1.0 PURPOSE & INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the safety activities of the company with respect to the storage and use of solvent-containing gases and liquids, and to avoid the generation of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs.

2.0 SCOPE

This applies to all employees of Briarcare. It also applies to contractors, self employed persons, visitors, agency staff and trainees on Company premises.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

The management of the Company have a responsibility for ensuring safe methods of storage are provided for gases and solvents. Similarly, they also have a responsibility to ensure the methods of operation and any connected activities minimise or eliminate the amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the air.

All employees of Briarcare, as well as contractors and sub-contractors, self employed persons, visitors, agency staff and trainees on Company premises are obliged to assist the company in achieving and maintaining those storage and operational conditions.

4.0 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

EPA Environmental Protection Act 1990

HSE Health & Safety Executive

HASAWA Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas (eg propane or butane)

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

5.0 STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

The company may stores gases (LPG) and flammable liquids on some of its sites.

From a Health and Safety perspective it is desirable to store and handle gases and flammable liquids correctly, in order to protect the staff and neighbours from the consequences of exposure to these materials, and from the consequences of a fire involving these materials.

However, correct storage is also vital from an environmental perspective :

i)  to ensure the various vessels do not leak substances which may ultimately may get into the local water course

ii)  to prevent the occurrence of fire, which could result in

a.  substances which may ultimately may get into the local water course

b.  volatilised solvents getting into the air

c.  the products of combustion getting into the air

d.  fire-water run-off, which may also ultimately may get into the local water course

iii)  to prevent the escape of VOCs to atmosphere under normal storage conditions

5.1 GASES

Gas cylinders are to be stored and used with the following guidelines :

·  empty and full cylinders should preferably be stored outside in a secure (locked to keep out vandals) well ventilated compound (ie fenced off) wherever possible; label up the compound with no-smoking notices etc if applicable; if possible, limit the access to authorised people only.

·  cylinders must be stored with valves uppermost, particularly when they contain liquefied gas such as butane; if such cylinders are stored and/or used horizontally there is a risk of liquid gas going down the line to the point of use, with possible disastrous consequences.

·  ensure the cylinders cannot topple over by chaining them upright in a rack or specialised carriers or cylinder trolleys; move only using cylinder trolleys, with the cylinder chained in.

·  use the correct hoses, regulators, coupling units for the particular gas, making sure the regulator inlet pressure rating matches the cylinder pressure; keep regulators serviced; ensure that when an appropriate control valve is attached to the cylinder that this valve is closed before attachment.

·  For use, open the cylinder valve first then the control valve, and reverse this to disconnect the reaction (note, pressure within the control valve must be vented before it is unscrewed).

·  do not oil or grease any regulators etc (can cause an explosion with oxidising gases such as oxygen)

·  avoid welding flame or gas torch “flash-back” into the hoses or cylinders through training operators in the correct lighting up procedures and working procedures, and by fitting non-return valves and flame arresters

·  wherever possible, have your gas cylinders on the outside of the building and run a pipe to supply the gas through to its point of use on the inside; again, if the gas is flammable, consider fitting non-return valves and flame arresters.

·  avoid contractors welding next to gas cylinders and pressurised non-purged pipelines

·  avoid storing gases in basements, below ground level, or near drains or ventilation grilles - most gases are heavier than air and could seep into a low level structure.

·  where possible, move cylinders (empty or full) with a gas cylinder trolley, with the cylinder chained in; do this even for short journeys

·  if not required at the end of the day, turn off a cylinder; if the cylinder is outside, remove the cylinder key when the gas is not required; the cylinder valve should remain closed whenever the cylinder is not in use or is being transported. Conversely, leave the cylinder key in position when it is in use in order to effect an emergency shut off if required.

·  change cylinders away from sources of ignition in a well ventilated place

·  use soapy water to detect leaks in fittings and pipelines; never use a flame

·  do not store LPG and other flammable cylinders too close to flammable liquids; use the following minimum distances (metres) as guidelines :

Distance from flammable liquid containers / Distance outside a bunded area or sill around flammable liquid containers
LPG cylinders
(> 50kg total
capacity) / 3 / 3
LPG vessel / 6 / 6

·  remember the risks for empty cylinders are almost as great for full ones - don’t ignore them, but apply the same rules; if possible store empty cylinders separately & label as empty

·  label up isolation valves in gas lines - you may need these in an emergency; include their location on a map of isolation valves and switches; label gas lines.

·  storage areas must be away from sources of heat and ignition; do not allow the contents of cylinders to go above 50°C

·  store oxidising gases away from flammable gases

·  stock rotate - ie use the old ones first

·  inspect cylinders and regulators for condition, looking for signs of corrosion

·  if valve protection is available for the cylinder when not in use - use it; do not remove valve guards

·  do not lift a cylinder by its valve, guard or cap

·  a cylinder containing a toxic gas must be securely mounted within a toxic laboratory fume-cupboard.

·  always locate a cylinder as close to the point of use as possible without restricting access to it, or other safety equipment.

5.2 LIQUIDS

This section includes both flammable and non-flammable liquids. The following list is not an exhaustive one, and the HSE advice booklets contain much more information and advice on storage; however the main points to consider are as follows :

·  as some chemicals react dangerously when mixed together, keep various classes of chemicals separate from each other, for example :

·  oxidising agents or explosive materials and flammable materials

·  acids and bleaches

·  caustic materials and aluminium or zinc

·  storerooms, cupboards and bins should be marked as to indicate their contents

·  containers must be labelled with their contents, and the appropriate hazard symbols and risk phrases

·  storage should be separate from process areas, keeping just a working minimum in the process area

·  dispensing of materials should be done in a safe place with good natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation; spillages must be controlled - use a drip tray where appropriate

·  highly flammable liquids should not be stored in the workplace (such as a workshop) in quantities exceeding 50 litres, and should be kept in a specially labelled cupboard; the cupboard should have a half hour fire resistant sides, with corners having bonded/fire junctions; if doors are fitted they should be non-combustible high-melting point hinges; labels should read “highly flammable” and/or “flash point below 32°C”

·  dispensing of flammable materials may require special precautions against static electricity discharges (see their MSDS)

·  containers must not be stored within the bund of a fixed tank of flammable liquid, or within 1 metre of a bund wall

·  see the HSE booklet “The storage of flammable liquids in containers” for more details of regulations and designs for storage areas

·  again, some empty drums are just as dangerous as full ones

·  where possible, keep containers closed, for example using safety containers with self-closing lids

·  bear in mind that some flammable liquids and substances are also corrosive

·  note that there are slightly different regulations and licensing requirements for petroleum materials

·  all materials should have a MSDS on file

·  their use or handling should be covered by COSHH assessments

5.3 OTHER MATERIALS IN ‘DOMESTIC’ OR OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS

Commonly found flammable materials in a “domestic” or “office” environment are :

·  petrol (eg in vehicles and in cans for lawnmowers), diesel

·  some types of concentrated insecticide sprays

·  aerosol cans – all types, including polishes, fly spray, hair spray – they all contain highly flammable butane gas

·  methylated spirit

·  surgical spirit

·  some types of paints, particularly enamel paints; varnishes

·  paint thinners, white spirit, turpentine

·  some liquid polishes, eg French polish

·  heating oil, paraffin

·  spirits : vodka, gin, whisky, brandy etc

·  lighter fluid

·  LPG gas cylinders for space heaters

·  some types of adhesives (check the label)

·  nail varnish remover

Usually the user is responsible for one of these items during its use. However, should any of these be stored in bulk, this should be done safely.

5.4 PREVENTION

Other activities also help to make liquid and gas storage safe, for example :

·  storing solid waste tidily, in bins, and empty them frequently (ie don’t leave temptation to vandals); avoid storing combustible and flammable materials next to a flammable solvent store;

·  a no-smoking policy and appropriate signs

·  restricting vehicle movements;

·  properly trained fork lift drivers, if using a fork lift truck

·  beware of dust-based materials that may also be a source of ignition or even explosion, such as :

·  aluminium powder

·  paper dust

·  polystyrene

·  fine sawdust

·  flour

·  beware of other sources of ignition such as

·  metal swarf in unsealed electrical equipment

·  batteries into metal swarf, steel wool, wires

·  shorting out lithium and lead batteries

·  welding, space heaters, smoking, sparks

·  vehicles (hot exhausts, catalysts, electrical and ignition systems)

·  scraping tools

·  electric drills etc

·  finely divided precious metals

·  note that some flammable solid materials should be treated in a similar manner to liquids, such as plastic foams

·  before embarking on a new process, think about choices of materials and quantities required, for example :

·  can a dangerous substance be substituted by a less toxic/corrosive/flammable alternative ?

·  can a liquid with a higher flash point be used ?

·  can the job be done another way ?

·  can just in time deliveries be set up to reduce the stock on site to a minimum

·  check the precautions with the supplier before starting

·  check labels/identities to ensure the correct materials are delivered.

6.0  AVOIDING THE GENERATION OF VOCs

Reducing or avoiding VOCs is important for both the environment and people’s health and well-being, and can contribute to the local air quality. It is therefore useful to have some background information on how this may be accomplished.

Operational Controls for Reducing VOC Emissions

Many solvent-using organisations have been obliged to redesign their processes or invest in VOC abatement technology in order to comply with government regulations. Others have had to find ways of reducing solvent use as part of a wider waste minimisation strategy, perhaps in fulfilment of a declared environmental policy. Even without the pressure of legislation, it is always in the interests of organisations to investigate ways of reducing wasteful evaporation of solvents. This will not only save money, but will also create a safer and more agreeable working environment and make a positive contribution to the improvement of local air quality.

Actions for Reducing VOC Emissions

Front end controls are intended to reduce emissions at source by the adoption of measures that may include:

·  the use, in coating applications, of so-called ’compliant coatings’, i.e. paints and other coatings which are either water-based or have low solvent contents;

·  modifying processes in order to reduce solvent consumption

·  better containment, e.g. by more effective enclosure of operational areas

·  the promotion of good housekeeping, such as ensuring that containers of volatile substances are promptly re-sealed after use in order to prevent unnecessary evaporation of their contents

·  regular inspections to ensure vessels are not leaking, or are in danger of corroding

·  regular maintenance of pumps used to transfer liquids

·  regular check and replacement of flexible hoses used to transfer liquids

·  ensure connections to flexible hoses are sound and secure, eg use jubilee clips etc

·  ensure leaks and spills to bunded or silled areas are promptly cleared up – see the spillage control procedure EN049, and the emergency procedures in EN011

·  ensuring that any vehicles with leaking fuel tanks, fuel pumps or fuel pipes are attended to promptly

·  ensuring any used spill kits are sealed up as soon as is practicable

End of pipe controls are more concerned with capturing and/or destroying VOCs from workplace atmospheres or waste streams after they have been released. Types of controls are :

·  Carbon technology, i.e. the use of activated carbon filtration devices for the physical adsorption or chemisorption of VOCs is particularly useful in cleaning air streams with low concentrations of contaminants [eg filters used in cooker hoods]

·  Incineration tends to be the preferred abatement option at higher concentrations.

·  Biofiltration methods, based on bacterial and fungal biosorption, are well suited to the cleansing of medium air flows and pollutant concentrations.

Currently there is little release of VOCs from Briarcare’s normal operations that would require such attentions. However, it may be necessary to introduce monitoring techniques to determine the extent of any problem, then assess the impact to the environment as per EN003 and related documents.