contain many hazards. These hazards can include:
Maintain a register of all hazardous materials. Review the register at least annually.
The register should contain the following:
The SHERQ Department should make the register available to the local emergency services.
The disposal of hazardous agents is the responsibility of Local Authorities.
For this reason, the majority of SDS’s do not give adequate instructions on disposal and generally state “disposal in accordance with local authority regulations” (or similar).
Disposal of hazardous agents is an issue closely monitored by Environmental Departments who have an overall responsibility for protection of the environment.
Because of the very strict environmental regulations in force and the urgent need to protect the environment, every hazardous agent, empty containers, and contaminated waste should be disposed of strictly in accordance with regulations.
As a minimum you may expect control to be accomplished by the collection of waste and removal from site by a licensed waste contractor.
In this part we are going to discuss at how hazardous chemicals can be safely transported.
It is particularly important that hazardous agents are transported safely because such transport often takes place on public roads.
This means that if there is an accident, members of the public are likely to be involved.
The following transport laws, systems and codes pertain to HCA:
The transportation of hazardous agents was previously governed by the Hazardous Substances Act, Act 15 of 1973, but was only applicable to substances in tankers holding 500 litres or more.
Chapter VIII of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996 was amended and as from August 2001 it became compulsory to comply with this Act. Regulation 280 of the Act requires drivers transporting dangerous goods in bulk or packaged form in excess of the vehicles should be competent in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993.
The new legislation governs the transportation of dangerous goods and regulates packaged dangerous goods.
Extensive provisions are further contained in the nine SANS specifications or codes of practice. These codes are regulatory in terms of section 76 of the Act.
The nine SANS codes contain fine detail and cover the following subjects:
The Regulations require the driver of dangerous goods to carry a Tremcard (Transport Emergency Card).