Blog
5 Considerations for Transferring Harsh Chemicals Safely
If your business deals with harsh chemicals, you understand the importance of taking every necessary precaution when moving substances. Here are five points to consider to increase the safety of your employees and the continuous operation of your business.
Labels prevent mix-ups
Labelling containers prevents confusion, especially when similar-looking fluids are involved. If something undesirable happens, accurate labelling helps medical professionals identify the substance, and respond quickly and appropriately.
It is imperative that manufacturers and suppliers label every drum, barrel, and other chemical containers clearly. These details help shorten search time for relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
Account for Fluid Temperature
Chemicals react differently to temperature changes. Some are more volatile than others in high temperatures. Before moving fluids from location to another, particularly over long distances, check that the fluid temperature is below 10°C (50°F). Use a heat exchanger or external cooling to prevent temperature increase during transfer.
For more information on temperature requirements, consult your chemical manufacturer or distributor.
Check Chemical Concentrations Before Handling
Watch out for chemical concentrations to mitigate disastrous reactions or exposure. Knowing safe chemical concentration levels helps increase the chances of a safe transfer.
- Solution Concentration – titration or other analytical techniques help determine how concentrated a solution is.
- Airborne Concentration – check for parts per million (ppm).
- Skin Concentration – use regulated controlled patch tests.
Example: Cosmetics commonly have a concentration of 0.5% (50 ppm). This is equivalent to 1 gram of the chemical substance dissolved in 1 litre of water. It would yield a concentration of 50ppm.
Constantly Monitor Fluid Temperature for Safe Handling
Fluid temperature affects substance properties such as viscosity and vapour pressure. Failing to monitor temperature consistency can lead to leaks, breaks, or worse, explosions.
- Viscosity: the cooler the fluid, the more viscous it gets, resulting to a slower flow.
- Vapour Pressure: pressure is directly proportional to temperature. High pressure causes high temperature and can lead to disastrous events.
Know how Flammable Chemicals are
Flash point is the temperature where a substance can ignite. The lower the flash point, the more dangerous it is. Here are some examples of substances and their flammability:
- Propane:
- Boiling point: -42°C
- Autoignition temperature: ~470°C
- Flammable Range: 2.1% to 9.5% in air
- Petrol: flash point around -43°C to -45°C
Store and handle low flash point chemicals with care. Implement safety and counter measures to prevent any major incidents, whether during storage or transfer.
Recent Posts
What Does 'Danger' vs 'Warning' Mean on a Chemical Label?
Danger and Warning are the two signal words used on UK chemical labels. Learn what separates them and why the signal word is only the start of the hazard picture.
H-Phrases and P-Phrases: What They Mean on a Safety Data Sheet
A plain-English guide to H-phrases and P-phrases, what their codes mean, and where hazard and precautionary statements appear on a Safety Data Sheet.
GHS Hazard Pictograms Explained: All 9 Symbols
What each of the nine GHS hazard pictograms means, from explosive and flammable substances to serious health hazards and environmental damage, and how to read them alongside a chemical label and Safety Data Sheet.
Get access to over 1.5 million Safety Data Sheets here!
Find everything you need in our extensive and updated SDS library
Find out what others think of our SDS management platform service!
KEIRA MARSHALL
This company is outstanding! Next year, I will without a doubt use them once more for my safety data sheet service requirements. I wholeheartedly endorse them.
JONATHAN FORSTER
With the Safety Data Sheet Software from this company, you can't go wrong. It's fantastic from beginning to end, therefore I have used it and will continue to use it.
NATHAN ROWLEY
The Knights of Safety Ltd's safety data sheet services are top-notch. They provide comprehensive and easy-to-understand information that ensures the safety of my company and employees. Their team is knowledgeable and efficient in their delivery of services. I highly recommend them.