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More chemical storage in the Netherlands as a result of Brexit
As a result of the approaching Brexit more and more Chemical companies and chemical storage companies are ready to move their operation to the Netherlands. This requires more knowledge of the regulations in Holland. When it comes to the storage of hazardous substances, it appears that they do not differ that much from those in Great Britain
The most important guideline when it comes to storage of hazardous substances is the PGS15. For example: the location of a new storage location with respect to boundaries is controlled under Building Regulations administered by the Dutch authority. But what are the requirements for this building. Although the PGS15 has not been translated into English, an English-language course is available with which you can learn more about the obligations. In addition, it is advisable to seek expert advice on applying for a permit. Hazmat.support employs advisers who have co-written with the above guideline and are happy to assist you.
ps: Are you looking for a Course Awareness dangerous goods?
Chemical storage and dealing with chemical spills
Where hazardous substances are to be stored, managers and employees within companies with chemical storage need to consider the risks created and the means adopted to control such risks. Chemical spills can have major environmental impacts. Chemical warehouses are required to have appropriate emergency response – and first-aid equipment readily available, and all personnel must be trained in the use of such equipment. In general, all the negative effects of chemical spills can be undone.
A risk assessment in relation to storage of chemicals may need to be completed. Chemical storage keepers should develop written spill response procedures. Spill management and response strategies should be included during emergency planning with personnel trained in the procedures.
Dealing with chemical spills.
International Chemical storage specialist Luciën Govaert: ‘Spills will be either: minor or major, depending on the volume, location and hazard of the substance spilt. The following chemical properties are of most concern when preparing for possible chemical spills: flammability, corrosion, reactivity to air or water and toxicity. If an immediate threat is posed, the area in which the spill occurred should be evacuated immediately. Isolate and control access to the spill area and do not allow non-essential personnel to enter the spill area. Raise the alarm notify Emergency Services if necessary. Provide the following information like name and telephone number of caller, the building and / or warehouse number where the incident occurred, name and type of material, the known hazard of the materials, the amount of material spilled, an explanation of what happened and the condition of any injured personnel. Apply first Aid and start to decontaminate.’
Generally the following applies for neutralizing chemical but always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet first. Acid spills should be neutralised with sodium bicarbonate. Use vermiculate to absorb organic material. Alkali spills can be neutralised with boric acid.
Where an explosive atmosphere is likely to be present or may arise from time to time, and in some cases an Explosion Protection Document (EPD) is required.
The tasks of the ADR safety adviser
The main task of the adviser shall be, under the responsibility of the head of the undertaking, to seek by all appropriate means and by all appropriate action, within the limits of the relevant activities of that undertaking, to facilitate the conduct of those activities in accordance with the requirements applicable and in the safest possible way.
With regard to the undertaking’s activities, the adviser has the following duties in particular:
– monitoring compliance with the requirements governing the carriage of dangerous goods;
– advising his undertaking on the carriage of dangerous goods;
– preparing an annual report to the management of his undertaking or a local public authority, as appropriate, on the undertaking’s activities in the carriage of dangerous goods. Such annual reports shall be preserved for five years and made available to the national authorities at their request.
The adviser’s duties also include monitoring the following practices and procedures relating to the relevant activities of the undertaking:
– the procedures for compliance with the requirements governing the identification of dangerous goods being transported;
– the undertaking’s practice in taking account, when purchasing means of transport, of any special requirements in connection with the dangerous goods being transported;
– the procedures for checking the equipment used in connection with the carriage, packing, filling, loading or unloading of dangerous goods;
– the proper training of the undertaking’s employees, including on the changes to the regulations, and the maintenance of records of such training;
– the implementation of proper emergency procedures in the event of any accident or incident that may affect safety during the carriage,
packing, filling, loading or unloading of dangerous goods;
– investigating and, where appropriate, preparing reports on serious accidents, incidents or serious infringements recorded during the carriage, packing, filling, loading or unloading of dangerous goods;
– the implementation of appropriate measures to avoid the recurrence of accidents, incidents or serious infringements;
– the account taken of the legal prescriptions and special requirements associated with the carriage of dangerous goods in the choice and use of sub-contractors or third parties;
– verification that employees involved in the carriage, packing, filling, loading or unloading of dangerous goods have detailed operational procedures and instructions;
– the introduction of measures to increase awareness of the risks inherent in the carriage, packing, filling, loading and unloading of dangerous goods;
-the implementation of verification procedures to ensure the presence on board the means of transport of the documents and safety equipment which must accompany transport and the compliance of such documents and equipment with the regulations;
– the implementation of verification procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements governing packing, filling, loading and unloading;
– the existence of the security plan indicated in 1.10.3.2.
Do you need a certifief safety adviser? Contact us.
When do you need a ADR safety adviser
Storage requirements of dangerous goods in packaged form in the Netherlands
The storage of chemicals is a profession. The companies that fall under this category are required to have a broad knowledge of the facts. From external risk, health and safety policy, training courses for risk management, storage and dangerous goods to fire-resistant buildings and standards for firefighting systems, flooring, ventilation, scaffolding and emergency lighting.
The requirements for the storage of dangerous goods in packaged form in the Netherlands have been established in a clear guideline: the PGS15. This “best practice” was created by representatives of business and government in the Netherlands, and is regularly updated by these same parties. It is used for licensing and is included in national laws and regulations.
The PGS15 is subdivided into several chapters. The most important chapter is chapter 3, which outlines requirements for the storage of dangerous packaged substances up to a weight of 10 tonnes. Chapter 4 of the guideline specifies the requirements for the storage of packages above 10 tonnes.
In chapter 3, the general rules state that the fire resistance between a storage location for dangerous packaged substances and another area needs to be at least 60 minutes in both directions, which can also be achieved through distance. The doors in the fire resistant walls need to be self-closing and close during periodical inspections, to ensure that, in case of an emergency, liquids cannot move from one storage facility to another.
Are you interested in storing your chemical products in the Netherlands and are you seeking for advice? Contact us and we will help you.
New linguistic versions of ADR and Instructions in writing
As an aid during an accident emergency situation that may occur or arise during carriage, instructions in writing in the form specified in 5.4.3.4 of the ADR shall be carried in the vehicle crew’s cab and shall be readily available.
These instructions in writing shall be provided by the carrier to the vehicle crew in language(s) that each member can read and understand before the commencement of the journey. The carrier shall ensure that each member of the vehicle crew concerned understands and is capable of carrying out the instructions properly.
Before the start of the journey, the members of the vehicle crew shall inform themselves of the dangerous goods loaded and consult the instructions in writing for details on actions to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency.
The instructions in writing shall correspond to the following four page model as regards its form and contents.
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Revised instructions in writing applicable as from 1 January 2017 |
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French |
UNECE Version (Source: ECE/TRANS/WP.15/231 and Add.1) |
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English |
UNECE Version (Source: ECE/TRANS/WP.15/231 and Add.1) |
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Russian |
UNECE Version (Source: ECE/TRANS/WP.15/231 and Add.1) |
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Danish |
(Source: Government of Denmark, received on 14.12.2016) |
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German |
(Source: Government of Germany, received on 20.01.2017) |
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Hungarian |
(Source: Government of Hungary, received on 23.01.2017) |
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Latvian |
(Source: Government of Latvia, received on 29.12.2016) |
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Norwegian |
(Source: Government of Norway, received on 21.12.2016) |
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Romanian |
(Source: Government of Romania, received on 23.01.2017) |
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Swedish |
(Source: Government of Sweden, received on 16.12.2016) |
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