Warehousing Chemicals: A Safety Checklist

Ensuring employee safety and proper chemical storage in your warehouse has a number of important bottom line benefits. These include avoiding costly fines by complying with regulations and preventing accidents that could affect the health and safety of employees and the community. To help you ensure employee safety and proper chemical storage in your warehouse, here are some key areas to examine:

Loading Docks

• Yellow line delineates end of dock
• Dock plates are designed for the load
• Dock plates have non-skid surfaces
• Proper lighting
• No storage of hazardous materials on loading dock
• No open drains in area or the ability to close drains
• Spill kit on dock
• No jumping from the dock
• Ladders and steps meet OSHA standards
• No debris
• Vehicles are chocked before loading/unloading
• Signs stating vehicles must be chocked

Emergency systems

• Exits are properly signed and illuminated
• Emergency lighting is periodically tested
• No smoking signs throughout warehouse
• Controlling ignition sources
• Sprinkler systems are compatible with the materials, configurations, and quantities being stored
• Sprinkler systems are inspected and tested at least annually by a qualified contractor
• Fire and security alarms are periodically tested
• Fire extinguishers are mounted, charged, inspected, and unblocked
• Fire hoses are periodically inspected
• Evacuation plans are posted
• Written emergency response plan
• Written spill contingency plan
• Employee training on fire extinguishing, spill response and evacuation procedures
• Site inspection by local fire department
• Emergency and spill response drills with employees and outside agencies at least annually
• Designated on-site emergency response personnel
• Contract with outside emergency response agency/company

Material storage

• Materials stored according to hazard class
• Floor plans showing designated material storage areas
• Storage container is compatible with the commodity stored
• Secondary containment
• Floor drains sealed near liquid materials or leading to blind sump or treatment system
• Pallets visually inspected for damage
• Drums/containers stacked on pallets no more than three high
• Storage racks are labeled with weight limit
• Storage racks for flammable chemicals are equipped with in-rack sprinklers
• Containers are labeled with contents and hazard warnings
• Secure containers with shrink wrap or banding
• Rows and racks spaced to allow adequate space for equipment movement and emergency response
• Compressed gases secured and stored according to compatibility
• Storage tanks are properly labeled and provided with secondary containment

Equipment

• Competent and trained employees operate equipment
• Designated area for equipment maintenance
• Hot Work Permit program
• Designated area for recharging of forklifts, hand trucks, etc.
• Machine guards on pinch points found on conveyors, bagging equipment, mixers, etc.
• Color-coded on/off buttons
• Inspect equipment regularly
• Emergency shut down buttons/devices
• Backup alarms and rearview mirrors on powered equipment
• CO monitoring in areas with propane and diesel powered forklifts

Hazardous waste

• Containers are labeled per RCRA requirements
• Wastes are compatible with each other
• Containers are closed at all times if not in use
• Secondary containment is provided for the storage area
• Containers are periodically inspected for corrosion, leaks and damage

Employee training

• Written job procedures
• Initial safety training for new employees
• Periodic safety meetings
• Training on proper use and maintenance of PPE
• Hazard communication training
• Availability of MSDS for all hazardous materials in warehouse
• Training for subcontractors

XL Environmental • Risk Control Division • 520 Eagleview Boulevard, PO Box 636, Exton, PA 19341 • Phone: 800-327-1414 • Fax: 610-458-7285 • xlenvironmental.com

XL Environmental is a division of XL Specialty Insurance Company.