What are the requirements for chemical storage in India?

The Bureau of Indian Standards adopted this Indian Standard (First Revision) on December 21, 1987, after the Chemical Division Council approved the draught finalised by the Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee.

The need for a chemical warehousing safety code stems from two factors: the hazards inherent in the nature and handling of chemicals and the hazards posed by inadequacy or improper handling of instrumental facilities required in chemical laboratories, such as glassware, electricity, gas, machinery equipment, steam, high/low-temperature apparatus, water, and pressure. Countless compounds employed as reagents and solvents are hazardous, combustible, corrosive, poisonous, or irritating to bodily tissues.

Chemical Regulations in India: An Overview

The following are the two most important chemical regulations in India. We'll take a closer look at each one individually.

• 1989, 1994, and 2000 amendments to the Manufacture, Storage & Import of Hazardous Chemicals, MSIHC (Amendment) Rules. R&C Rules for Ozone-Depleting Substances (2000).
• A safe chemical storage location should limit workers and other exposure to the risks connected with the chemicals and protect people from the potentially dangerous repercussions of an accidental leak or chemical reaction.

It is critical to never keep dangerous chemicals near food or beverages.

Take the following precautions when storing dangerous materials at work:

Carefully read the safety data sheet (SDS) or label and follow any storage instructions.

• Protect the chemicals from unauthorised access and use.
• Allow no chemicals to contact the sun, extreme heat, or ignition sources.
• Keep only the bare minimum of chemicals on hand. Make sure that all chemicals are properly labelled and that the labels are in good condition.
• Allow for sufficient ventilation.
• To keep chemicals organised, label shelves and cupboards.
• Placards should be used as necessary.
• Keep the outsides of the containers clean and the storage area organised.
• Ascertain that clear segregation plans are followed. Compounds must be stored separately to prevent incompatible chemicals from mixing in the event of a spill.
• To avoid contamination in the event of a leak, do not store liquids above solids.
• Corrosives should always be stored in spill trays.
• Refrigerate or freeze flammable liquids only if they have been modified, such as spark proofed.
• Make sure the shelves aren't too full.
• Store incompatible substances separately to avoid hazardous reactions.
• Different chemicals must be kept or carried separately to avoid incompatible substances mixing in the event of a spill. You should seek professional assistance with hazardous chemical separation.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective equipments (PPE) while handling chemicals as mentioned in Safety data sheet.

Major accident notification.

(1) If a serious accident occurs on a site or in a pipeline, the occupier must immediately notify the responsible authority, and provide the responsible authority with a report relating to the incidents in instalments necessary in Schedule 6.

(2) Upon receiving the report required by sub-rule I of this rule, the responsible authority shall conduct a thorough investigation into the serious accident and communicate the necessary information to the Ministry of Environment and Forests via suitable channels.

Final Words 

These were the regulations which every chemical storage company should follow. If you are looking for chemical warehousing in India or any other related services, then Rhenus Logistics India offers a range of warehouse logistics solutions.