Class 8 Corrosive Substances Learning Tool This work has been produced by DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd This Learner s Guide is about the skills and knowledge required to store and warehouse Class 8 Corrosive Substances at DGL (Aust) facilities. This includes operational requirements for the safe and efficient control of all functions and effective management of hazardous situations. This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 1
Contents Getting the most out of this learning tool...3 What you are required to do before completing this learning tool...3 Section 1...4 Definition of a Class 8 Corrosive Substances...4 Properties of Class 8...4 Class 8 label for Corrosive Substances...5 Classification of Class 8 Products...6 Temperature control requirements...6 Section 2... 7 Storage... 7 Section 3... 8 Management of spills and leaks... 8 Section 4... 9 Personal Habits... 9 Section 5... 11 First Aid... 11 Activity 1, 2 & 3... 12 Key Safety Points... 13 Additional resources... 14 Feedback and Evaluation Sheet... 15 Statement of Completion... 16 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 2
Getting the most out of this learning tool It is important that you complete all sections in this learning tool as it has been designed so that You can abide by the procedures of our organization. You can apply what you have learnt in this package in your day to day activities This Learning Tool is designed to be relevant only to DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd employees and only applied whilst employed with DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd You may have already acquired knowledge in the area identified in this package as you may have completed some specialized training. Or you may have been working within the industry for some time. Should you identify any improvement opportunities in the information contained in this package or have difficulties completing the package please contact National Training and Compliance Manager DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd PO BOX 1594 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 Ph 07 3868 1001 Fax 07 3868 1055 For any words that are in bold and italic text (example) the meanings can be found in the definitions section of this package What you are required to do before completing this learning tool Before using this package it is important that you have checked that this is the current version of the package on the DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd quality management system (QMS) You also are required to: Obtain a signed proof of delivery of a DGL outwards movement docket with class 8 products that is currently stored on site. Obtain a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product shown on the outwards movement docket Obtain a copy of the site map Obtain a copy of the sites Dangerous Goods Manifest This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 3
Section one Section 1: Definition of a Class 8 A class 8 product is defined as Class 8 substances (corrosive substances) are substances which, by chemical action, will cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue, or, in the case of leakage, will materially damage, or even destroy, other goods or the means of transport. (Note 1) Section 1: Properties of Class 8 Acids and bases have a common property: they are corrosive. The corrosiveness is defined in contact with living tissue but acids and bases attack many other materials as well. They react with metals producing hydrogen gas which is highly flammable. Acids and bases may have toxic properties and some are also flammable as such. Acids and bases are often transported, used and disposed as water solutions. Some acids, such as nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, release highly corrosive vapours at room temperature when in a concentrated form. Anhydrides are compounds which have properties similar to those of acids, and they react with water forming the corresponding acids; for example acetic anhydride and water produce acetic acid. When an acid and a base are mixed they neutralize each other producing a salt and water. Neutralization also produces heat. Mixing an acid or a base with water also involves a rise in the temperature of the solution. This may create hazards, such as splashes and formation of dangerous mists. The ph is the scale used to compare the level of acidity and alkalinity of various acids and bases and their diluted solutions. The ph is related to the amount of hydrogen ions present in the solution. The ph of a neutral solution or substance is 7. Acids have a ph of <7 and bases of >7. To control and prevent adverse effects of acids and bases on health, several countries have set occupational exposure limits. These limits for acidity are: ph less than 2 (1.5 in some countries) and for alkalinity: ph 12-14 (11.5-14 for some countries). Acids can be referred to as inorganic (mineral) acids or as organic acids. Examples of mineral acids are sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. Salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and acetic acid are organic acids. (Note 2) Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7 th Edition page 127 Note (2) International Programme on Chemical Safety Page 2 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 4
Section 1: Class 8 label for Corrosive Substances The below image is a class label for used for Class 8 dangerous goods * Skin of hand on Model No. 8 may be white or shaded grey (Note 1). Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7 th Edition page 428 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 5
Section 1: Classification of Class 8 Products Packing groups are assigned to corrosive substances in accordance with the following criteria: (a) Packing group I is assigned to substances that cause full thickness destruction of intact skin tissue within an observation period up to 60 minutes starting after the exposure time of three minutes or less; (b) Packing group II is assigned to substances that cause full thickness destruction of intact skin tissue within an observation period up to 14 days starting after the exposure time of more than three minutes but not more than 60 minutes; (c) Packing group III is assigned to substances that: (i) cause full thickness destruction of intact skin tissue within an observation period up to 14 days starting after the exposure time of more than 60 minutes but not more than 4 hours; or (ii) are judged not to cause full thickness destruction of intact skin tissue but which exhibit a corrosion rate on either steel or aluminium surfaces exceeding 6.25 mm a year at a test temperature of 55 C, when tested on both materials. (Note 1) Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7 th Edition page 127 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 6
Section 2: Storage Package stores for corrosive substances, other than indoor storage cabinets, shall comply with the following general requirements, as appropriate: (a) Stores shall be located on a floor that has immediate access from outside the building. (b) At least two means of access shall be provided to stores having a floor area greater than 25m 2. (c) Stores shall be designed, constructed and operated in a manner that will allow the housekeeping requirements to be carried out effectively. (d) All materials used for the construction of stores shall have corrosion resistance appropriate to the type of store and the materials to be kept, or be lined with corrosion-resistant materials. (e) All areas used for decanting shall have floors that are sealed and are drained to a suitable compound. (f) Lighting shall comply with (i) lighting, of sufficient luminance as to enable a person to easily read all markings on packages, signs, instruments and other necessary items, shall be available in areas where people are working; (ii) interior lighting shall be of at least the luminance specified in AS/NZS 1680.1 and AS/NZS 1680.2.4; and (iii) sufficient lighting shall be available on any internal roads which lead to areas, rooms or buildings where dangerous goods are kept or handled and which might be used by people during work at the premises. (g) Adequate ventilation shall be provided in all stores and at places where packages are opened. NOTE: Ventilation should be sufficient to maintain exposure levels in the storage area below recommended workplace exposure standards. (h) Stores, other than those for closed lead-acid batteries, shall be provided with a means of either containing a spill or of diverting it to a compound within the boundaries of the premises. The net capacity of any compound shall be not less than whichever is the greater of (i) 25% of the aggregate volume of liquids kept; or (ii) the capacity of the largest container kept; but need not exceed 5000 L where only packages are kept. (i) Packages shall be kept in a manner such that they cannot fall and cause spillage outside the compound. (j) Storage areas shall be secured against unauthorized entry. (k) Where provided, and except where they are designed as spill trays or compounds, racks or shelves shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as to prevent the accumulation or pooling of liquid. (l) Where racking is used, the layout of racks shall be such as to provide clear passage for escape of personnel. This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 7
NOTE: It is recommended that the width of aisles between racks be not less than 1.2 m. (m) Where packages are kept in stacks, the stacks shall be arranged in such a manner as to minimize the possibility of stack collapse and to prevent damage to packages in lower layers from loadings exerted by the upper layers. (n) In stores and associated handling areas where flammable gases may be generated (e.g. where lead-acid batteries are being charged) a hazardous zone, as described in AS/NZS 2430 series, may exist. In such a case, all electrical equipment in such hazardous zones shall be suitable for use in those zones. (o) The following items shall be provided within 10 m of, but not nearer than 2 m to, stores where packages are opened: (i) Except that a domestic shower may be an adequate substitute in locations presenting a lesser degree of risk, e.g. in service stations where batteries are handled, a safety shower complying with AS 4775 or a plunge bath. (ii) Eye-wash facilities complying with AS 4775. (iii) Water for the washing of hands. (p) For stores where packages remain closed at all times, appropriate gloves, and water for the washing of hands shall be provided. (Note 1) Note (1) Source the Australian AS 3780-1994 The storage and handling of Corrosive Substances page 17 & 18 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 8
Section 3: Management of Spills and Leaks General Every endeavour shall be made to prevent leaks or spills, and to control them if they do occur; clean-up action shall be initiated immediately. Leaked or spilled corrosive substances shall be kept and disposed of in accordance with your state waste disposal regulations. Clean-up materials and equipment In order to deal with leaks and spills (whether major or minor), clean-up equipment, chemicals for neutralizing or decontaminating spills and absorbent materials shall be maintained at every premises on which corrosive substances are kept or handled. A typical list of appropriate items is as follows: (a) Adequate quantities of absorbent material, e.g. sand, fuller s earth or suitable proprietary substances. (b) Calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime), for use on acidic spills. (c) Sodium bisulfate, for use with alkaline spills. (d) Crushed calcium carbonate (limestone). (e) A sufficient number of resealable waste-recovery containers, e.g. drums, made of materials compatible with the substances being kept and appropriately marked as being for emergency use only. (f) Approved containers made of appropriate materials, for the purpose of repackaging the contents of any leaking packages. (g) Portable pumps and decanting equipment. (h) Shovels. Clean-up procedures At every occurrence of a leak or spill, the emergency plan shall be implemented and consideration shall be given to notifying the emergency services. Leaking packages shall be positioned in such a manner as to stop or minimize the leak and, if necessary, shall be moved to a safe location. Either the package should be placed in a suitable container, e.g. a plastic bag or an oversize drum, or its contents should be transferred to a clean packaging. The exterior of such clean packaging shall be clearly labelled in accordance with NOHSC: 3013 and with the ADG Code and the SUSDP, as appropriate. Small spills on the floor, or on the walls or structures of a building, should be absorbed, and the absorbent placed in a suitable waste container for disposal. Note (1) Note (1) Source the Australian AS 3780-1994 The storage and handling of Corrosive Substances page 34 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 9
Section 4: Personal habits All persons whose work involves handling of corrosive substances shall comply with the following directions: (a) Do not introduce, keep, prepare or consume any food or drink, or use tobacco, in any area where corrosive substances are kept or handled. (b) After handling corrosive substances, always wash your hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using the toilet, and after work. (c) Immediately attend to injuries caused by contact, or suspected contact, with corrosive substances. The above directions, or wording to the same effect, shall be prominently displayed in the work area. Note (1) Note (1) Source the Australian AS 3780-1994 The storage and handling of Corrosive Substances page 36 & 37 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 10
Section 5: First Aid A first aid station shall be provided in a clean area. It shall comprise, as a minimum, an appropriate first aid kit and first aid instructions, e.g. MSDS, for all corrosive substances being kept or handled on the premises. It is recommended that (a) at least one person on the premises is trained in first aid; and (b) a list of persons trained in, and designated as being responsible for the administering of, first aid should be shown on all notice boards on the premises. The first aid procedures set out in the relevant MSDS should be adopted. Note (1) Note (1) Source the Australian AS 3780-1994 The storage and handling of Corrosive Substances page 38 This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 11
Activity 1 Complete the following activity Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product on your outwards movement docket. Match and highlight on both the Material Safety Data Sheet and the Outwards Movement Docket any information that is identical. Go to the storage area of the product at the facility and confirm the current stock levels of the product as per the sites Dangerous Goods Manifest Physically view the nearest spill equipment and mark the location on the site map. Physically view the nearest location of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and mark the location on the site map. Physically view the nearest fire extinguisher and mark the location on the site map. Physically view the nearest first aid facilities and mark the location on the site map Activity 2 Complete the following activity Read the section in the specific risk assessment for procedure P-110 Goods inward and receipt that is relevant to the handling of 5.2 products.. Activity 3 Complete the following activities Complete the test to show competency for this learning tool T-1031 Test For Class 8 Corrosive Substances This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 12
Key Safety Points For Class 8 products remember the following safety points Know the dangers of working with Corrosives and respect it Leave space for cool air circulation in storage areas Have fire extinguishers available Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets Know your site s emergency response chemical spill procedure Talk about your class 8 products in site meetings Know the location of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Know the location of spill equipment This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 13
Additional Resources For more information on Class 5.2 products the following sources may be of assistance Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7 th Edition Available to all DGL employees via the company s intranet AS 3780-1994 The storage and handling of Corrosive Substances Available to all DGL employees via the company s intranet International Programme on Chemical Safety This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 14
Training feedback and evaluation sheet Your feedback is appreciated Your Details Name Division of DGL What do you believe is the key issue identified in this training tool Areas you believe where you believe further training will benefit the employees of DGL Please fax completed feedback and evaluation sheet to 07 3868 1011 National Training and Compliance manager to complete Feedback requires Review of training Review of risk assessment Review of procedures Yes No Yes No Yes No Name Signature Date This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 15
Statement of Completion Class 8 Corrosive Substances Learning Tool I... understand the information that is contained in this learning tool and agree to abide by the procedures and safe working practices identified in this leaning tool I confirm that I have checked that this learning tool and / or any identified procedures where the current version in the DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd quality management system (QMS) I confirm that I have read and understood the QMS procedures referenced in this learning tool I confirm that I have completed the activity in this learning tool and have placed a copy of the documents mentioned in sites training records Signed... Employee number... Date... This is an uncontrolled document when printed. Page 16
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