Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p38
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 101688–104705

are not compatible or that would react together to cause a fire, explosion, harmful reaction or evolution of flammable, toxic or corrosive vapour.
Leaving containers open when not in use is one of the main causes of spills and can also lead
to generating hazardous atmospheres and fire risks. Procedures, training and supervision should ensure containers are sealed when not in use.
Any spill containment system should be large enough to ensure that all spills can be held safely until cleaned up. Factors you should consider when designing a spill containment system include:
    * the nature of the hazardous chemicals (whether liquid or solid)
    * the quantity of the hazardous chemicals
    * the size of the largest container or reasonably foreseeable largest spill
    * the potential impact if the hazardous chemicals escape to the environment
    * whether it is necessary to provide for the management of firewater at an incident
    * a separate spill containment is provided for incompatible goods
    * the materials used to construct the containment system, as well as any materials used
      for absorption, are compatible with the hazardous chemicals
    * other materials in the vicinity that will prevent contamination of groundwater or soil
    * the system's integrity will be maintained in any reasonably foreseeable incident.
For large quantities of hazardous chemicals, bunding may be required. Bunding should be designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard specific to the type of hazardous chemical, for example AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, and in consultation with the emergency services authority.

Transfer of hazardous chemicals
Transferring hazardous chemicals generally presents a far greater risk than for static storage.  During the transfer process, the chemicals will frequently be unconfined at some stage of the transfer process that may include pouring or pumping from one container to another. Common methods for eliminating or reducing risks during transfer operations include:
    * avoiding spillage or overflow, including overflow protection on equipment and receiving vessels
    * providing emergency shut-offs to limit the amount of hazardous chemicals released during a loss of containment
    * providing a spill containment system
    * reducing static electricity and vapour generation. This is particularly important for fire risk hazardous chemicals such as flammable liquids
    * ensuring transfer fittings are compatible
    * avoiding sources of ignition
    * installing flow and pressure regulators on pipe work or pumps
    * installing interlocking of valves and switches
    * implementing systems for detecting losses from pipe work and fittings, such as static pressure loss detectors, measurement to determine losses in transfer or external sensors.
Plumbed eye wash stations and safety showers should be installed in areas where workers may
be exposed in the event of a spill