Proper corrosive storage can play a major role in preserving the safety of your personnel, while preventing costly damages to your property.
What are corrosive chemicals?
Corrosive liquids are those we consider acids or bases. Their pH levels may be 4 or lower, or 9 or higher. There are also corrosive gases (such as chlorine and ammonia) and corrosive solids (such as phosphorous or phenol), all of which should be handled carefully and professionally. The use of corrosive materials is often accompanied by a hazard assessment since, by definition, they are known to cause terrible damage to both metals and skin. Corrosive substances, when properly stored, can usually be identified by the DOT Hazard Class label pictured to the right.
Corrosive Storage Requirements
Storing corrosive substances requires just as much care as using them. Every caution should be observed throughout the entire corrosive storage process.
- Stand-Alone Corrosive Storage Units
Storing corrosives should involve a stand-alone unit, separate from any other form of chemical storage. In addition:
- Your storage unit should provide secondary containment.
Secondary containment is essential for protection against the dangers of acid or alkali leaks. Our corrosive storage buildings come equipped with secondary containment. It is important that you take care to avoid chemical leaks, but sometimes they are unavoidable and sometimes mistakes can be made. Our secondary containment sumps are designed to prevent the spreading of corrosive chemicals, thereby protecting your property and your person.
- Chemical Labels
Not only should your corrosive storage be segregated from incompatible substances, but each and every container should feature the proper label. This act will ensure that incompatible materials do not come into contact. It also provides adequate warning of the hazards associated with each corrosive material.
- How High?
Your corrosives should not be placed on the floor, in case flushing is required. In addition, corrosive liquids should not be stored above eye-level. Doing so increases the risk of a chemical leak causing physical harm to your personnel.
- Ventilation
Your corrosive storage building should have adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful corrosive gases in the event of a leak.
- Note:
This list is not exhaustive. Make sure you are well-acquainted with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding corrosive storage.
How can we help?
At US Hazmat Rentals, we have everything you need for safe, proper, compliant corrosive storage, including everything listed above. Renting from US Hazmat Rentals is a quick, thorough solution for corrosive storage requirements. For more essential information about chemical and hazmat storage, subscribe below!
