A short instructional video explaining safe storage and handling of hazardous materials with emphasis on OSHA guidelines for flammable liquids, proper approved containers and storage cabinets, quantity limits, segregation of incompatible/reactive materials, safety data sheet (SDS) access, and the need for workplace-specific training. The speaker summarizes container approval rules (including limits for portable cans and original shipping containers), storage location and quantity restrictions (25-gallon rule and required cabinets), and recommends keeping explosive/ignition sources away and ensuring personnel have access to SDSs and training.
Chapters
There's no safe handling of dangerous or flammable materials without effective storage. That's when the materials are going to spend most of their time and adequate handling is essential. Storing flammable liquids, for example, will have to be done with an approved flammable storage cabinet, including safety labels like flammable keep fire away. The containers themselves have to be approved and rated for each material. According to osha, only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantum quantities of 5 gallons or less, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid, extremely hard to pour, which may be used and handled in original shipping containers for quantities of one gallon or less. The original container may be used for storage, use and handling of flammable liquids. Adhering to OSHA's guidelines might seem a little overly restrictive, but the key here is that every employee should have full knowledge of a container's contents and before working with it. If you don't communicate what's inside a container, it incurs all sorts of additional risks and potential liabilities. As Berkeley notes, keep explosive chemicals away from ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, spark sources, and direct sunlight, and consider designating a special area for explosive chemical use. How about we break that down in some further detail? What does proper storage look like beyond the containers? Want some key points to remember? First, flammable liquids can't be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or other high traffic areas. No more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids can be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. Quantities of flammable liquid exceeding 25 gallons have to be stored in a cabinet that meets OSHA requirements. And finally, any materials which may react with water to create a fire hazard are should not be stored in the same room with flammable liquid. According to osha, all relevant personnel should have immediate and easy access to safety data sheets. This will be a detailed document outlying important hazardous information related to specific materials. After all, each chemical has unique property and no one should handle or store the chemical until the full workplace safety rules are planned and trained on. Proper training, of course, is a topic all its own and and you'll find that there are no universal OSHA accepted certification courses for specific hazardous materials. What you should expect is guidance on how to conduct training for your workspace that helps you meet OSHA standards and keep your employees in the know.
