Storage of Hazardous Materials

Procedure –

Adopted:

Effective:

Storage

The College designates storage sites for hazardous materials which are safe and in conformity with regulations and standards. The storage sites are administered in accordance with the following procedure.

Article 1

General Regulations

1.01For every storage site, the management will designate one responsible person. Technicians will be responsible for faculty storage sites and Service Managers will be responsible for their department/service storage areas.

1.02Access to storage sites is strictly limited to authorized personnel and emergency responders (Safety & Security Services, fire department, etc.).
Visits from students, in the context of a class or lab, are authorized as long as the students are under the direct supervision of a qualified Vanier employee.

1.03Every storage site will be visited at least once a year by the Manager of Safety & Security Services.

1.04Every storage site will maintain a permanent and up-to-date inventory (See Procedure 2 : Inventories)

1.05To ensure safe storage, chemical segregation must be exercised in order to avoid incompatible or unstable mixtures.

Within storage sites, divide chemicals based on categories (flammable, corrosive, oxidant, toxic) and PH (acids and bases).
Verify the specific incompatibilities and reactivity of each chemical (I.E.: reactive to water) on their SDS.
Include spill control measures to ensure ongoing segregation even in case of accidental release of chemical(s).

1.06For all WHMIS controlled materials, recentSafety Data Sheets (SDS) must be made accessible in storage sites, either in electronic or paper version. SDS must be reviewed regularly and replaced after 3 years.

1.07Hazardous materials must be labeled and kept in adequate containers at all times, following WHMIS and regulatory guidelines.

1.08Hazardous waste (excess or expired chemicals, contaminated needles, etc.) must be disposed of regularly, in a safe and responsible manner (see Procedure 4: Disposal of Hazardous Materials).

Article 2

Duties of the person responsible for the storage site

2.01Store chemicals in a safe manner as specified in 1.05

2.02Create and maintain a permanent and up to date inventory, including the name, WHMIS category and approximate quantities of each controlled material in each storage site under his/her responsibility (see Procedure 2 – Inventory of Hazardous Materials)

2.03Ensure the availability of the Safety Data Sheet for every chemical that is present in its storage site.Answer requests regarding missing or outdated SDS from departmental users.

2.04Ensure that the labeling of every chemical product meets WHMIS and regulatory requirements.

2.05Regularly arrange for proper disposal of hazardous waste. Store hazardous waste in a secure manner (refer to article 1.05).

2.06Provide a report to the Manager of Safety and Security Services upon request

Article 3

Duties of the Health and Safety Officer

3.01Assist services and departments with the safe arrangements of the storage sites

3.02In collaboration with Human Resources, ensure training of the person(s) responsible for storage sites as well as the personnel using hazardous materials

3.03Answer requests and inquiries from the individuals responsible for storage sites

3.04Periodically audit the application of procedures in storage sites and report to the Manager of Safety and Security Services.

3.05Ensure the safety of storage sites as per established procedure

3.06Integrate storage site management in the emergency operation plan of the College.

Vanier MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL policyPage 1.