Incompatible Chemicals and Segregation Section 1

Summary

This training focuses on the critical process of identifying and managing chemical incompatibilities, emphasizing the importance of using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to assess risks. Key guidelines are provided for segregating dangerous goods based on their classification, with specific examples of incompatible chemicals. The script highlights the potential dangers when incompatible substances are stored together, underscoring the need for careful planning and segregation in chemical warehouses. The safety and prevention of accidents depend on understanding these risks and applying proper segregation techniques.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ The first step in risk control is identifying which hazards exist before developing segregation plans.
• 📋 Incompatibility issues are not limited to dangerous goods; all chemical products must be checked for potential risks.
• 🧾 The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), particularly Section 10 on stability and reactivity, is a vital resource for identifying chemical incompatibilities.
• 🧪 Dangerous goods (DG) have higher risk levels and require special attention in segregation planning.
• 🚫 Some DG classes, such as Class 5 (oxidizing agents) and Class 8 (corrosives), are highly reactive and incompatible with most other DG classes.
• 📊 General segregation rules help guide safe storage, but reliance on DG class alone is not sufficient; product-specific checks are essential.
• 🔥 Class 3 flammable liquids are typically incompatible with Class 4.3 (dangerous when wet), Class 5.1 (oxidizing agents), Class 6.1 (toxic), and Class 8 (corrosive) substances.
• 🧯 Oxidizing agents (Class 5.1) are incompatible with flammable, toxic, and corrosive materials, requiring strict segregation.
• 💥 Even products within the same DG class, such as Class 8 corrosives, may be incompatible if one is strongly acidic and the other strongly alkaline.
• 🏭 An example incident showed that mixing residual acidic fertilizer with alkaline liquid chlorine caused an explosion, emphasizing the need for strict segregation.
• 🔍 When a product has both a DG class and subclass, segregation rules must be applied for both categories.
• 📚 Most facilities display segregation charts to assist in identifying incompatible products and ensuring safe storage practices.
• ✅ Summary: Effective segregation begins with hazard identification, uses the SDS as a key tool, and recognizes that even similar classes can have incompatibilities.

Q & A

What is the first step in any risk control process for segregation?

The first step in any risk control process is to identify which hazards exist. This is crucial when developing segregation plans for dangerous goods.

Why is it important to check all chemical products, even those not classified as dangerous goods?

It is important to check all chemical products because incompatibility problems are not exclusive to dangerous goods. Every chemical product can pose unique risks that need to be identified and managed.

What role does the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) play in identifying incompatibilities?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is an important tool in identifying incompatibilities. Specifically, the 'Stability and Reactivity' section of the SDS provides valuable information on the potential hazards and incompatibilities of a chemical.

What are the incompatibility risks associated with chlorpyrifos?

The SDS for chlorpyrifos indicates that it should be kept away from strong alkalis, alkaline materials like lime, and strong acids. It is also advised to avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, as it may react violently.

How do dangerous goods classes help in the segregation process?

Dangerous goods classes provide a general framework for segregation, as some classes are highly reactive and incompatible with other DG classes. However, the class alone is not always sufficient, and additional rules are necessary to ensure safety.

Can products of the same class be incompatible?

Yes, products of the same class can be incompatible. This is particularly common with class 8 corrosive products, as they can be either strongly acidic or alkaline. Strongly acidic and alkaline products must always be segregated to prevent dangerous reactions.

What is an example of an incident caused by incompatible chemicals?

An example is when an IBC, previously used for a phosphoric acid-based liquid fertilizer, was filled with liquid chlorine (a class 8 corrosive alkaline product). Despite traces of the fertilizer remaining, the reaction was sufficient to cause an explosion and destroy the IBC.

What general incompatibility rules are applicable to dangerous goods?

Some general rules include: class 3 flammable liquids are incompatible with class 4.3 dangerous when wet, class 5.1 oxidizing agents, class 6.1 toxic substances, and class 8 corrosive substances. These rules are meant to guide segregation but should be supplemented by a segregation chart in the workplace.

What should you do if a product has both a dangerous goods class and a subclass?

If a product has both a dangerous goods class and a subclass, you must apply the segregation rules for both the primary class and the subclass. This ensures the product is segregated properly according to the combined risks of both classifications.

Why are segregation charts useful in chemical warehouses?

Segregation charts are useful because they provide clear guidance on how to segregate chemicals based on their dangerous goods class and subclasses. This simplifies the process of ensuring that incompatible products are not stored together.