Dangerous goods (DG) warehouse and chemical storage area is regulated under the Occupational Safety Health Act 1994 to ensure compliance and safety. Some of the dangers associated with chemical warehousing include fires, explosions, and harmful fumes.

 

In order to prevent these accidents, chemical warehouses must have proper ventilation, fire suppression systems, and emergency exits. Other safety measures include trained staff and regular safety inspections.

 

Main Classes of Dangerous Goods

 

Dangerous goods are materials or items with physical and chemical properties that can pose risks to human health and safety or infrastructure if not properly managed. These goods are categorised through a classification system.

 

Class 1: Explosives

 

Class 1 goods are explosives, meaning products that can ignite or detonate during a chemical reaction. These materials are particularly hazardous because their molecules are designed to swiftly transition, typically from a solid state, to a very hot gas.

 

Class 2: Gases

 

Class 2 includes compressed gases, liquefied gases, refrigerated gases, gas mixtures, and products with gases or aerosols. These gases are often flammable and can be toxic or corrosive. They also pose a hazard due to their potential to react chemically with oxygen.

 

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

 

A flammable liquid is any liquid, mixture of liquids, or liquid containing solids that ignites at much lower temperatures compared to others.

 

These low ignition temperatures increase the risk of the liquids catching fire during transportation, making them particularly hazardous to handle and transport due to their volatility and combustibility.

 

Commonly, flammable liquids are used as fuels in internal combustion engines for vehicles and aircraft, representing the largest volume of dangerous goods transported by land.

 

Many household products, such as perfumery items and acetone (found in nail polish remover), also contain flammable liquids.

 

Class 4: Flammable Solids

 

Class 4 dangerous goods are products that are highly flammable and can easily contribute to fires during transportation. Some of these goods are self-reactive, while others are prone to spontaneous heating.

 

Class 5: Oxidising Agents and Organic Peroxides

 

Class 5 dangerous goods are divided into two categories: 'oxidising agents' and 'organic peroxides.' Due to their high oxygen content, these substances are highly reactive and easily ignite when they come into contact with flammable or combustible materials.

 

This means that fires can start and continue even in confined spaces. Additionally, these materials are notoriously difficult to extinguish, which significantly increases their risk factor.

 

Class 6: Toxins and Infectious Substances

 

Toxic substances can be deadly, as their name suggests, due to their harmful nature. They pose serious risks to human health if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Some toxic chemicals can be fatal within minutes.

 

Infectious substances, on the other hand, contain microorganisms that can cause diseases in humans or animals, known as pathogens.

 

Class 7: Radioactive Material

 

Radioactive materials contain unstable atoms that spontaneously change their structure randomly. These materials have 'radionuclides,' which are atoms with an unstable nucleus. This unstable nucleus releases radioactive energy.

 

When these atoms change, they emit ionising radiation, which can cause chemical or biological changes. This type of radiation can be harmful to the human body.

 

Class 8: Corrosives

 

Corrosives are highly reactive materials known for their significant chemical effects. Their reactivity leads to chemical reactions that deteriorate other materials upon contact. When these materials are living tissue, the result can be severe injury.

 

Class 9: Miscellaneous

 

This category includes substances that pose a unique danger not addressed by other classes.

 

Can any warehouse handle hazardous substances?

 

No, A warehouse must be certified to perform chemical storage. The certification process is rigorous and can involve government and local council agencies, the fire department, and the Department of Environment; each may involve lengthy processes.

 

Key Factors You Need to Know When Considering Dangerous Goods Warehouse

 

 

When a company rents a warehouse that stores dangerous goods materials, it is essential to know that all warehouses are unequal. Opting to rent the wrong warehouse can endanger your safety of products and people.

 

The wrong choice could negatively impact your finances and warehouse operations, as audit violations can result in hefty fines that disrupt warehouse operations.

 

Read more: Key Insights on Choosing a Warehouse for Rent.

 

Compliance with Licences, Permits, and Certifications

 

A good way is to have an audit list during the vetting process. You can ask for starters to see business licences, fire department operating permits, fire safety certificates, certification of completion and compliance, and other applicable registrations.

 

A proper dangerous goods warehouse facility should provide past hazard identification and chemical safety data sheets, classification and labelling, and a chemical register of the stored chemicals. 

 

Also, adhering to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards is essential for safely storing hazardous chemicals. These guidelines help protect life and property, covering storage unit design, ventilation, and fire suppression systems.

 

Read more: Certificate of Completion and Compliance & Fire Certificate.

 

Fire Safety Facilities and Material Safety Records

 

Advanced fire protection systems are essential for handling flammable chemicals. Flame detectors, which sense infrared or ultraviolet light, provide faster fire detection than smoke detectors, crucial for preventing small fires from becoming major disasters.

 

High-expansion foam generators produce foam that smothers flames and cools surfaces by cutting off oxygen. They're especially effective against fires involving flammable liquids and gases, common in warehouses with flammable materials.

 

If the warehouse has undergone recent audits, you'll want past information on chemical safety data sheets (CSDS) related to materials handling and fire safety audits.

 

A typical good warehouse should have firewalls, ESFR or early suppression, fast response sprinklers, smoke extraction systems or proper ventilation systems, fire doors, and first aid facilities.  

 

Electrical Components With Explosive Atmospheres

 

Certified electrical components for explosive atmospheres are essential for mitigating ignition risks. These rigorously tested components meet ATEX and IECEx standards, preventing sparks and high temperatures that could ignite flammable substances.

 

Examples include explosion-proof enclosures and intrinsically safe circuits. Implementing these components controls ignition sources, protects infrastructure, and safeguards personnel, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

 

Flooring Material: Polyurethane and Epoxy Resin Coatings

 

Polyurethane and epoxy resin coatings are highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, making them ideal for hazardous environments. They provide a strong barrier that protects surfaces from chemical damage, ensuring structural integrity even in industrial settings.

 

Polyurethane and epoxy coatings offer excellent chemical resistance, durability, and longevity. They withstand heavy machinery, foot traffic, and thermal shock, reducing repair needs and enhancing safety. These coatings ensure long-term protection and efficiency.

 

Adjacent Warehouse Storage Areas

 

Chemical's proper storage areas should be located away from densely populated areas, from drinking water sources, areas liable to flooding, and flooding and external sources of hazards.

 

The warehouse should be in an industrial land or industrial zone warehouse controlled by the planning legislation. The location should provide easy access for transport and hospital buildings.

 

Adequate services should be provided, including electricity with emergency supply if needed, hydrant and fire-fighting water, and drainage preventing ground run-off to either public/storm sewer or a waste treatment plant as a part of a site containment plan.

 

Safe Dangerous Goods Warehouse and Chemical Storage in Malaysia

 

 

Safe storage of hazardous materials is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. Businesses must comply with safety standards, understand hazardous material types, and evaluate facilities properly. Choosing the right warehouse is vital for safety.

 

Industrial Malaysia specialises in hazardous chemical storage areas, offering certified dangerous goods (DG) warehouses that comply with national and international safety standards. Partnering with us guarantees top-quality, safe storage solutions.

 

We can help you with your supply chain needs, remember safety and regulatory compliance is primary rather than on commercial and financial interest. To know further details, email us at hello@industrialmalaysia.com.my.