Australian Chemical Industry Council Warehousing and Storage Code of Practice
ACIC acknowledges the assistance from the Chemical Manufacturers Association (USA), the Canadian Chemical Producers Association, CONSElL Europeen des Federation De L'industrie Chemique (Europe), the Chemical Industries Association (UK), and the Agricultural & Veterinary Chemicals Association of Australia Ltd (AVCA), towards the publication of this Code. The term "Responsible Care" and or "Responsible' Care: A Public Commitment", together with the Logo are registered trade marks of ACIC. PURPOSE The member companies of the Australian Chemical Industry Council (ACIC) are committed, as a condition of membership, to the policy of "Responsible Care". This Code governs ACIC member company actions regarding Warehousing and Storage consistent with the Abiding Principles of the Responsible Care commitment. This code is intended to result in the management of Warehousing and Storage in such a way as to minimize the impact of such activities on human health and the environment. Specifically the Code is designed to protect and promote the health and safety of people in the workplace and the general public. It is also designed to protect the environment and property. In general, the implementation of this code involves setting management plans and objectives, carrying out hazard evaluations, implementing risk reduction programmes and supporting a community awareness programme. With these in place, the member companies and ACIC will be able to quantitatively measure performance. A glossary defining key terms is appended. SCOPE The Warehousing and Storage Code covers all operations that chemicals undergo after manufacture and before ultimate use except transportation which is covered in the Transportation Code of Practice. For the purpose of this code, "Warehousing and Storage" covers both bulk and packaged chemicals and is the handling, re-packing, care, custody and pipe-line transfer of chemicals. This code covers all facilities whether owned operated by or contracted to the member company. The Warehousing and Storage Code of Practice details management practices and calls for risk assessments and risk reduction activities designed - (i) to eliminate incidents which could result in injury to people or damage to the environment (ii) to minimize the impact of such incidents if they should occur. and in addition calls for community involvement in member warehousing and storage operations. RELEVANT ABIDING PRINCIPLES The following ACIC Abiding Principles for Responsible Care are relevant to the subject of this code. . Recognize and respond to community concerns about chemicals and our operations. . Operate our plants and facilities in a manner that preserves the environment and protects the health and safety of our employees and the public. . Report information on relevant chemical-related health or environmental hazards promptly to appropriate authorities, employees, customers and the public and to recommend protective measures. . Give advice to customers on the safe use, transportation and disposal of chemical products. . Co-operate with customers, authorities and affected groups and individuals to resolve problems created by the handling and disposal of chemical substances considered hazardous. . Co-operate with government in developing laws and regulations to safeguard the community, the workplace and the environment; to endeavour to ensure that such laws are based on scientifically supported data and or expert opinion. . Promote these principles and practices by sharing experience and offering assistance to others who produce, handle, use, transport or dispose of chemicals. WAREHOUSING & STORAGE CODE OF PRACTICE 1. General Aspects Each member company shall have written policies, procedures and improvement plans for warehousing and storage. These shall apply to all facilities and cover all operations as defined in the scope. Responsibilities shall be clearly defined for approving, communicating, implementing, reviewing and updating these documents. The key objectives are the achievement of full compliance with this Code (preferably within the defined Milestone periods) and continuous improvements thereafter. To achieve this each member company shall: 1.1 Maintain policies and procedures which meet or exceed all applicable laws, regulations and relevant Australian Standards in letter and in spirit. 1.2 Maintain records and quantitative measures of warehousing and storage incidents and reviews. 1.3 Set specific targets for reduction of these incidents and for improvement in reviews. 1.4 Work actively, alone or through selected organisations, and if possible in consultation with other affected parties to assist governments in developing public policies, legislation and regulations governing warehousing and storage. 1.5 Maintain a system that identifies ownership, responsibility and status of chemicals through warehousing and storage operations. 1.6 Do not use facilities or engage in practices that do not meet this code. 2. Risk Assessment Each member company shall carry out risk assessments of its warehousing and storage operations on a regular basis. To achieve this each member company shall: 2.1 Maintain a system of review that considers the hazards of each material, the methods of containment (including pipe- lines) and the procedures involving handling and storage. 2.2 Maintain a system that considers the likelihood of releases or loss of containment and the impact of human and environmental exposure. 2.3 Maintain a system that will only allow new chemicals into warehousing and storage after a risk assessment has been completed. 3. Risk Reduction Each member company shall actively practise risk reduction by developing effective practices for those who warehouse and store chemicals. To achieve this each member company shall: 3.1 Ensure the appropriate approved siting of all facilities. 3.2 Ensure security is provided at all facilities to prevent unauthorized access. 3.3 Maintain a system that reviews the integrity of all containment facilities including storage tanks, pipe-lines, drums and other packaging at least in accordance with regulatory requirements. 3.4 Ensure materials are appropriately segregated during storage. 3.5 Ensure all operations are covered by written and regularly up-dated procedures. 3.6 Ensure as a minimum all labelling is in accordance with regulatory requirements. 3.7 Maintain a system that provides guidance and information in advance to any group that may be affected by the warehousing and storage of chemicals. The system must include provisions to keep such information current. 3.8 Maintain a system that regularly reviews suitability of all facilities. 3.9 Maintain a system that reviews supplier ability to meet this code. 3.10 Maintain a system that ensures prompt and effective response to any incident during warehousing and storage. 3.11 Ensure all member company and contractor personnel are adequately trained in all operational matters (including safety, health and environment matters) and that this training is formally reviewed. 4. Community Awareness Each member company shall seek to involve any nearby (local) community in appropriate segments of its warehousing and storage operations. To achieve this each member company shall: 4.1 Ensure that plans for any new significant chemical storage facility or any major change at an existing chemical storage facility are discussed with the local community. 4.2 Maintain a system that responds to any reasonable community request as to type and quantity of chemicals in a storage facility. 4.3 Encourage the local community to have an understanding of member company practices especially those involving security and emergency response. 4.4 Encourage the formation of neighbourhood consultative committees. 4.5 Provide for public visits to member operated facilities. 4.6 Maintain a system that as a minimum provides information on warehousing and storage matters such as: . MSDS's . transport arrangement . significant accident or incident . routine or accidential emissions |
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