Logistics in the chemical industry

It is obvious that a large number of criteria must be observed, especially when handling chemicals. In handling, this applies in particular to storage processes and logistics. But what exactly are the criteria that a warehouse in the chemical industry must meet?

Increasing demands on the chemical industry

Requirements for a chemical warehouse

Often, the storage of chemicals also involves accurate temperature monitoring of the stored materials. Thermally sensitive materials must be stored in specific warehouses that can boast temperature monitoring. In order to be able to handle the information technology recording of the goods efficiently and without errors in the next step, a modern IT solution is also required here. Transparency and data availability are topics that no company in the chemical industry can ignore today. For warehouses in the chemical industry, special attention should also be paid to the safety of the storage facility. Can the warehouse ensure that there are no dangers for the environment and the employees?

Trained staff

The basis for successful warehouse handling for manufacturers and suppliers is always an understanding of the function that the warehouse is to fulfill as well as a certain expertise in dealing with the products to be stored and the industry-specific peculiarities. This experience is essential when storing chemical products, because even before the actual storage, the containers must be inspected for damage and suitability of the packaging. Trained personnel are therefore the be-all and end-all in a chemical warehouse.

Comply with legal requirements

Chemical goods are mostly toxic, oxidizing or flammable, toxic and corrosive substances that must be stored safely. A large number of laws have been formulated by the legislator for this purpose. Logistics specialists therefore need not only extensive specialist knowledge but also knowledge of these legal requirements. This serves to ensure that handling is not only safe, but also compliant with the law. At the European level, the EC Regulation No. 1907/2006 and the REACH Directives apply uniform standards with regard to the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals.

Storage of chemicals & dangerous goods

Since chemical goods are often hazardous goods, German law primarily requires that the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) be observed here. After transport on standardized CP pallets, it is necessary to select a hazardous goods warehouse that can handle the storage of the substance in question without any problems. In addition, the rules of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance are substantiated by TRGS 510 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances). The TRGS specifically regulates technology, occupational medicine and industrial hygiene for handling the storage of hazardous materials. The focus here is on the storage (storage and retrieval, transport, disposal of substances) of hazardous goods in portable containers. The main legal basis for handling chemical goods is also provided by the Chemicals Act (Act on Protection against Hazardous Substances) and the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV).