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Micro Care solvents are very safe to store and ship. The basic rule-of-thumb is that the solvents and tools must always be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and away from any source of ignition. Users must be trained in the proper techniques to move and use these cleaners.
Now, what exactly does that mean? It means, safety first! Some MicroCare cleaning are flammable, and some are shipped in drums which can weigh in excess of 600 lb./280 kilos. Moving and handling these types of products is a serious undertaking and not to be attempted without the proper equipment, training and supervision.
A "cool, dry location" means inside, out of the rain and off the loading dock. MicroCare aerosols and solvents are not designed to be stored outside. Do not let the temperatures of the storage area climb above 50° C / 110° F. (Important point: the temperature inside the trunk of a car can easily reach 70°C / 170°F on a hot summer day. This is not the best place to store MicroCare aerosols or presaturated wipes!)
"Away from any source of ignition" is another important safety tip. Do not store these chemicals next to heaters, furnaces, electrical motors or lights.
As for the heavier products, drums can be moved by forklift trucks and lifted onto racks to provide gravity feed to the point of use. Drum pumps are an even better idea and strongly recommended. Whenever drums are handled to transfer the cleaning agent, to empty drums, or to move them manually, several cautions should be observed. Safety Precautions to Observe When Moving, Handling and Storing Solvents The use of proper drum handling equipment is recommended. Always store cans, cubitainers, pump sprays, drums and pails in cool, dry locations out of direct sunlight. Inside storage is greatly preferred over storing the drums outside, where the drums may be vulnerable to the elements. Do not let the temperatures of the drum climb above 50° C / 110° F (see photo, right). Drums should be stored with the bung tightened to eliminate the possibility of spills through a loose or a leaky bung. Before moving drums, make sure the bungs are tightly closed to prevent splashing. Wear the proper safety equipment, including gloves, splash goggles, aprons (when handling open drums), and safety shoes with steel toes if the drums are to be moved. When working near other drums and equipment, be careful of pinch points.
Remember that solvent vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low points and poorly ventilated rooms. Prior to entering a confined space, open all hatches or vents on the equipment and ventilate the area. Contact MicroCare for further instructions about working in poorly-ventilated spaces.
Persons moving and storing solvents should receive safety training about those products. They should know where MSDS sheets are stored, the phone numbers to call in case of a spill, and reasonable "first-response" emergency procedures. In the event of a spill, provide plenty of ventilation to circulate air at the spill level and monitor the clean-up crew for safe work practices. If the spill is large, evacuate the area until the concentration of vapors is reduced to safe levels. A Quick Note About Gloves and Protective Clothing
There are many good resources on the web which offer technical data about the huge array of glove choices available on the market. For example, in January 2008, Chem Info Magazine ran an excellent article with a voluminous information about Personal Protective Equipment, in particular gloves and glove selection when handling chemicals. The article provides general information about chemical compatibility, latex allergies, sizing, disposal and ESD control for gloves as well as splash aprons. All of these have relevance for many of our customers. A quick read may make you a bit more knowledgeable if asked by a customer what type of glove to use with Vertrel, Bromothane as well as MicroCare aerosol products. You can download the original article at www.chem.info.com. When selecting gloves, check the MSDS sheet to get the EXACT chemical name or CAS number for the solvent you are using; different solvents require different types of gloves.
As a general rule for MicroCare products, Viton® gloves work adequately. In some applications a more durable two-part glove might be necessary. Chose the powderless option if it is important to control nonvolatile residues in your production process. These are widely available from quality distributors everywhere. Select the best impervious gloves and protective clothing you can find if there is any risk of skin contact. Gloves, splash goggles, aprons (when handling open drums) and safety shoes with steel toes are highly recommended.
Updated 3-1-2008
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