Containment Flashcards
Are topographical features of the premises and surrounding area taken into account when considering the choice of locations for the storage or use of flammable liquids?
Topographical features of the premises and surrounding area should be taken
into account when considering the choice of locations for the storage or use of
flammable liquids. In all cases the implications of undulations should be considered in relation to a possible release of the materials that are being handled or stored. The potential consequences of fire water run-off should also be taken into account. (See HSE Guidance Note EH 70, ref 39.)
Are safe catchment areas provided to retain leakage, guard against the risk of pollution and contain a possible flowing liquid fire?
Safe catchment areas need to be provided to retain leakage, guard against the risk of
pollution and contain a possible flowing liquid fire:
- catchment areas, or bunds, must have a capacity of not less than 110% of the
capacity of the largest container in the bund or 25% of their aggregate storage
capacity, whichever is greater; - the base and walls of the bund must be impermeable to oil and water;
- the base and walls must not be penetrated by any drain pipe, valve or
opening; - if any fill or draw off pipe passes through the base or wall of the bund the
junction between the pipe and the base or wall must be adequately sealed to
prevent the escape of oil or water; - tanks and bunds must be positioned or suitably protected so as to minimise
the risk of damage by impact as far as practicable
Are adequate drainage facilities provided to a suitable container or a safe place?
Adequate drainage facilities should be provided to a suitable container or a safe
place. Discharge to main drains should not be permitted. Care should also be taken to prevent dense flammable vapours from entering drains.
Are flammable and highly flammable liquids be stored and handled in areas that are not liable to flooding?
Flammable and highly flammable liquids should not be stored or handled in areas that are liable to flooding.
Do operating procedures ensure that before transfer operations commence, a check is made to confirm that the liquid or solvent being delivered is of the correct type and that the quantity can be accommodated within the vessel?
Operating procedures should ensure that before transfer operations commence, a check is made to confirm that the liquid or solvent being delivered is of the correct type and that the quantity can be accommodated within the vessel.
Are automatic shut-offs incorporating overfill alarms fitted to all enclosed vessels and to all vessels supplied by piped services as a precaution against overfilling
Automatic shut-offs incorporating overfill alarms should be fitted to all enclosed vessels and to all vessels supplied by piped services, as a precaution against overfilling.
Have staff been trained not to puncture containers as a means of opening them?
Containers should not be punctured to open them.
Where there is tank storage within a building, has consideration been given to providing an emergency dump facility?
Where there is tank storage within a building, consideration should be given to
providing an emergency dump facility
Is floor dishing or ramped access used as a means to control spillages at door openings between compartments?
Are large containers stored on bunded pallets while in use?
It is desirable to provide a means of spill control, such as floor dishing or ramped sills, at door openings between compartments.
Large containers may be stored on bunded pallets while in use
Has an assessment been made of the possible location and size of spillage or leakage and an action plan drawn up to include the availability of appropriate non-combustible absorbent materials and tools to deal with any incident?
Spillages can happen at any time. An assessment should be made of the possible location and size of spillage or leakage and an action plan drawn up to include the availability of appropriate non-combustible absorbent materials and tools to deal with any incident. Staff should be trained in their use.
