What are bulk chemical storage solutions?

A type of industrial chemical packaging, bulk chemical storage solutions are specialized systems and facilities designed to safely store large quantities of chemicals, typically in industrial or commercial settings. These solutions are crucial for industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and many others that rely on the storage and handling of various chemicals for their processes. 

What are some industrial chemical container types?

Industrial chemical packaging comes in many different types and materials. These are some common types of containers:

• Drums: Cylindrical containers made of materials such as steel, plastic, or fiberboard. 
• Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): Large, stackable containers typically made of plastic or metal with a rigid frame. 
• Totes: Also known as bulk containers or IBCs, similar to IBCs but often smaller in size. 
• Bulk Tanks: Large, typically cylindrical containers made of materials such as steel or fiberglass. 
• Gas Cylinders: Pressurized containers designed to store gases, including industrial gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. 
• Composite Containers:Made from a combination of materials, such as plastic and steel, to provide the strength and chemical resistance needed for specific applications.
• Glass Bottles
• Plastic Bottles and Jars
• Fiber Drums: Cylindrical containers made of fiberboard materials.
• Corrugated Boxes: May be lined or coated with materials that provide chemical resistance.
• Tank Trailers and Railcars
• Flexitanks: Flexible, single-use containers that can be installed inside standard shipping containers. 

Browse ILT’s catalog of Chemical Packaging products here.

What is industrial chemical safety and why is it important?

Industrial chemical safety refers to the set of practices, procedures, regulations, and precautions implemented in industries and workplaces that handle, produce, transport, or store chemicals. The primary goal of industrial chemical safety is to protect workers, the environment, and the public from the potential hazards associated with chemical substances. It encompasses a wide range of measures aimed at preventing accidents, chemical exposures, fires, explosions, and environmental contamination. 

Practicing safety with industrial chemical packaging is crucial for these reasons:

• Protecting Human Health: Ensuring the safety of workers and nearby communities is paramount. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to acute or chronic health issues, ranging from respiratory problems and skin irritations to more severe conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.
• Preventing Accidents: Industrial accidents involving chemicals can have catastrophic consequences, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Proper safety measures minimize the risk of accidents, such as chemical spills, leaks, or explosions.
• Environmental Protection: Chemical releases into the environment can contaminate air, soil, and water, leading to ecological harm and long-term environmental damage. Industrial chemical safety practices help prevent pollution and protect natural ecosystems.
• Compliance with Regulations: Governments and regulatory agencies impose strict rules and regulations on the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Compliance with these regulations is legally required and helps avoid fines, penalties, and legal liabilities.
• Worker Safety: Chemical safety measures protect employees from occupational hazards. This includes providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper training, and maintaining safe work practices to reduce the risk of chemical exposures.
• Property Protection: Chemical incidents can cause significant damage to industrial facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. Implementing safety measures safeguards against costly repairs and downtime.
• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and assessing potential chemical hazards allows organizations to implement risk reduction strategies, which may include process modifications, substitution of less hazardous chemicals, or improved engineering controls.
• Emergency Preparedness: Being prepared for chemical emergencies, such as spills or leaks, is essential. Training and drills help ensure that workers know how to respond effectively, minimizing harm and damage in the event of an incident.
• Public Relations: Demonstrating a commitment to chemical safety enhances a company’s reputation and fosters trust among employees, customers, investors, and the community at large.
• Sustainability: Incorporating chemical safety into industrial practices aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste, minimizing environmental impacts, and conserving resources.

To achieve industrial chemical safety, organizations typically implement a combination of measures, including hazard identification, risk assessment, employee training, the use of safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical information, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, emergency response plans, and regular safety audits and inspections. Additionally, collaboration between industry, government agencies, and the scientific community is essential to continuously improve safety practices and develop new technologies for safer chemical handling and management.

Read more about industrial chemical packaging and safety and the seals and septa industry on our blog page or learn more about ILT, the world leader in manufacturing seals and septa here.