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Hazchem Codes: Storage
Hazchem Codes: Storage
STORAGE The HAZCHEM Code system has also been adopted for use at workplaces where dangerous substances above certain quantities are kept. Its purpose is the same as that for transport ie to provide the emergency service with immediate action advice in combating any incident involving dangerous substances.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
TRANSPORT The HAZCHEM Code system has been adopted by all States in Australia for bulk dangerous substances transport, generally through adoption of the Commonwealth Government publication titled Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. In South Australia this document is given the force of law via the Dangerous Substances Act 1979 as amended. The HAZCHEM Code for the dangerous substances carried must appear as part of the information displayed on Emergency Information Panels fitted to all vehicles transporting dangerous substances in bulk, (generally tankers - see diagram above).
THE NUMERAL
Medium Selection 1 2 3 4 indicates the use of solid streams of water indicates the use of a water fog or fine water spray indicates the use of a water-based foam indicates the use of a dry agent such as a dry chemical powder, eg. sodium carbonate or dry sand
The system permits a medium of a higher numeric classification to be used than that indicated, however, a medium with a lower numeric classification than that indicated should not be used.
This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation. A business unit of the Department for Administrative and Information Services
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Where the numeral 4 appears, water must not be allowed to contact the substances involved. Water may react violently with the substances or may cause poisonous or flammable vapours to be evolved.
'Dilute' attempts the opposite and seeks to disperse the material as diffusely as possible thereby reducing environmental impact. In cases of spillage without fire where the medium is either water jets or water fog and containment indicated, water should not be applied. Violent Reaction The letters P, S, S, W, Y, and Y indicate that a violent reaction may occur through such occurrences as decomposition, ignition of vapours, acceleration of combustion due to involvement of an oxidising agent or reaction with water. THE SECOND LETTER The third character, when appearing, is the letter E. This indicates that evacuation of persons in the neighbouring areas must be taken into consideration. Persons in the immediate area of the incident should always be evacuated to a safer location irrespective of whether the letter E appears in the HAZCHEM Code. Quick Interpretation of the Code Interpretation of the HAZCHEM Codes in the field is achieved by the use of a simple scale. This scale is in four parts: A diagram showing the relative position of the HAWHEM Code, United Nations number of the dangerous substances and dangerous substances Class label as they appear on the Emergency Information Panels (E1Ps) fitted to bulk dangerous substances transport vehicles.
A key to the second and third alphabetic character. A key to the numeric characters indicating the combating medium.
Safeguard DS9 Hazchem Codes continued
This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
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The alphabetic characters relate to information regarding the possibility of violent reaction, indicated in the second column by the letter V in the third column the type of personal protection required and in the final column indicating whether a spillage should be contained or diluted.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Dept for Administrative & Information Services
SafeWork SA GPO Box 465 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Tel. 1300 365 255
(If calling from a mobile phone or from interstate tel. (08) 8303 0400)