Flammable Bulk Liquid Transportation

For companies that work with dangerous materials and goods, it becomes harder to manage when they’re flammable liquids. Since combustible and flammable liquids burn, they pose a greater risk of property damage and personal injury. That’s where regulations exist to govern their storage, labeling, and transportation modes-rail, air, and water.

If you deal with bulk liquid transportation, dependable bulk transportation is a major concern. After all, too many things could go wrong that could have a dramatic impact on significant business relations. Here’s what you need to know about flammable bulk liquid transportation.

Labeling

When undertaking bulk liquid transportation, proper container labeling is important for combustible and flammable liquids. This helps prevent accidental mixing of chemicals and decreases the likelihood of mistaking one liquid with another.

You’ll need to mark the liquid name plainly and its hazard on the storage container. Ensure the label is clean so that it’s easily visible at all times. It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t use a container for any liquid except the one that’s marked on the label.

You want to avoid inappropriate containers, for instance, buckets because you’ll discover that open containers permit the escape of dangerous vapors. On the same note, breakable containers enhance the likelihood of serious spills.

Storage Restrictions

Since their vapors burn and ignite easily, combustible and flammable liquids have stringent storage requirements before bulk liquid transport. Some of the requirements include:

• Only portable tanks and approved containers should work for handling and storing flammable liquids.
• The construction of storage rooms should meet the prerequisite fire-resistive rating and the construction should comply with the test requirements.

Transportation Restrictions

Due to the hazardous nature of flammable liquids, the guidelines for transporting flammable liquids are rather extensive. Some of the requirements include:

• Only permitted containers and tanks should work for storing and transporting flammable liquids
• Portable tanks should include room for emergency vents that can work to reduce internal pressure during fire exposure. Furthermore, they should feature at least a pressure-activated vent
• Shipments should comprise MSDS sheets and have appropriate labeling during bulk liquid transportation.
• Bigger shipments should comprise MSDS sheets, a hazmat lading bill, and an emergency response guide.

Containers for Use

When possible, use properly labeled and approved safety containers when providing bulk liquid solutions. Approved containers are those that have undergone approval by testing laboratories. Approved containers include:

Safety Cans

Portable cans for storing, transporting, and dispensing combustible and flammable liquids have wide usage. They’re accessible in various capacities, shapes, and approved cans are metal-made or feature low-conductivity plastic.

Safety cans also comprise spring-mounted caps, which open automatically once the vapor pressure accumulates inside, to permit vapors to escape and avoid a rupture in case of fire. The cap-operating mechanisms cause automatic closing of the spout cap once you finish pouring or filling from the safety can.

Beware that this safety element could generate a hazard under certain conditions. In a warm, enclosed setting, for instance, a vehicle trunk, it’s possible to find vapors venting from a safety can attaining flammable levels. Consequently, an explosion could arise from a spark.

For temporary bulk liquid transport of small quantities of flammable liquid, adopt a non-venting and approved pressure-resistant container. On the same note, you should eradicate ignition sources and maintain good ventilation.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Bulk Transportation Carrier

Safety Standards

When it comes to product handling, you want to work with a company that will prioritize safety. This is particularly recommended for food products. Reliable liquid bulk transport companies should explain their safety standards before making any delivery.

Reliability

The company you choose to provide bulk liquid solutions should be reliable. You’ll discover that experience is crucial to the reliability, so the chosen company should have the necessary procedures in place. They should also have procedures for handling emergencies and routines.

Personalized Service

Businesses aren’t equal. After all, some need trucking; others require air transportation, while others require ships. Over time, your transportation needs might change in which case you’ll need a transportation company that provides versatile options. For instance, if you require food shipment from one storage facility to the next, you require refrigerated transport. Therefore, working with a transport company that offers versatile options will save you money and time.

Growth

Although trucking is the most common transport mode, air and rail also have a significant role, particularly in international shipping.

A bulk transportation company must have a global network of relations that can help your business grow. Furthermore, not all vessels can accommodate the same product quantity. To maximize your load, you require options. Therefore, you require tailored services to ensure efficient delivery.

Affordability

Cost is a significant factor when determining the transport mode to use for bulk products. Bulk transportation cost is reliant on the number and size of products being transported along with the traveled distance.

The kind of products also impacts the total cost because some items will be subject to some limitations. Although cost is among the most salient factors, you should consider it together with reliability, efficiency, and the carrier’s trustworthiness.

The Nature of Goods

Along with the cost, you should consider the kind of products being shipped if you’re keen on shipping bulk items when establishing a carrier. For safety purposes, the FDA enforces tight restrictions on how the transportation of certain goods can occur.

Fragile or dangerous items need care during transportation. Therefore, the transportation of certain products can only occur in specific cars. Other kinds of products are better suited for certain kinds of transportation because of the insurance issued by the carrier. When it comes to perishables with restricted shelf lives, transportation should occur using the fastest shipping method.

If you’re looking to transport flammable bulk liquids you must familiarize yourself with the associated guidelines to ensure a successful outcome.