Chemical Containers

How To Reduce The Risks Of Hazardous Substances In The Workplace

Most businesses use and store harmful substances in one way or another. Just think about the chemical ingredients of cleaning agents, for example.

Typically, you won’t use safety containers for the dishwashing liquid in the coffee room, but chemical containers are essential in environments where you create or mix certain materials. Seton’s experts handpicked strong and durable containers so that you can create a safer work environment.

For instance, our Galvanised Drip Trays catch drips and leaks before they can harm equipment or people. They:

• Are versatile and can be used with small drums, chemical cans, or environmentally hazardous fluids.


• They’re also suited for drips and spills from machinery such as generators.


• They contain three litres and have an ample capacity.

The HSE recommends a careful assessment of any substance that can be dangerous, especially when it comes to new technologies such as nanomaterials. Your review must:

• Include an action plan on how to handle all harmful substances and related emergencies.


• Implement control measures, such as using chemical dispensers, jerry cans and PPE to reduce dangers.


• Inform and train employees on dangerous substances.


• Ensure that safety containers and PPE are in good working order.

FAQs

When Can Chemicals Be Harmful?

Whether it is through physical touch, ingesting or inhaling any sort of chemical, it can pose risks at a major or minor level.

For example, exposure to chemicals can cause mild skin irritation, whereas prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals and substances may lead to severe health problems years later.

• The HSE broadly defined hazardous substances as:


• Dust causes issues such as asthma.


• Fumes and vapours causing respiratory distress.


• Liquids, gels or powders that are dangerous when touched or when coming into contact with the eyes or nose. Hazardous containers are crucial in these instances.


• Flammable or explosive substances. Our hazardous chemical containers are a must-have if you deal with burnable materials.


• Airborne or other microorganisms causing anything from allergic reactions to serious infections.

Our quality-approved safety cans also feature as worktop or bench cans. This Justrite Flammable Liquid Bench Can makes quick work of soaking large swabs or small parts.

• A perforated, sprung-loaded dasher acts as a flame arrestor.


• The hinged lid limits evaporation to curb fumes and vapours.

What Can You Do With Empty Chemical Containers?

Depending on the chemical that was previously in the chemical container, you should explore the possibility of reusing or recycling, if this does not impact chemicals which you wish to use within the container in future. The HSE categorises chemicals as:

• Always hazardous, such as lead acid batteries or toxic waste.


• Never hazardous, such as edible plant oils.


• Maybe hazardous, such as paint or petrol.

Once you have grouped your chemical containers, you can reuse them when possible for water storage collection or to dispose of spill residue. Remember to check out Seton’s wide selection of spill kits in this regard.

How Do I Dispose Of Chemical Containers?

Toxic residue can harm the environment, animals and people. Therefore it’s essential to clean your hazardous waste cans before putting them in recycling bins. In the event where a chemical container is not reusable or recyclable, always follow the COSHH waste disposal guidelines.
So, properly mark and prepare (some even require cleaning under a fume hood) chemical containers. Often, disposal measures are indicated on the container itself.

Seton’s foot-operated steel oily waste can, made from FM-approved steel, is ideal for oil-based flammable liquids and helps you prevent fires. These flammable liquid cans have a:

Raised, perforated base that promotes ventilation to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion.
Pedal-operated lid that automatically closes when released to contain fumes and odours.

Our selection also includes highly-rated Steel Jerry Can Pouring Spout to safely pour water, petrol or diesel. An internal coating protects the dispenser against liquid damage for better durability.

How Do I Clean Plastic Chemical Containers?

Give your plastic chemical containers a good scrub with soap and water. Then you can:

• Stuff it with newspaper to absorb excess residue.


• Use a piece of charcoal to absorb odours.


• Rub baking soda paste on the interior.


• Rinse it with lemon juice or vinegar.


• Dry it in the sun.

Take a look at Seton’s diverse range of chemical containers to cover all your bases.