Goods & Materials

All businesses need to consider the hazards caused by storing goods and materials in the context of their overall risk assessment.  Certain businesses face particular risks.

In the case of dangerous and hazards materials, it is necessary to ensure that chemicals and dangerous substances are stored and handled so that exposure to them is minimised. The risk of storing and handling must be considered from the perspective of environmental damage and leeks.

It is also necessary to implement risk control including operation and use in accordance with manufactures instructions.  Keeping minimum quantities. Segregating substances. Cleaning up leeks and spillages.

Using precautions when handling such protective equipment. Ensuring employees are properly trained. Checking containers are properly labelled, in the case of flammable materials they must be stored in simple containers and not stored near a source of ignition.

All business owe a duty to take care, store correctly and manage the waste they generate.  They must be stored in suitable containers making sure it doesn’t harm the environment. Certain agricultural materials are subject to a specific control.  Silage, slurry and animal fuel oil standards and durability for new or altered storage facilities.

There are special legal requirements applicable to the transport of goods by road or rail. The legislation is similar to equivalent Irish Legislation, both derive from European Union Law.

Packaging must be suitable and adequate and must stand up to normal pressures of transport and handling.   The vehicle container, tanks, wagon must meet  certain requirements which depend on the classification of the goods.  Packaging must be labelled so that people handling the goods in case of an incident, can take appropriate precautions.

Any business which transports waste including hazardous waste must register with the Environmental Agency.Certain information must be displayed about the goods on the vehicle or container.

Procedures must be followed when goods are being loaded and unloaded.Road vehicles must carry specified types and safety grip on such as a fire extinguisher.It may be necessary to appoint a dangerous goods safety advisor.

Drivers must have suitable training on what to do if an accident occurs.  Drivers must hold an ADR Certificate. If there is an emergency or incident the Health and Safety Executive, Environmental Agency and Department of Transport may need to be contacted.

Where food is transported it must be kept fresh and prevented from being contaminated. It must be transported at the correct temperature.  Uncooked food must be segregated from the cooked food so as to prevent cross contamination.

All containers and vehicles must be cleaned regularly. When transporting animals there are obligations in relation to the maintenance of vehicles, handling of animals, limits on the amount of time animals can spend being transported.