Corrosives

Class 8 Dangerous Goods

Corrosives can cause severe injuries, corrode unsuitable containers, react with other chemicals, produce poisonous gases or ignite other substances.

Corrosives types

Chemical compatibility

Corrosives may be acids or alkalies (bases). They may be liquid or in solid form such as powder, granules or flakes. Even though they all are Dangerous Goods of Class 8, many are NOT compatible with each other and in fact may react dangerously with each other.

Corrosives react with many DG of other classes and also with nonDG substances. For example, concentrated sulfuric acid may on contact ignite sawdust or shredded paper.

If different corrosives have to be stored in the same area, precautions must be taken to prevent contact between incompatible corrosives.

Packing Groups

Corrosives are grouped into Packing Groups (PG) according to their 'strength'.

  • PG 1 Great danger (eg. concentrated nitric acid)
  • PG 11 Medium danger (eg. hydrochloric acid, caustic soda)
  • PG 111 Minor danger (eg. phosphoric acid, liquid pool chlorine).

To identify the PG of a product check the package label or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or ask supplier.

Storage methods

All corrosives should be stored on pallets, racks or shelving to allow for detection of leaks, to prevent contact and reaction between incompatible 'chemicals' and to make cleanup of spills or leaks easier.

All corrosives should be stored at least five (5) metres away from Dangerous Goods of any other class to prevent accidental contact and reaction.

All corrosive liquids should be stored on the lower racks or shelves to reduce the risk of breakage and spillage.

Many corrosives are incompatible and may react dangerously with each other. For example:

  • some acids on contact with other acids or bases (alkalies) may 'boil' explosively
  • liquid pool chlorine in contact with acids will liberate dangerous chlorine gas

Products with the same UN number can be stored together. Products with different UN numbers should be stored accordingly:

PG 1 rare expert advice needed

PG 11 liquids and liquids 5m apart

liquids and solids side by side or

solids above liquids

solids and solids not specified

PG 111 liquids and liquids side by side

liquids and solids side by side or

solids above liquids

solids and solids not specified

For UN number identification check the package label or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

General

Because corrosives may react with nonDG goods or corrode them or their packagings, the corrosives storage area should not be used to store any other dangerous goods. DG licensing is required if the total quantity on site exceeds:

* 50 kg/L of PG I

* 500 kg/L of PG 11

* 1,000 kg/L of PG 111

Storage areas for solids should be designed to prevent contact with in flowing liquids such as rain. Appropriate spillage cleanup and personal protective equipment should be provided and kept in good order.

The type of clean-up and personal protective equipment required, willdepend on the quantities of DG, their types and handling methods. The PPE should usually include corrosive resistant gauntlets and boots, a corrosion resistant face shield, a plastic bucket or garbage bin with absorbent material and a broom and shovel.

Diamond class signs (250 mm square) are required for all licensed storages, and recommended for smaller storage areas.

Disclaimer

ITE Services can not warrant and does not represent that this material, at the time of distribution, is complete, reliable and/or free from error. It also can not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense you might incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon the information which appears in this document.

1

Copyright: ITE Services

Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com