Six safety tips for storing hazardous items in summer

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bg9.png It is now summer, with large temperature fluctuations; such climate conditions pose a significant threat to the safe storage of **chemicals. To ensure the safe storage of hazardous materials during summer and prevent chemical accidents caused by high temperatures, it is essential to control heat and maintain low temperatures; there are six specific measures for this purpose. 1. A qualified **chemical warehouse** is necessary. The roof and walls of such a warehouse should be insulated using heat-insulating, fire-resistant materials. The eaves should be made long enough to prevent sunlight from entering the warehouse. The warehouse walls should be thick enough, and windows should be installed to allow for indirect ventilation. Double doors and a double roof should also be provided; the window glass can be painted blue or made of frosted glass. 2. **Chemicals should be stored in categories. Chemical hazards are generally classified into explosive substances, substances that burn when in contact with water, self-igniting substances, flammable solids, flammable and oxidizing gases, corrosive substances, oxidizers, etc. These items must be stored in categories, in separate warehouses, in separate batches, and on separate shelves. It is strictly prohibited to store items with conflicting properties, different fire-extinguishing methods, or those prone to spontaneous combustion together. When storing items, stacks should not be too high, too large, or too dense. There should be a certain distance between stacks, as well as between stacks and walls, columns, roof beams, and lights; fire lanes must also be maintained, and storage should not exceed the allowed limits. 3. The temperature must be strictly controlled by installing a water storage roof on the warehouse or cooling water pipes on its roof; when the temperature exceeds 30°C, water is sprayed to cool down the area, keeping the temperature inside the warehouse below 28°C. Laying burlap sacks on the roof of the warehouse can improve its insulation properties. The roof, exterior walls, and window glass of the warehouse can also be painted white; the reflective effect of white helps to reduce the absorption of radiant heat, thereby achieving a cooling effect. Depending on the nature of the items and their packaging, it is also possible to pour well water or place ice blocks on the warehouse floor; where conditions permit, air conditioning can be installed to reduce the temperature. Some warehouses can have their windows opened in the morning, evening, and at night to allow cold air in, while the doors and windows are closed at noon to prevent hot air from entering. 4. Open storage areas and tanks should be cooled; flammable liquids in barrels should be kept inside buildings to prevent direct sunlight exposure. In special cases where temporary storage outdoors is necessary, a shelter made of non-flammable materials should be used, and sometimes water should be sprayed regularly using hoses to cool down the area. The barrel is generally filled to only 90%–95% of its capacity, leaving 5%–10% of space, which helps prevent the chemicals inside from expanding due to heat and causing fires or explosions. A cooling device should be installed at the top of the storage tank; when the temperature rises above 30°C, the cooling water pump is activated to carry out spray cooling. The storage tank should also not be filled to capacity; 5% to 10% of the volume should be left empty. 5. Lightning protection facilities should be in place. **Chemical warehouses are usually located on the outskirts of a facility or city, at a certain distance from other buildings in the area; as a result, an open space forms around the warehouse, making it vulnerable to lightning strikes. Therefore, lightning protection devices must be installed in the warehouse to prevent fire accidents caused by lightning strikes. 6. Strengthen management: Personnel working in **chemical warehouses must receive safety training, pass relevant assessments, and work with valid certificates. Warehouse staff should conduct regular inspections of the warehouse, addressing any issues found promptly to ensure safety.