Safe Storage and Handling
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Safe storage and handling of metalorganics

When developing or updating your procedures and safety documentation or training new personnel, Akzo Nobel HPMO suggests that you consider the following items to ensure safe storage and handling of metalorganics and safe methods of fire control. For more information, please contact the sales representative in your region ans ask about the HPMO Safety Outreach Program.

§         Conform to Local / Regional / National Regulations
        (UN, OSHA, NFPA, UFC, etc.)
§        Strongly recommended

         Dedicated storage room/building
§        Oxidizer
§        Flammable or combustible materials
§        Reactive materials (Water, Alcohols, Acids, etc.)

         Restrict access to authorized personnel

Please consider:

         Dedicated storage room/building

         Provisions for fire fighting/suppression

         Storage in original packing

         Unpacked cylinders inside dedicated flammables cabinets

         Climate control

         Inventory management

MO Cylinder Handling

§         Receive Cylinder

         Inspect metal drum upon arrival, if there are any signs of damage during transport please notify shipping company and AN-HPMO immediately

         Consider wearing PPE when opening drums

         Store metal drums and inner packaging for return shipment

§         Cylinder Inspection

         Inspect for any signs of physical damage (i.e. bent valves/lines, etc.)

         Inspect for any signs of leakage (i.e. white powder around VCR connections, etc.)

         Inspect cylinder labels (i.e. product name, weight, etc.)

§         Disconnecting/Connecting cylinders

         Consider removing  bath cooling liquid before disconnecting/connecting cylinders

         Purge MO lines before disconnecting a cylinder

         Install VCR end caps on vent and diptube valves immediately after disconnecting the cylinder

         Ensure lines are leak tight before connecting a new cylinder

         Use leak testing to confirm a good connection is made to the cylinder

§         Return Cylinder

         Place used cylinder in correct metal drum

         Check for correct product and transport labeling

         Return used cylinder to AN-HPMO using cylinder return procedure and form

MO Fire Control

§         Fire fighting principle:

         If possible, remove or control source of MO

         Control oxygen flow to the MO (for controlled burning)

§         Suitable extinguishers:

         Vermiculite

         Fire blanket (small fires)

         Dry chemical powder

§         Do not use:

         Water or foam extinguishers

         Carbon dioxide extinguishers

         Halogenated hydrocarbons (Halon type) extinguishers (prohibited in EU)

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