Wood preservation facilities, general recommendations: chapter A, table 19

Operation: Unloading chemicals

Objective

Ensure that unloading of treatment chemicals occurs in a safe manner.

Recommendations

Refers to Division B, Parts 3 and 4 of the National Fire Code of Canada 2010 (NFCC).
Ensure that the delivery of preservation chemicals to the facility is undertaken by personnel who are trained in emergency response procedures as required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR), Part 6.
Ensure that personnel with recognized first aid training are on-site at the facility during the unloading procedure (personnel can include the truck driver).
Ensure that ready access to emergency advice and aid is available during all chemical unloading periods.
- i.e. train employees in standard procedures for normal operations, as well as for emergencies, and post procedures in printed form for reference (NFCC and TDGR).
Restrict access to the unloading area during chemical transfer operations. Prohibit nearby pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Keep incompatible materials away from unloading and bag storage areas.
Retain package integrity and handle bags on a first-in, first-out basis.
Bags, wraps, drums, pallets, hooks, etc. should be cleaned, stored and disposed of in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements.
- Materials used in the shipment of preservatives or other chemicals should be returned to the supplier, wherever possible (see Section 9).
Tank volumes should be verified and documented before chemical unloading commences to insure tank has sufficient volume to contain load.

Objective

Ensure worker safety during handling of treatment chemicals.

Recommendations

Follow the personnel safety precautions for all procedures (Tables 6 and 8).
Use proper PPE for all additives and solvent as identified in the respective label/MSDS.
Avoid inhalation of, ingestion of, or skin or eye contact with all preservative chemicals.
Thoroughly empty and clean preservative containers (if applicable):
- recycle rinse water (for water-borne formulations)
- return containers to suppliers or reuse sound containers for storage of wastes
- dispose of unusable containers only in landfills specifically approved for such disposal (Section 9).

Objective

Ensure that all preservative chemicals are safely stored.

Recommendations

Refers to Division B, Parts 3 and 4 of the National Fire Code of Canada 2010.
Assign responsibility for storage areas to trained personnel.
Label storage tanks, identifying contents by chemical name, type of solution and concentration: e.g. CCA concentrate (50%), CCA work solution (1% to 4%).
The current pesticide label must be on the concentrate tank.
Place chemical identity placards, fire or spill emergency response procedures, personnel safety precautions and first aid procedures at storage room entrances.
Check and maintain the integrity of storage tanks and storage containers:
- clean up all leaks or spills and implement remedial actions immediately.
- Implement visual inspection routine (See Table 17. Recommended Operations Manual and the following Table 20)
Provide secure storage areas; restrict access to authorized personnel only.
Prevent concentrate from contacting any flammable liquids (such as fuels, lubricants, paints, etc.) or from coming in contact with galvanized metal, aluminium, brass, zinc, sawdust and shavings.