Innovations in Hazardous Materials Storage

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Created on Saturday, 02 July 2011 05:05

Breakthroughs in science and industry have indisputably improved the standard of life, but these advances have not been without drawbacks. Public awareness of the need to balance progress with safety and an honourable stewardship of the environment is growing stronger, and a delicate balancing act has ensued. How do we take full advantage of science and industry without jeopardizing the world around us?


To fully understand the prevailing requirements, Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada has established a link between Canadian regulatory Authorities, Insurance Agencies, Manufacturers and Suppliers through the development of the Document ULC/ORD-C142.6 “Storage Vaults”.


The development of this document was fueled by the need to develop a new set of Standards and regulations that have led to an upgrading of products used to protect the environment.


For nearly 30 years X-treme Energy’s PRO-TEC Storage Solutions has boldly assumed a leadership role in managing this sensitive environmental storage equation. Unmatched in the production of hazardous materials storage units, PRO-TEC is at the forefront of innovation in its field. Our storage units have undergone rigorous independent testing (ULC, FM) and 3rd party engineering review, confirming that not only do they meet industry guidelines, they exceed them.


Thousands of chemicals are handled and stored in plants and factories everywhere. Without proper storage, they are accidents waiting to happen. Further evidence exists that incompatibility is a concern.
In a report to OH&S William Watt, Chairman of the Chemical Threat Work Group, advises that “the U. S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board determined that nearly half of hazmat incidents in industry are related to inadequate procedures for storage/handling of reactive chemicals”. The assumption is the same would apply to Canada.


Some regulations and guidelines for the required storage of flammable and combustible materials exist (NFCC) (NBCC) ; however, there is little direction for the storage of other hazard classes. Industry deals with all classes of chemicals. Storage regulations also tend to focus on bulk materials, even though industry deals with more non-bulk than bulk. Finally, most storage guidelines (CEPA) (OH&SA), especially for laboratory chemicals and bulk chemicals, deal with discrete chemicals rather than mixtures. Much of industry’s concern is mixtures of chemicals such as paint, cleaners, or various commercial mixtures.


With the forgoing in mind we set about developing a comprehensive line of storage products that are designed to exceed all applicable codes and standards. The products are user/application driven, rather than compromising on potential client, existing operating procedures to fit an inflexible design criteria.
With the current industry emphasis on harm and liability reduction, and improved safety programs being driven provincially, the issue of safe and effective hazardous materials storage/handling is moving to become a priority with most companies.


Storage building groupings now available:

  • Chemical Storage - Drums and Containers
  • Chemical Storage - Pallet and Tote
  • Bulk Chemical StorageFlammable Materials Storage and Dispensing
  • Paint Kitchen
  • Portable Folding Storage Building
  • Battery Charging and Neutralizing Building
  • High Pressure Cylinder Storage Building
  • Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Storage Building
  • Modular Laboratory Building
  • Custom Application Building
  • Blast Resistant Module
  • Explosive Magazines
  • High Pressure Test Enclosures
  • Self Contained Emergency Shower Building
  • First Aid/Emergency Shower Treatment Facilities Building

More detailed information on these products are available at www.protecstorage.ca