SECTION 7: Handling and storage
This section of the safety data sheet shall provide advice on safe handling practices. It shall emphasise precautions that are appropriate to the identified uses referred to under subsection 1.2 and to the unique properties of the substance or mixture.
Information in this section of the safety data sheet shall relate to the protection of human health, safety and the environment. It shall assist the employer in devising suitable working procedures and organisational measures according to Article 5 of Directive 98/24/EC and Article 5 of Directive 2004/37/EC.
Where a chemical safety report is required, the information in this section of the safety data sheet shall be consistent with the information given for the identified uses in the chemical safety report and the exposure scenarios showing control of risk from the chemical safety report set out in the annex to the safety data sheet.
In addition to information given in this section, relevant information may also be found in section 8.
7.1. Precautions for safe handling
7.1.1. Recommendations shall be specified to:
allow safe handling of the substance or mixture, such as containment and measures to prevent fire as well as aerosol and dust generation;
prevent handling of incompatible substances or mixtures;
draw attention to operations and conditions which create new risks by altering the properties of the substance or mixture, and to appropriate countermeasures; and
reduce the release of the substance or mixture to the environment, such as avoiding spills or keeping away from drains.
7.1.2. Advice on general occupational hygiene shall be provided, such as:
not to eat, drink and smoke in work areas;
to wash hands after use; and
to remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas.
7.2. Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
The advice provided shall be consistent with the physical and chemical properties described in section 9 of the safety data sheet. If relevant, advice shall be provided on specific storage requirements including:
how to manage risks associated with:
explosive atmospheres;
corrosive conditions;
flammability hazards;
incompatible substances or mixtures;
evaporative conditions; and
potential ignition sources (including electrical equipment);
how to control the effects of:
weather conditions;
ambient pressure;
temperature;
sunlight;
humidity; and
vibration;
how to maintain the integrity of the substance or mixture by the use of:
stabilisers; and
antioxidants;
other advice including:
ventilation requirements;
specific designs for storage rooms or vessels (including retention walls and ventilation);
quantity limits under storage conditions (if relevant); and
packaging compatibilities.
7.3. Specific end use(s)
For substances and mixtures designed for specific end use(s), recommendations shall relate to the identified use(s) referred to in subsection 1.2 and be detailed and operational. If an exposure scenario is attached, reference to it may be made or the information as required in subsections 7.1 and 7.2 shall be provided. If an actor in the supply chain has carried out a chemical safety assessment for the mixture, it is sufficient that the safety data sheet and the exposure scenarios are consistent with the chemical safety report for the mixture, rather than with the chemical safety reports for each substance in the mixture. If industry or sector specific guidance is available, detailed reference to it (including source and issuing date) may be made.