Considering Other Factors

In addition to managing incompatible hazardous chemicals, it is crucial to address spill clean-up procedures, handle non-dangerous goods appropriately, and deal with situations involving small quantities of hazardous chemicals.

Choosing Firefighting Agents

Evaluate the specific fire suppression needs for each hazardous chemical in your workplace. The use of incompatible firefighting agents can exacerbate emergency situations. Refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) for each material to identify the suitable firefighting media, indicated by the first digit in the HAZCHEM code.

Selecting Appropriate Spill Clean-up Equipment

When addressing spills, ensure that the clean-up equipment you use does not react with the spilled material.

Segregating Hazardous Chemicals from Other Items

Maintain a separation of 5m between hazardous chemicals and food items, food-packaging materials, products for direct personal contact, and medical or veterinary items. Avoid storing hazardous chemicals above or in open containers in the same room as food or other products.

Storing Hazardous and Non-hazardous Chemicals

Consider potential adverse reactions between hazardous chemicals and non-hazardous materials. For instance:

• Some metals react adversely with corrosive chemicals, emitting flammable hydrogen gas.
• Aqueous solutions can react negatively with dangerous when-wet substances, releasing flammable or toxic gases and heat.
• Combustible products may react with oxidising agents.
• Organic peroxides can react violently with traces of zinc, copper, iron, combustible materials, and contaminants.

Storing Small Quantities of Hazardous Chemicals

In situations where storing smaller quantities of hazardous chemicals with a 3m separation is impractical (e.g., retail spaces, laboratory work benches), implement control measures:

• Segregate goods with a liquid-tight partition between incompatible materials.
• Use fire-rated, self-bunded chemical storage cabinets for incompatible materials.
• Store incompatible materials on different shelves to prevent contact.
• Place glass bottles on lower shelves to minimize breakage.
• Avoid placing liquid goods above solids and powders.