How to Store Heptane?

There are several things you need to know that will help you store heptane. This substance is very volatile, and you might encounter several issues along the way.
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If you wish to buy high-quality heptane, make sure to visit the Simple Solvents online shop. Besides this product, we have various other types of alcohol and fuels.

They can be utilized for various manufacturing processes.

How to Manage Heptane in the Workplace

The first thing a company needs to do is reduce exposure. The best way to do it is by implementing engineering controls. Heptane should be used and stored in a closed space. Additionally, a company should install a ventilation system that would remove the chemical from the air.

Another good way of protecting yourself is by isolating and separating processes. Handling of heptane should be a separate procedure, and it shouldn’t be done alongside other processes (if possible).

In order to increase the safety of the employees, you can also get protective equipment and respirators. Although they are less effective than environmental controls, they are usually necessary for any well-established business.

In order to properly assess the environmental controls, a company needs to analyze several factors:

• The hazard levels of a substance.
• The amount of substance released within the workplace.
• If the substance could cause negative effects when interacting with the mucous membrane.

Whenever a company is dealing with a toxic chemical, such as heptane, they need to have special controls. This is especially important when there is a chance of exposing your skin, eyes, or lungs to such a volatile chemical. Here are some of the recommended systems:

• If possible, a company should have a system allowing them to pump n-heptane from drums directly to processing containers.
• Before an employee enters a space where n-heptane is used, they need to make sure there is nothing in there that would cause an explosive reaction.

Besides installing all these systems, a company should start relying on certain work practices that would allow them to reduce exposure:

• If employees' work clothes were soaked or splashed with heptane, they would have to change into clean clothes as soon as possible.
• All these contaminated clothes should be washed and processed by individuals who are knowledgeable regarding n-heptane and its inherent risks.
• There should be nearby sources of water at the workplace, allowing employees to wash their eyes in case of exposure.
• Furthermore, there should also be emergency showers that would allow employees to wash in case of exposure.
• If a person had direct skin contact with heptane, they would have to wash away the chemical immediately. The area should be further washed at the end of the shift.
• It is crucial for employees to avoid smoking, eating, or drinking in places where heptane is used or stored. The substance can cause all sorts of issues if ingested.

What Kind of Protective Equipment Do I Need?

Although environmental systems are always better than personal protective equipment, there are certain cases where they are not suitable. For example, if a person is doing outside work, or work within a confined space, they will certainly need protective equipment.

According to OSHA 1910.132, employers have to find the right protective equipment according to the hazardous materials that are being handled. Furthermore, they also need to train their employees as to how to handle these substances in a safe manner and how to use the protective equipment when handling the chemicals.

Here are some of the guidelines that should help you out:
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Clothing

• A person should always avoid direct contact with this chemical. Make sure to wear gloves and clothing that will provide sufficient protection. Safety companies can provide some tips as to which gear is the best for handling this particular substance.
• All of these clothes should be clean at the start of the shift. You should put them on when the shift starts and remove them when the shift ends.
• Most protective companies will recommend either Viton or Nitrile for this particular chemical.

Eye protection

• An employee should always wear goggles that are resistant to splashing, impact and that have proper ventilation. These goggles should be specifically made for liquids.
• A person should also have a face shield when handling highly irritating, toxic, or corrosive products such as n-heptane.
• You need to avoid wearing contact lenses when handling this particular chemical.

Respiratory protection
Like with other protective gear, there is a specific set of rules as to how an employer should utilize these objects.

• In cases when there is a chance of exposure over 85 ppm, a company should use MSHA/NIOSH-approved equipment that relies on an organic cartridge. As additional protection, an employee can wear a full-face respirator. Employees can also rely on a powered-air purifying respirator.
• If there is an exposure or an increased chance of exposure due to faulty equipment, an employee should leave the area, check the gear, and replace it if necessary.
• A company should consider all potential sources of exposure and not only heptane. Depending on the troublesome chemicals, a person might have to wear a combination of prefilters, filters, and cartridges that would provide protection against various types of chemicals.
• In case of high-risk situations, an employee should utilize MSHA/NIOSH respirator alongside an appropriate facepiece. You can also combine these two with an auxiliary breathing apparatus.
• If a person is exposed to a quantity above 750 ppm, it can lead to a fatality.

Last tips for handling heptane

• Before utilizing heptane, a company should train all its employees as to how to handle and store the chemical.
• It is very important to store heptane in a manner so that it doesn’t come into contact with oxidizing agents.
• Make sure to store all the barrels in properly ventilated rooms away from rubber, plastic, or coatings.
• There shouldn’t be any source of ignition near heptane.
• All of the containers that are used for heptane have to be properly bonded or grounded.
• When opening or closing the containers, employees need to utilize tools that don’t create sparks.