www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2023 Truck and Track 73 DANGEROUS GOODS class 3 (flammable liquids) and class 4 (flammable solids), as well as other restrictions. Risk assessment At the top of the list are what we term the risk assessments, which examine the Hazards posed, and then the associated risks from which countermeasures need to be put into place to manage the risk. When working with Dangerous Goods, you must formally document risk, in a written and periodically reviewed assessment. Risk Assessment is best examined and managed by this matrix In order to produce a robust risk assessment, it should be carried out by a qualified and experienced team, understanding the product’s chemical and physical properties to begin with, and relate to quantities, managing leakage, spillage, training, environmental issues, personal protective equipment (PPE), managing an incident, and many other factors. Input from your Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor / Consultant (DGSA) is vital. Change control Many people do not understand the concept of the ‘law of unintended consequences’. When you work in Chemical / Pharma / Nuclear industries, robust management of change control is vital; but what is change control? All industries make changes, in process, and in operation for many reasons – but when you do make a change, you have to be mindful of ‘unintended consequences’, so all people and departments need to be consulted, so in highly regulated industries, there is a formal and documented process to manage change. Before any change in an approved process or operation is sanctioned, it needs consultation and ‘sign off’ by all involved (the “stakeholders”), so collectively the whole team can have input, to effectively reduce the ‘law of unintended consequences’ when the changes are implemented. Aerosol and cylinder gas storage With recent incidents of warehouse fires where pressurised gas cylinders and aerosols have posed severe hazards, Gas Cylinders and Aerosols must be stored outside for ventilation and caged for security. If Aerosols are stored within a warehouse, they must be kept in a cage, so that in the event of a fire, and they explode, they do so within the confines of the cage. Liquefied Petroleum Gases such as Propane must be securely stored outside in a ventilated cage, and away from site perimeters and combustible material More Information available from - British Compressed Gas Association - www.bcga.co.uk European Industrial Gas Association - www.eiga.eu Liquid Gas UK (aka LPG Association) - https://www.liquidgasuk.org/ The British Aerosol Manufacturers Association - www.bama.co.uk Ventilation and security These are key areas of consideration when handling chemicals especially flammable liquids and gases. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) are concerned with preventing or limiting the harmful effects of fires, explosions and similar energy-releasing events and corrosion to metals. DSEAR are goal-setting regulations and are supported by an Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) that provides practical advice on how to comply with them. The whole area of the warehousing and storage of Dangerous Goods is heavily regulated in the UK, with no room for amateurs. Industry is supported by trade associations (which we have detailed in a previous column here at Truck and Track) as well as the regulators and enforcers – for we all have a role to play in ensuring we keep our society safe. ADR references security by denoting some Dangerous Goods as HIGH CONSEQUENCE, which requires a security plan and much else to ensure compliance to ADR regulations. Help from The Health and Safety Executive The UK’s HSE have helpful information in assisting chemical TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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