Brock Transportation of Chemicals, Compressed Gases and Cryogens

Summary

This procedure outlines the safe transportation of hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, and cryogens across buildings at Brock University. It emphasizes the use of proper equipment such as carts and trolleys, along with strict safety protocols. Key points include the need for training, the restriction of certain areas, and the importance of personal protective equipment. Special procedures for using elevators and handling pressurized or cryogenic substances are also detailed. The role of safety alarms in detecting hazardous gas levels is highlighted to ensure the protection of individuals involved in the transportation process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transportation of hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, and cryogens across Brock University buildings requires adherence to specific safety procedures.
• 😀 The SOP applies to Brock students, employees, and contractors involved in the transport of hazardous materials between Mackenzie Chown and Karen buildings.
• 😀 Hazardous chemicals include substances that pose health or physical risks, such as flammable, explosive, or toxic chemicals.
• 😀 Individuals must receive proper training before transporting hazardous materials to ensure safe handling and compliance with the SOP.
• 😀 All equipment used for transporting hazardous materials must be appropriate for the task and well-maintained to avoid accidents.
• 😀 Carts or trolleys are required for the safe transportation of containers that are heavy (over 23 kg) or contain hazardous chemicals.
• 😀 Elevators used for transporting hazardous materials must be in service mode and should only be operated by trained individuals.
• 😀 When transporting cryogens or compressed gases, specific precautions, including wearing PPE and ensuring proper pressure relief mechanisms, must be followed.
• 😀 No individual should carry a load heavier than 23 kg to avoid injury; always use carts or work in pairs for safer handling.
• 😀 Gas storage rooms are equipped with sensors to detect hazardous gases like carbon dioxide, chlorine, and nitric oxide, triggering alarms when unsafe levels are reached.
• 😀 In the event of a gas alarm, all room users must evacuate and contact campus security, ensuring no one enters during an active alarm.

Q & A

What types of hazardous materials are covered in the SOP for transportation?

The SOP covers the transportation of hazardous chemicals, including compressed gases (both pressurized and unpressurized), cryogens, solid carbon dioxide containers, and other chemicals that pose a risk of breakage, spillage, explosion, or exposure to the environment.

Who is responsible for ensuring that personnel follow this SOP?

Principal investigators, professors, directors, and facility supervisors are responsible for identifying the training needs of students and personnel and ensuring they have completed the required training before engaging in hazardous material transport activities.

What precautions must be taken when using carts or trolleys for transporting hazardous materials?

When using carts or trolleys, it is essential to ensure the wheels are sturdy and appropriately sized for the load, that the cart has a flat solid surface, and that the containers are secured to prevent spillage or injury during transport.

What are the elevator safety procedures when transporting hazardous materials?

When transporting hazardous materials, elevators must be placed in service mode to prevent external calls and ensure the elevator only responds to local commands. The elevator should travel alone, and a two-person team is required to ensure safety and proper handling during loading and unloading.

Why are specific elevators designated for transporting hazardous materials?

Specific elevators are designated for transporting hazardous materials to ensure that risks such as exposure to hazardous gases or chemicals are minimized, and to ensure that the materials are securely contained and do not accidentally spill or cause harm to others.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required during the transportation of hazardous materials?

When transporting hazardous materials, personnel must wear appropriate PPE, including cryogenic gloves, long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and any other necessary protective gear to ensure safety from exposure to dangerous substances.

What should be done if a hazardous material alarm is triggered?

If an alarm is triggered due to hazardous material exposure, all personnel should stop their activities, evacuate the area if safe to do so, close any nitrogen lines if in use, and contact campus security. A Stage 2 alarm requires the fire department to enter the area, and no one else should enter during this time.

What is the significance of using service mode in the designated elevators?

Service mode is used to prevent external calls to the elevator while transporting hazardous materials. This ensures that the elevator only responds to local commands, reducing the risk of accidental exposure to others or the materials being transported.

What role do sensors play in the gas storage rooms, and how do they function?

Sensors in the gas storage rooms detect increased concentrations of gases such as CO2, chlorine, nitric oxide, and decreased oxygen levels. These sensors trigger alarms and activate fans to ventilate the room when preset thresholds are exceeded, ensuring safety by alerting personnel and campus security.

How should compressed gas cylinders and cryogenic containers be handled during transport?

Compressed gas cylinders and cryogenic containers should be securely fixed to carts or trolleys. Cryogenic containers must remain upright at all times, and cylinders should never be dragged or rolled. Additionally, protective caps must cover cylinder valves, and safety protocols should be followed to prevent accidents.