Handling hazardous substances

Our range of adhesives is broad and diverse. Most adhesives are hazardous substances. According to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV), substances and compounds are classified as hazardous when they show one or more indications of danger: For example, they are toxic, irritant, corrosive, carcinogenic, highly flammable or dangerous to the environment.

None of our adhesives is classified as toxic. However, every adhesive can be dangerous to people and the environment, if the safety regulations of the product are not obeserved. Depending on the type, adhesives can cause different reactions. Some are flammable, others can have a corrosive or irritant effect on the human body. In most 2K-adhesives, the hardener component is the “dangerous“ part.

Our colleagues in the warehouse have to observe certain regulations regarding the handling of hazardous substances. Work clothes and shoes are a given, depending on the substance also protective gloves and safety goggles as well as respirators. In our workspace, drinking, eating and smoking are prohibited – of course! Each of us has to keep an eye on tidiness and cleanliness, we have to report dangers and defects immediately, and show responsibility for our colleagues. Always keeping in mind that we are handling hazardous chemicals plays an important part in this. We all want to get home to our friends and families safely after work.

Hazardous substances have to be stored in closed original packages or containers. The containers should be placed above a drop tray. All containers must be clearly labelled, so they cannot be confused with food packages. Aerosol dispensers must not be exposed to temperatures above 50 °C. This is especially important when transporting substances by car in summer. 50°C are easily reached on a normal summer day inside a closed vehicle – which can cause harmful surprises.

We keep a hazardous substances register, where all stored hazardous substances are listed according to their name, classification, quantity and storage location. Hazardous substances are divided into different storage categories. That means not all substances can be stored together. For explosive substances, many substances or flammable liquid products, seperate storage is even required sometimes. For each product, there is a safety data sheet, which also states the respective storage category. That way, we always know where to store what. To find out more about storing hazardous substances, visit bauen.de.

An article by guest author Klaus Kleymann – Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor at WEICON