Whether they’re used for paints, cleaning products or industrial applications, chemicals are an essential part of our daily lives. They feature in everything from the water we drink to the clothes we wear.
However, not many people are aware of how chemicals are manufactured and delivered. The safe handling and delivery of chemicals is essential for the safety of staff members and limiting damage to the environment. It is also an important part of protecting the integrity of materials and products that use them. If proper procedure isn’t followed (this varies depending on the chemical and its intended use) it could have serious consequences.
Chemical Manufacturers
The start of the delivery process begins with the creation of the chemicals. There are many different businesses that do this, and the manufacturer will vary depending on the type of chemical produced. Large businesses such as Monarch can make a wide selection of chemicals. They achieve this using different mixing tanks tailored to each purpose.
Different tank materials need to be used as chemicals have different reactive and corrosive properties, not all substances work best with on type of container.
Chemical Distribution
Once the chemicals have been produced and checked for quality, they can either be delivered straight to the customer’s site or stored in warehouses around the country. Often, these warehouses are placed near transport links (e.g. ports) for easy distribution and lower transport costs.
Distributors should be able to deliver the right chemical at the right time whilst complying with all UK regulations and providing the necessary documentation. Chemicals are regularly delivered by truck, boat or train.
When liquid and gas chemicals are transferred between different tankers, they require a specialist chemical delivery hose. Made from polyethylene, this hose offers excellent strength and resistance properties that makes it suitable for the safe handling of approximately 90% of all known chemicals. Chemical delivery hose can be used to move most chemicals between tankers on ships, trucks and trains, keeping staff members’ safe from any hazardous and toxic substances throughout the delivery process.
Once they reach your site
Once they reach your site, the chemicals will be transferred into your storage tanks using the same type of delivery hose. Your storage tanks should be placed in a safe location which is unlikely to flood. The chemicals should also be stored in a place where little to no damage could be caused to the environment if it were to leak or break. You might need an environmental permit to store chemicals, depending on the substance and the tank’s location.
The Risks of Chemical Delivery
HSE states that chemical manufacturer and distributors should understand risks and comply with the relevant regulations. This can include providing safety data sheets, registration numbers and restrictions of use. For more information, visit REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals).
Order chemical delivery hose at great value for money from Hose Shop, available as part of our wide range of hose products. Alternatively, contact a member of our expert team to learn more.
