Specialist facilities for the management of hazardous substances

Decanting of hazardous substances generally means pouring them from larger containers into smaller containers for convenient use. For example, dippers or buckets could be filled test-tubes could be filled containers such as bottles for sale of a product such as kerosene could be filled on a packing line or large closed containers of, say, cleaning solvent in a store could simply be emptied into smaller closed containers for dispatch to individual areas such as workshops. 

The requirements will vary depending on the situation but include  

The MSDS (orHazchem Code if applicable) should be used to decide on the approach to use - dilute and wash-down or contain whether to use jets, fog, foam or dry agent to prevent fire or extinguish fire whether to evacuate the area and the type of PPE to use. More specific requirements for certain chemicals should be found in the MSDS. 

Firstly, some containers should just be disposed of at an approved site with no attempt to decontaminate. You will need to seek advice on this. 

Where decontamination is an option, the decontamination requires treatment of the interior of the container with a suitable neutralizing solution (consult the manufacturer, importer or supplier), or solvent collection of the neutralizing solution or solvent and disposal of the washings suitably. They may go to a sump for treatment before entering a sewer, or be collected and discharged at an approved disposal site. For pesticide containers the triple rinse technique has been abandoned in favour of use of a recirculating pump. 

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