Flammable substances safe handling

Ventilation by diluting the vapors until they are no longer flammable is one of the most effective ways to prevent the formation of flammable gaseous mixtures. Use appropriate and safe exhaust whenever appreciable quantities of flammable substances are transferred from one container to another, allowed to stand in open containers, heated in open containers, or handled in any other way. In using dilution techniques, make certain that equipment (e.g., fans) used to pro... 

All chemicals can be handled safely This applies to even the most toxic and flammable substances known. Conversely, to mishandle them is to court danger. 

The worst hazard scenarios (excessive temperature and pressure rise accompanied by emission of toxic substances) must be worked out based upon calorimetric measurements (e.g. means to reduce hazards by using the inherent safety concept or Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC) and protection measures must be considered. If handling hazardous materials is considered too risky, procedures for generation of the hazardous reactants in situ in the reactor might be developed. Micro-reactor technology could also be an option. Completeness of the data on flammability, explosivity, (auto)ignition, static electricity, safe levels of exposure, environmental protection, transportation, etc. must be checked. Incompatibility of materials to be treated in a plant must be determined. 

Waste materials should be handled in accordance with a written procedure. Provision should be made for the proper and safe storage of waste materials awaiting disposal. Toxic substances and flammable materials should be stored in suitably designed, separate, enclosed cupboards, as required by national legislation. 

Certain other substances are considered to be hazardous pollutants that must be handled safely in order to prevent injury to humans. These hazardous materials are generally labeled as being flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or radioactive. Any waste that contains these kinds of materials is labeled Antarctic hazardous waste. Pollutants that are required for research purposes either at one of the stations or in the field require a permit before they can be imported to Antarctica. Therefore, USAP each years applies for a comprehensive permit to import such potentially hazardous materials. 

Ease of use in production. An important feature of each raw material in the paint production is the user friendly easy handling making formulated biocides a necessity. Safe, free flowing pumpable, non-flammable liquids with no agressive odors are preferred. A very important example is formaldehyde, which is as such a very aggressive, toxic substance, which can be replaced advantageously by reaction products with amines, alcohols or amides. 

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