Measuring device SG5100ex for measuring of harmful substances
When storing pollutants, a release of the substances is always possible and requires regular monitoring as part of occupational safety, such as measuring of harmful substances.
Measuring of harmful substances with GSA measuring device SG5100ex
Precise measuring of harmful substances can be carried out by the GSA Messgerätebau for gases, for example. Our measuring device SG5100ex is recommended for this, as it is equipped with explosion protection.
Pollutants Definition
Pollutants are all substances that pose a risk to human health and the environment.
The hazard potential depends on the type of substance and its concentration. The effects vary. They range from breathing difficulties to skin irritation.
Various regulations apply to the handling of hazardous substances in the workplace. On the one hand, the employer must prepare a risk assessment in which the pollutants used or produced are listed and which operational safety measures must be observed. Secondly, employees must be instructed and trained in this context. Such measures must be regularly checked and optimized.
Protection required at the workplace
If the use or generation of pollutants in the work process cannot be avoided, the protection of the employee is always the focus of the safety assessment. The safety measures that must be adhered to at the workplace are laid down in the risk assessment. These measures are intended to provide employees with the best possible protection when handling pollutants in the workplace. Instruction in the safety measures must always take place before contact with the pollutants and must always be documented.
Storage instructions for safe handling of hazardous substances
Now it is not only the safe handling of hazardous substances that is important, but also their storage. If the operational processes make it necessary to store pollutants, a number of aspects must be taken into account.
TRGS 520 applies in these cases. On the one hand, a suitable storage location must be found. This should always be protected from the weather. On the other hand, safe handling and storage must be ensured. In addition, there must be “two marked, preferably opposite, always freely accessible exits as escape and rescue routes” where the doors can be opened outwards. All shelves or storage areas must be firmly anchored to prevent tipping and spillage. The floor must also have various properties: liquid-tight, acid and chemical-resistant and electrically conductive, slip-resistant when wet and easy to clean.
Personal protective equipment (safety goggles, gloves, etc.) must be provided in sufficient quantities. In addition, various things must be documented, such as operating instructions, alarm plans and sorting instructions. Depending on the type of storage, different conditions must be observed. In the case of temporary storage or a mobile collection point, the exact equipment of the storage location differs in some respects.
General regulations on the storage of hazardous substances
There are other aspects too. Pollutants must be transported and stored in suitable containers. For example, acids must not be stored in metal containers, as the acid reacts chemically with the metal and causes the container to leak over time. On the other hand, it must be ensured that unauthorized persons do not have access to the storage location. This can be achieved by providing a lockable room, for example. Personal protection must be provided by the appropriate protective equipment. The employer should instruct the employee in the handling and storage of pollutants and take the appropriate safety measures as part of the risk assessment.
Sources:
[1]: Source of contribution image: © gemenacom / 123RF.com
[2]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-520.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
[3]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/abfall-ressourcen/abfallwirtschaft/abfallarten/gefaehrliche-abfaelle
[4]: https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/de/home/themen/chemikalien/inkuerze.html
[5]: Image source: https://www.jh-profishop.de/gefahrstoffschraenke