Everyday Hazmat User’s Training Guide, Page 14

Everyday Hazmat User's Training Guide

Section III Hazardous Materials Management

This section of the Everyday Hazmat User’s Training Guide covers various types of hazardous materials commonly found in the USDA Forest Service. Federal regulations govern the management and transport of hazardous materials. Additional requirements are found in the NFPA and IFC. The guidelines summarize those requirements. However, these guidelines are not intended to be a comprehensive review of all regulations. Be sure to contact managers at your unit if you have questions. Your State or local fire marshal is also an important contact. Nearly every product that is a hazardous material will become a hazardous waste, so refer to section II for more details on properly managing these products when you declare them to be a waste.

Many safety concerns can be avoided by using products that are not hazardous or that do not create hazardous wastes or air or water pollutants—these products are often known as green products. Visit the USDA Forest Service Technology and Development Program’s Web site for some specific suggestions:
/eng/t-d.php?link=everyday_hazmat/green.htm

The guidelines in this section are based on Federal regulations, and IFC and NFPA requirements; your State and local governments may have additional requirements. Your local fire marshal may choose to selectively adopt IFC and NFPA requirements or may have additional requirements.

Corrosives

Corrosives include acids and bases. They can be liquid or solid, and they can destroy human skin or cause other serious problems.

Definitions

Corrosives—What Are They?

Common bases and acids include hydrochloric (also known as muriatic) and sulfuric acids. Some bases you might find include ammonium and sodium hydroxide.

Corrosives—The Dangers

Corrosives present a health hazard to workers. It is extremely important to refer to the MSDS for a corrosive product to understand the personal protective equipment needed to handle the product, and the actions needed in case of accidents. Some corrosives also present other hazards (for example, nitric acid is also an oxidizer). Refer to the product MSDS to understand the breadth of dangers for any product.

Storage Cabinets

Proper storage cabinets can protect workers and the environment, and can allow you to store more corrosives safely.

Indoor Storage

Storing corrosive products inside buildings is acceptable as long as certain precautions are taken. These precautions are based on fire code requirements; be sure to check with your local fire marshal because there may be additional restrictions. We will use the concept of a control area to clarify storage and use restrictions. Control areas are separate, contiguous areas, where corrosives are to be stored or used. Storing corrosives in USDA Forest Service residences is not recommended.

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Other Important Requirements

Control area ventilation is not required, but is recommended.
Secondary containment is not required, but is recommended; containment material must be compatible with the corrosives.
All products must have the label for corrosives (see below).
Each control area must have a NO SMOKING sign.
Each control area must have a hazard identification sign.
All containers must be sound and tightly closed at all times; if you smell a product in your cabinet or room, either a container is not securely closed or there has been a spill.
Control areas can be in offices, basements, and garages.

Outdoor Storage

Corrosive products can be stored outside as well as inside, as long as storage does not degrade the quality of the product. You can have up to two control areas, possibly more, but each control area has restrictions. Keep the total corrosive volumes stored below the allowed levels (5,000 pounds of corrosive solids and 500 gallons of corrosive liquids) to avoid more complicated storage requirements.

Click on image for larger descriptive view

Other Important Requirements

Secondary containment is not required, but is recommended.
All products must have the label for corrosives.
Each control area must have a NO SMOKING sign.
Each control area must have hazard identification.
All containers must be sound and tightly closed at all times; if you smell a product in your cabinet or room, either a container is not securely closed or there has been a spill.