- Email: [email protected]
A Study on Handling of Hazardous Chemicals in Engineering Industries
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
ScienceDirect APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
2013 5th International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering (ICBEE 2013) 2013 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering (ICCEN 2013)
A Study on Handling of Hazardous Chemicals in Engineering Industries P. Sivaprakasha , L. M. Karthikeyanb and Sebastian josephb a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641105, India b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641021, India
Abstract The possibility of danger in any circumference is known as Hazard. The hazardous chemicals are the substances used in various engineering industries for production, analysis, research and other usages. Any unexpected event producing injury or damage in engineering industries is referred as an accident. In this study, the review of literature and details of various accidents that had happened due to hazardous chemicals in south India has been studied. Handling and environmental preventive methods for engineering chemicals are mentioned for maintaining safe working environment of the engineering industries.
© 2013P.Published byPublished ElsevierbyB.V. Selection © 2014 Sivaprakash. Elsevier B.V. and/or peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Environmental Engineering Selection andBiological peer review& under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Society Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society Keywords: Accident, Hazard, Risk, Safety
1. Introduction Hazards must be identified in engineering industries using chemicals in various forms like solid, liquid and gases to maintain safe working environment. The study of various accidents happened can be carried out for identifying the major hazards which creates accidents in engineering industries. Most of the chemical accidents in south India happen because of the careless mistakes and improper handling of materials. In this study, the safe handling methods of the various chemicals are explained. The preventive methods for
Corresponding Author. Tel.: +91 9842242455; fax: +91 422 2980016. E-mail address: [email protected]
2212-6708 © 2014 P. Sivaprakash. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society doi:10.1016/j.apcbee.2014.01.033
188
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
chemicals from bad weather condition are studied in the last session and most of the safe handling techniques of engineering chemicals have been discussed. 2. Handling Methods for Various Hazardous Materials Juan et al indicated eight major causes for accidents namely mechanical failure, impact, human factors, Instrument failure, services failure, violent reaction, External events and upset process conditions [7]. The engineering industries are using various kinds of hazardous chemicals like flammables materials, explosive chemicals, corrosive materials, toxic substances, heat sensitive materials, oxidizing agents, gases under high pressure, water sensitive chemicals and radioactive materials. The petroleum and explosives safety organization (PESO) [2] comes under department of industrial policy & promotion, government of India has indicated the reasons and various causes for chemical accidents in their annual report 2011 – 12 as shown in Fig. 1. Ren Changing et al explained that chemical accidents during transportation are main issues for a public safety [10]. So quick response required from the accidental area to solve the problem easily and reduce human death. Apart from the properties of chemicals, the physical state of chemical whether it is a solid, liquid or gas, is also of greater importance in handling the chemicals. At times, it may be more advantageous to handle chemicals as a liquid or gas even though maintaining it at a higher temperature is difficult. 2.1. Flammable and Explosive Chemicals Rigas indicated that accidents are classified due to the hazardous substances based on three different types; they are dispersion, fire and explosion [12]. All organic chemicals are flammable. Dust of organic materials and dust of metals like aluminum, magnesium and sodium may be easy to ignite and explode in the air. Flammable gases like hydrogen, acetylene, and methane are easy to ignite and may burn with explosion. Avoid the possibility of ignition sources in the vicinity of handling such materials. Handling of flammable solvents/liquids requires special care. Small quantities of solvents/liquids are handled through drums, carboys and cans and large quantities through pipelines. While handling these liquids, spillage due to damage of containers, leaking of pipe lines is to be avoided. While handling flammable solid, liquid or gas, spillage can be restricted to a certain extent, adopting safe procedure. Kevin et al indicated in their paper that in daily life the explosive flammable and toxic are more dangers hazards when improperly released [8]. To avoid fire hazards ignition sources are to be eliminated by providing explosion proof electrical appliance; earthing, bonding to the handling and storing equipment to prevent static electricity and using non-sparking tools for maintenance jobs. A hot work permit system is to be implemented to carry out any hot work in this area. Fire alarm and firefighting equipment are to be provided in this area as per the recommendations by Tariff Advisory Committee. If any flammable liquid spillage or gas leak occurs the area is to be barricaded, traffic is to be diverted till the area is free from explosive mixture. Explosive meter is an ideal instrument to check the atmosphere and to locate the gas leak. Explosives are shock sensitive. Sivaprakasam et al indicated that in India, fireworks manufacturer are generally carried out their work manually due to sensitive nature of the chemical mixtures to thermal, mechanical and electrical hazards [13]. The manufacturer's instructions are the best guide in handling of explosives. Storage and handling of explosives are controlled by the explosive inspectorate. Metallic tools should not be used with explosives and all materials should be guarded against rough handling.
189
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
(a) Reasons for Chemical Accidents
15%
31%
(b) Causes for Chemical Accidents 16%
Careless 54%
1%
Friction Sensitive
Oils Gases
Others
Soild Chemicals 83%
Fig. 1. (a) Reasons for Chemical Accidents; (b) Causes for Chemical Accidents
2.2. Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive chemicals like acids and alkalis react vigorously with metals and organic substances according to its concentration. While concentrated sulphuric acid can be handled through iron pipes in large quantity and ceramic pots in less quantity, phosphoric acid can be handled through rubber lines, pipes and tanks. Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with metals and produces hydrogen. It easily corrodes the metals and pipelines which leads to a hidden hazard. One cannot predict when acid line leaks so periodic inspection of acid handling equipment is necessary. While handling acid and alkali equipment like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) overalls, PVC gloves, PVC gum boots, PVC hoods are to be worn. Emergency eye wash fountains, safety showers are to be provided in the acid and alkali handling areas. Spillage of acid, if any, is to be neutralized with lime powder and washed with water. Washable and drained liquids are to be routed to effluent pit through well protected channels and gutters. There are limited chances for entering toxic chemicals through ingestion. Workers may take chemicals through mouth by mistake. This can be avoided by proper label, writing the toxic effect of the chemicals in local languages, displaying warning symbols. Other chances through mouth is through food stuff, water which are contaminated by toxic chemicals while handling. This can be avoided by testing food stuff and water for any contamination and adulterations, if any, when suspicion arises. Toxic chemicals entering into the body through skin absorption is very less and can be avoided easily by adopting safety methods of chemical handling. Proper clothing is to be worn to avoid the contact of chemical in the body. Proper gloves are to be used while handling hazardous chemicals to protect hands. If not possible, at least apply barrier cream in hands to resist the entry of chemicals into the body by skin absorption. PVC dress, apron, face shields, PVC hood, PVC gloves, PVC gumboots and goggles are to be recommended materials for chemical handling. 3. Preventive Measures from Bad Weather for Hazardous Chemicals William noted that, in process Industries reactive chemical incidents have led to numerous losses and have affected the society [15]. Jager stated that in a chemical industry an explosion hazard may exist when the dust materials are produced, stored or processed and these materials are present as a mixture of air [6]. The important preventive measures to avoid spillage or pollution of toxic chemicals are as follows: 3.1. Solid State Hazardous Chemicals Formation of dust in hazardous chemicals must be stopped at the source itself. The dust has to be collected by vacuum entrapped in cyclones or Scrubbers. The toxic chemicals must be treated to form non-toxic
190
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
chemicals with other chemicals. Consider the below example. Hydrogen Cyanide (toxic) + Sodium Thiosulphate = Sodium Thiocyanate (non-toxic) Arsenic and its compounds are toxic, and no other method is available to change the toxic arsenic to nontoxic arsenic. Many of the chemicals undergo decomposition even at moderate temperature and evolve toxic gases. Most of the pharmaceutical products are very sensitive to temperature. While handling and storing, low temperature should be maintained. 3.2. Liquid State Hazardous Chemicals Wanda et al indicated that very dangerous chemicals involved in major accidents are sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, and carbon monoxide [14]. Marlair explained that, in Solid physical state, at normal temperature and pressure ammonium Nitrate is chemically stable [9]. It has a melting point of 170oC and begins to decompose at 2100. In Ammonium Nitrate major Hazards in relation with fire and explosion risk. In a fusion reactor, high-level tritiated water will be generated and stored in various areas. Hayashi et al explained that to avoid the corrosive condition the chemical contaminations in the water should be monitored periodically [4]. Spillages are to be avoided by just draining the hazardous liquid to the ground. Draining and washings are to be collected in proper containers. Toxic liquid should not be contaminated with drinking water, reverse, channels, sea etc. While handling the oxidising chemicals, they come into contact with combustible materials and thereby fires and explosives may be induced. In case of spillage, these materials can mix with other organic materials and start fire and explosion. These chemicals are also heat sensitive and should be kept in cool place. According to Hoppe.T et al, the preventive measures from the explosion requires at least to meet any one of the three conditions are [5]; x To avoid the development of explosible mixtures x To replace the atmospheric oxygen with an inert gas, working in a vacuum x By preventing the occurrence of effective ignition sources They react with water or moisture and produce dangerous and flammable gases and heat. In case of spillage, these chemicals should not be washed with water. If there is any fire while handling such chemicals, water should not be used for fire fighting. Only dry chemicals should be used to extinguish the fire. These chemicals should be stored in a water proof shed and handled in moisture free environment. 3.3. Hazardous Gases and Vapors Venting to open atmosphere is to be prohibited. Pressure safety relief valves should not be allowed to pop to the atmosphere. Relief valve exit is to be connected to a common flare header. Hazardous gases and vapours should be vented through flare system. Gas stack effluent is to be controlled by providing continuous stack monitoring system. In Industries, gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, ammonia, acetylene, ethylene, argon etc. are used widely. These gases are supplied in cylinders in various sizes and under varying pressures. Utmost care should be taken while handling and storing of such cylinders. Nitrogen and carbon monoxide are the two industrial gases which may give harm to human life silently since these are not having any characteristic odour to give warning of their existence. Rigas et al stated that working with the organic material contents with nitration is a potentially dangerous process, because nitration performs exothermic reactions under suitable conditions with explosive substances [11]. In gold and silver mine, the safety precautions are essential to maintain the working environment in a safe manner. Akcil indicated that staff members working in mines has continuously plan and provide detailed accounts of the
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
management practices and initiatives being undertaken with regard to handling hazardous substances [1]. Fabiano et al noted that economical factors, technology based job design, organization of work or environmental conditions and human factors are the several factors that can affect the occupational accidents frequency [3]. To avoid human entrap in such atmospheres, workers should have proper knowledge about the sources of the hazardous gases in the process and adequate precaution is to be taken by wearing breathing apparatus. 4. Conclusion The different types of chemicals must be stored in proper methods for safe handling. The careless mistakes will create dangerous accidents and material losses also. This paper indicates various storage and accident prevention methods for chemicals in industrial environment. The improper handling and storage methods must be avoided in chemical industries for creating and maintaining a safe working environment. References [1] Akcil A. Managing cyanide: Health, safety and risk management practices at Turkey’s ovacik gold silver mine. Journal of Cleaner Production 2006; 14: 727-735. [2] Annual Report-2011-12, Petroleum and explosive safety organisation, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of India. [3] Fabiano B, Currò F, Andrea P, Pastorino R. Port safety and the container revolution: A statistical study on human factor and occupational accidents over the long period. Safety Science 2010; 48:980–990. [4] Hayashi T, Itoh T, Kobayashi K, Isobe K, Nishi M. Safety handling characteristics of high-level tritiated water. Fusion Engineering and Design 2006; 1365–1369. [5] Hoppe T, Jaeger N, Terry J. Safe handling of combustible powders during transportation, Charging, discharging and storage. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2000; 13: 253–263. [6] Jaeger N. Safety strategy against potential hazards due to the handling of powders in a blending unit. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2001; 14: 139–151. [7] Juan A. Viichez, Sergi SeviUa, Helena Montielt~t and Joaquim Casalt, Historical analysis of accidents in chemical plants and in the transportation of hazardous materials, Journal of Loss Prevention Process Industries 1995; 08: 87 - 96 [8] Kevin Horton.D, Zahava Berkowitz, Gilbert S. Haugh, Maureen F. Orr, endy E, Kaye. Acute public health consequences associated with hazardous substances released during transit. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2003, B98: 161 – 175. [9] Marlair G, Astrid Kordek M. Safety and security issues relating to low capacity storage of AN-based fertilizers. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2005; A123: 13–28. [10] Ren Changing, YUAN Xiongjun, WANG Jie, ZHANG Xin, LI Jin. Study on emergency response rank mode of flammable and explosive hazardous materials road transportation, Procedia Engineering 2012; 45: 830 – 835. [11] Rigas F, Sebos I, Doulia D. Safe handling of spent acids in nitroglycerine/nitroglycol plants. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 1998; 11: 161–168. [12] Rigas F, Sklavounos S. Major hazards analysis for populations adjacent to chemical storage facilities. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 82(B5): 341–351. [13] Sivaprakasam S.P, Surianarayanan M, Swaminathan G. Hazard assessment for the safe storage, manufacturing and handling of flash compositions. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2009; 22: 254–256. [14] Wanda Lizak Welles, Rebecca E. Wilburn, Jenny K. Ehrlich, Christina M. Floridia, New York hazardous substances emergency events surveillance: learning from hazardous substances releases to improve safety 2009; 22: 728 – 734. [15] William J, Wei C, Sam Mannan M. Application of screening tools in the prevention of reactive chemical incidents. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2004; 17: 261–269.
191
ScienceDirect APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
2013 5th International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering (ICBEE 2013) 2013 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering (ICCEN 2013)
A Study on Handling of Hazardous Chemicals in Engineering Industries P. Sivaprakasha , L. M. Karthikeyanb and Sebastian josephb a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641105, India b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641021, India
Abstract The possibility of danger in any circumference is known as Hazard. The hazardous chemicals are the substances used in various engineering industries for production, analysis, research and other usages. Any unexpected event producing injury or damage in engineering industries is referred as an accident. In this study, the review of literature and details of various accidents that had happened due to hazardous chemicals in south India has been studied. Handling and environmental preventive methods for engineering chemicals are mentioned for maintaining safe working environment of the engineering industries.
© 2013P.Published byPublished ElsevierbyB.V. Selection © 2014 Sivaprakash. Elsevier B.V. and/or peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Environmental Engineering Selection andBiological peer review& under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Society Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society Keywords: Accident, Hazard, Risk, Safety
1. Introduction Hazards must be identified in engineering industries using chemicals in various forms like solid, liquid and gases to maintain safe working environment. The study of various accidents happened can be carried out for identifying the major hazards which creates accidents in engineering industries. Most of the chemical accidents in south India happen because of the careless mistakes and improper handling of materials. In this study, the safe handling methods of the various chemicals are explained. The preventive methods for
Corresponding Author. Tel.: +91 9842242455; fax: +91 422 2980016. E-mail address: [email protected]
2212-6708 © 2014 P. Sivaprakash. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer review under responsibility of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society doi:10.1016/j.apcbee.2014.01.033
188
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
chemicals from bad weather condition are studied in the last session and most of the safe handling techniques of engineering chemicals have been discussed. 2. Handling Methods for Various Hazardous Materials Juan et al indicated eight major causes for accidents namely mechanical failure, impact, human factors, Instrument failure, services failure, violent reaction, External events and upset process conditions [7]. The engineering industries are using various kinds of hazardous chemicals like flammables materials, explosive chemicals, corrosive materials, toxic substances, heat sensitive materials, oxidizing agents, gases under high pressure, water sensitive chemicals and radioactive materials. The petroleum and explosives safety organization (PESO) [2] comes under department of industrial policy & promotion, government of India has indicated the reasons and various causes for chemical accidents in their annual report 2011 – 12 as shown in Fig. 1. Ren Changing et al explained that chemical accidents during transportation are main issues for a public safety [10]. So quick response required from the accidental area to solve the problem easily and reduce human death. Apart from the properties of chemicals, the physical state of chemical whether it is a solid, liquid or gas, is also of greater importance in handling the chemicals. At times, it may be more advantageous to handle chemicals as a liquid or gas even though maintaining it at a higher temperature is difficult. 2.1. Flammable and Explosive Chemicals Rigas indicated that accidents are classified due to the hazardous substances based on three different types; they are dispersion, fire and explosion [12]. All organic chemicals are flammable. Dust of organic materials and dust of metals like aluminum, magnesium and sodium may be easy to ignite and explode in the air. Flammable gases like hydrogen, acetylene, and methane are easy to ignite and may burn with explosion. Avoid the possibility of ignition sources in the vicinity of handling such materials. Handling of flammable solvents/liquids requires special care. Small quantities of solvents/liquids are handled through drums, carboys and cans and large quantities through pipelines. While handling these liquids, spillage due to damage of containers, leaking of pipe lines is to be avoided. While handling flammable solid, liquid or gas, spillage can be restricted to a certain extent, adopting safe procedure. Kevin et al indicated in their paper that in daily life the explosive flammable and toxic are more dangers hazards when improperly released [8]. To avoid fire hazards ignition sources are to be eliminated by providing explosion proof electrical appliance; earthing, bonding to the handling and storing equipment to prevent static electricity and using non-sparking tools for maintenance jobs. A hot work permit system is to be implemented to carry out any hot work in this area. Fire alarm and firefighting equipment are to be provided in this area as per the recommendations by Tariff Advisory Committee. If any flammable liquid spillage or gas leak occurs the area is to be barricaded, traffic is to be diverted till the area is free from explosive mixture. Explosive meter is an ideal instrument to check the atmosphere and to locate the gas leak. Explosives are shock sensitive. Sivaprakasam et al indicated that in India, fireworks manufacturer are generally carried out their work manually due to sensitive nature of the chemical mixtures to thermal, mechanical and electrical hazards [13]. The manufacturer's instructions are the best guide in handling of explosives. Storage and handling of explosives are controlled by the explosive inspectorate. Metallic tools should not be used with explosives and all materials should be guarded against rough handling.
189
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
(a) Reasons for Chemical Accidents
15%
31%
(b) Causes for Chemical Accidents 16%
Careless 54%
1%
Friction Sensitive
Oils Gases
Others
Soild Chemicals 83%
Fig. 1. (a) Reasons for Chemical Accidents; (b) Causes for Chemical Accidents
2.2. Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive chemicals like acids and alkalis react vigorously with metals and organic substances according to its concentration. While concentrated sulphuric acid can be handled through iron pipes in large quantity and ceramic pots in less quantity, phosphoric acid can be handled through rubber lines, pipes and tanks. Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with metals and produces hydrogen. It easily corrodes the metals and pipelines which leads to a hidden hazard. One cannot predict when acid line leaks so periodic inspection of acid handling equipment is necessary. While handling acid and alkali equipment like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) overalls, PVC gloves, PVC gum boots, PVC hoods are to be worn. Emergency eye wash fountains, safety showers are to be provided in the acid and alkali handling areas. Spillage of acid, if any, is to be neutralized with lime powder and washed with water. Washable and drained liquids are to be routed to effluent pit through well protected channels and gutters. There are limited chances for entering toxic chemicals through ingestion. Workers may take chemicals through mouth by mistake. This can be avoided by proper label, writing the toxic effect of the chemicals in local languages, displaying warning symbols. Other chances through mouth is through food stuff, water which are contaminated by toxic chemicals while handling. This can be avoided by testing food stuff and water for any contamination and adulterations, if any, when suspicion arises. Toxic chemicals entering into the body through skin absorption is very less and can be avoided easily by adopting safety methods of chemical handling. Proper clothing is to be worn to avoid the contact of chemical in the body. Proper gloves are to be used while handling hazardous chemicals to protect hands. If not possible, at least apply barrier cream in hands to resist the entry of chemicals into the body by skin absorption. PVC dress, apron, face shields, PVC hood, PVC gloves, PVC gumboots and goggles are to be recommended materials for chemical handling. 3. Preventive Measures from Bad Weather for Hazardous Chemicals William noted that, in process Industries reactive chemical incidents have led to numerous losses and have affected the society [15]. Jager stated that in a chemical industry an explosion hazard may exist when the dust materials are produced, stored or processed and these materials are present as a mixture of air [6]. The important preventive measures to avoid spillage or pollution of toxic chemicals are as follows: 3.1. Solid State Hazardous Chemicals Formation of dust in hazardous chemicals must be stopped at the source itself. The dust has to be collected by vacuum entrapped in cyclones or Scrubbers. The toxic chemicals must be treated to form non-toxic
190
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
chemicals with other chemicals. Consider the below example. Hydrogen Cyanide (toxic) + Sodium Thiosulphate = Sodium Thiocyanate (non-toxic) Arsenic and its compounds are toxic, and no other method is available to change the toxic arsenic to nontoxic arsenic. Many of the chemicals undergo decomposition even at moderate temperature and evolve toxic gases. Most of the pharmaceutical products are very sensitive to temperature. While handling and storing, low temperature should be maintained. 3.2. Liquid State Hazardous Chemicals Wanda et al indicated that very dangerous chemicals involved in major accidents are sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, and carbon monoxide [14]. Marlair explained that, in Solid physical state, at normal temperature and pressure ammonium Nitrate is chemically stable [9]. It has a melting point of 170oC and begins to decompose at 2100. In Ammonium Nitrate major Hazards in relation with fire and explosion risk. In a fusion reactor, high-level tritiated water will be generated and stored in various areas. Hayashi et al explained that to avoid the corrosive condition the chemical contaminations in the water should be monitored periodically [4]. Spillages are to be avoided by just draining the hazardous liquid to the ground. Draining and washings are to be collected in proper containers. Toxic liquid should not be contaminated with drinking water, reverse, channels, sea etc. While handling the oxidising chemicals, they come into contact with combustible materials and thereby fires and explosives may be induced. In case of spillage, these materials can mix with other organic materials and start fire and explosion. These chemicals are also heat sensitive and should be kept in cool place. According to Hoppe.T et al, the preventive measures from the explosion requires at least to meet any one of the three conditions are [5]; x To avoid the development of explosible mixtures x To replace the atmospheric oxygen with an inert gas, working in a vacuum x By preventing the occurrence of effective ignition sources They react with water or moisture and produce dangerous and flammable gases and heat. In case of spillage, these chemicals should not be washed with water. If there is any fire while handling such chemicals, water should not be used for fire fighting. Only dry chemicals should be used to extinguish the fire. These chemicals should be stored in a water proof shed and handled in moisture free environment. 3.3. Hazardous Gases and Vapors Venting to open atmosphere is to be prohibited. Pressure safety relief valves should not be allowed to pop to the atmosphere. Relief valve exit is to be connected to a common flare header. Hazardous gases and vapours should be vented through flare system. Gas stack effluent is to be controlled by providing continuous stack monitoring system. In Industries, gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, ammonia, acetylene, ethylene, argon etc. are used widely. These gases are supplied in cylinders in various sizes and under varying pressures. Utmost care should be taken while handling and storing of such cylinders. Nitrogen and carbon monoxide are the two industrial gases which may give harm to human life silently since these are not having any characteristic odour to give warning of their existence. Rigas et al stated that working with the organic material contents with nitration is a potentially dangerous process, because nitration performs exothermic reactions under suitable conditions with explosive substances [11]. In gold and silver mine, the safety precautions are essential to maintain the working environment in a safe manner. Akcil indicated that staff members working in mines has continuously plan and provide detailed accounts of the
P. Sivaprakash et al. / APCBEE Procedia 9 (2014) 187 – 191
management practices and initiatives being undertaken with regard to handling hazardous substances [1]. Fabiano et al noted that economical factors, technology based job design, organization of work or environmental conditions and human factors are the several factors that can affect the occupational accidents frequency [3]. To avoid human entrap in such atmospheres, workers should have proper knowledge about the sources of the hazardous gases in the process and adequate precaution is to be taken by wearing breathing apparatus. 4. Conclusion The different types of chemicals must be stored in proper methods for safe handling. The careless mistakes will create dangerous accidents and material losses also. This paper indicates various storage and accident prevention methods for chemicals in industrial environment. The improper handling and storage methods must be avoided in chemical industries for creating and maintaining a safe working environment. References [1] Akcil A. Managing cyanide: Health, safety and risk management practices at Turkey’s ovacik gold silver mine. Journal of Cleaner Production 2006; 14: 727-735. [2] Annual Report-2011-12, Petroleum and explosive safety organisation, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of India. [3] Fabiano B, Currò F, Andrea P, Pastorino R. Port safety and the container revolution: A statistical study on human factor and occupational accidents over the long period. Safety Science 2010; 48:980–990. [4] Hayashi T, Itoh T, Kobayashi K, Isobe K, Nishi M. Safety handling characteristics of high-level tritiated water. Fusion Engineering and Design 2006; 1365–1369. [5] Hoppe T, Jaeger N, Terry J. Safe handling of combustible powders during transportation, Charging, discharging and storage. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2000; 13: 253–263. [6] Jaeger N. Safety strategy against potential hazards due to the handling of powders in a blending unit. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2001; 14: 139–151. [7] Juan A. Viichez, Sergi SeviUa, Helena Montielt~t and Joaquim Casalt, Historical analysis of accidents in chemical plants and in the transportation of hazardous materials, Journal of Loss Prevention Process Industries 1995; 08: 87 - 96 [8] Kevin Horton.D, Zahava Berkowitz, Gilbert S. Haugh, Maureen F. Orr, endy E, Kaye. Acute public health consequences associated with hazardous substances released during transit. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2003, B98: 161 – 175. [9] Marlair G, Astrid Kordek M. Safety and security issues relating to low capacity storage of AN-based fertilizers. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2005; A123: 13–28. [10] Ren Changing, YUAN Xiongjun, WANG Jie, ZHANG Xin, LI Jin. Study on emergency response rank mode of flammable and explosive hazardous materials road transportation, Procedia Engineering 2012; 45: 830 – 835. [11] Rigas F, Sebos I, Doulia D. Safe handling of spent acids in nitroglycerine/nitroglycol plants. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 1998; 11: 161–168. [12] Rigas F, Sklavounos S. Major hazards analysis for populations adjacent to chemical storage facilities. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 82(B5): 341–351. [13] Sivaprakasam S.P, Surianarayanan M, Swaminathan G. Hazard assessment for the safe storage, manufacturing and handling of flash compositions. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2009; 22: 254–256. [14] Wanda Lizak Welles, Rebecca E. Wilburn, Jenny K. Ehrlich, Christina M. Floridia, New York hazardous substances emergency events surveillance: learning from hazardous substances releases to improve safety 2009; 22: 728 – 734. [15] William J, Wei C, Sam Mannan M. Application of screening tools in the prevention of reactive chemical incidents. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 2004; 17: 261–269.
191