Chemical storage systems principles

Safety of Chemical storage systems is one of the most important measures that must be taken into account in all stages of work, due to the susceptibility of these materials to ignition and explosion. Choosing the right type of shelving, how to arrange and classify the chemicals, safety equipment required in the environment, etc are things that should be considered in this regard.

Types of chemical storage systems

Numerous structures are used for warehouse shelving that differ in material, shape and overall structure. One of the most important things to consider in a chemical storage system is choosing the right shelf. Keep in mind that the type of shelves are not only effective in environmental safety, but also facilitate the process of moving and arranging. Shelves used for such warehouses should have several important features, which are:

Fixed warehouse shelving
There are two types of storage shelves, fixed and movable, whose use is completely different. Fixed shelves, which are often metal and very durable, are fastened to the ground with special screws and fittings and can not be moved. Given that the risk of chemicals falling off the shelves should be reduced as much as possible, so the best choice is fixed metal shelves.

Metal shelving for chemical storage
In order to maintain safety principles and prevent the spillage of containers and packaging of chemicals, the body of the shelf structure must be of high strength. Of course, note that the fact that the shelves are metal not only means that they are strong and durable, but also that their material must be stainless and not oxidize in contact with corrosive substances. It should also be noted that there should be no non-standard welding in the body of the chemical warehouse shelves. These welds eventually crack and break due to the heavy weight of the chemicals and there is a risk of material loss.

Chemicals order of arrangement
Shelves used in warehouses, depending on their shape and structure, provide a special order for the entry and exit of items in each row. For example, in pallet racking, packages that enter a rack first, come out later. In other words, they use a LIFO inventory system. If the chemicals you store in the warehouse have an expiration date, you must pay attention to this issue and choose the right shelving system.

Number of shelves
Warehouse shelving systems have a standard height according to the type of structure and their structure. Due to the increased probability of falling and falling containers containing chemicals from a height, it is better to reduce the number of floors as much as possible.

Environmental safety in chemical storage system

In addition to the safety and suitability of the structure and the type of shelving of chemicals, it is necessary that the warehouse environment has several important features, which are:

Installation of proper ventilation system in the warehouse

An advanced ventilation system must be installed to remove the chemical gases that are emitted from the materials in the warehouse. These gases not only damage the respiratory system of employees, but their excessive accumulation in closed environments will increase the likelihood of explosion.

Avoid direct sunlight to the shelves of chemicals
In most chemical warehouses, windows are installed for ventilation and air flow in different sections. As much as these windows can create the conditions for the storage of these materials, failure to comply with the standards in them will lead to damage. Direct sunlight into the warehouse and on the shelf of chemicals can carry many dangers. To prevent this problem from occurring, it is better to place protection in front of the windows so that direct light does not enter the warehouse.

Create a slope at the entrance and exit of the warehouse
For various reasons, chemical shelves may fall off and material may leak from containers. Leaving chemicals from the warehouse and entering other sections poses many dangers. For this reason, it is better to create a slope at the entrance and exit doors so that materials do not find their way out.

Adjust the chemical storage temperature
Liquid, powder, and gas chemicals vary in terms of heat and temperature resistance. The ambient temperature should be adjusted according to the type of chemicals stored in the warehouses and their storage conditions. Installing a thermometer in different parts of the warehouse to know the temperature is essential and should be considered.

Observe the distance between the shelves
In many cases, the arrangement and movement of goods in the warehouse is done by forklifts, and for this reason, the distance between the rows of shelves must be adjusted properly. The distance between each row should be such that forklifts or human operators can easily move the packages of chemicals and do not touch the body of the structure. The impact of the forklift with the body of the structure increases the possibility of material falling.

Installation of safety equipment in chemical storage system
One of the most important and necessary items in the field of chemicals is the use of safety equipment. In different parts of the warehouse should be placed fire extinguishers suitable with the type of chemicals, a few buckets of sand and gravel to extinguish the fire, breathing masks for the warehouse staff, cold showers to extinguish the fire. In addition, all staff and personnel should be aware of the exact location of this equipment and be fully familiar with how to use it.

Observe the distance between the power cable and the shelves
Not only for the storage and storage of chemicals, but also for any other type of product and product, attention should be paid to the distance between power cables and structures and shelves. Due to the fact that the shelves are made of metal, therefore, the cables should not be placed on the body of the structure as much as possible. In addition, the distance between them should be such that if a spark is generated, it should not be thrown on the packages and containers of chemicals.

Classification of chemicals in the warehouse
Other important points in shelving and storage of chemical warehouses include their classification and separation. Chemicals are different in terms of temperature tolerance, etc., and can be classified accordingly. After sorting, the highly compatible materials are placed on a shelf and the rest are arranged in a special place according to their conditions and characteristics. With this classification, the required temperature and humidity conditions can be provided for the storage of materials easily, so that other materials are not damaged.