Disinfectants must be stored in large quantities

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, many work areas, and of course laboratories, are increasingly stocking disinfectants. While there was a problem at the beginning of this phase that there was a lack of sufficient disinfectants, this situation has fortunately eased considerably. However, increased use of disinfectants can also be expected in work areas that were previously less concerned with this topic. This must be taken into account. A large proportion of the hand disinfectants recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) are based on alcohols, which are classified as flammable liquids and are also labeled as such. The general rule for laboratories and work areas is that large quantities of hazardous substances should not be stored in the workplace. Daily use is assumed here. Additional supplies must be stored in appropriate safety cabinets. If larger quantities of hazardous substances, including disinfectants, must be stored, they must be stored in appropriate storage rooms. In all cases, it is important to observe the requirements of TRGS 510 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances - Storage of Hazardous Substances in Portable Containers) during storage. If more than 10 or 20 kg (depending on the labeling) are stored, the protective measures determined by a risk assessment apply first (TRGS 510, paragraph 12). If storage takes place in appropriately designed safety cabinets, the requirements are considered met. If storage takes place in designated storage rooms and the quantity of flammable hazardous substances exceeds the limit of 200 kg, the room must be marked accordingly ("Warning: Flammable Substances", warning sign W021). In storage rooms, the stored quantity of 100 t contained in portable containers must not be exceeded. If the storage room also contains stationary tanks, the permitted storage quantity increases to 150 t. If flammable liquids with a flash point between 60°C and 100°C are stored simultaneously with flammable liquids, appropriate consideration must be given. In the overall calculation, 5 kg of flammable liquids are equivalent to 1 kg of flammable liquid. Empty containers are included in the calculation with a quantity of 0.5% due to adhering residues. The storage rooms must be made of non-combustible materials. Depending on the quantity of flammable hazardous substances stored, the adjacent rooms must be separated with appropriate fire-resistant partitions. They may not be used for other purposes. Furthermore, care must be taken to prevent the development of an explosive atmosphere. For this reason, the storage rooms must be adequately ventilated. Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment must also be available. If various hazardous substances are stored in the storage room, it is also important to ensure that, according to the storage classes, which hazardous substances can and cannot be stored together. The specifications of TRGS 510 (Section 7) also apply here.