Special Concerns When Packaging Chemicals

specialty packaging

The packaging of chemicals is not an easy task. Packing chemicals results in a variety of safety guidelines that need to be followed. Specialty packaging of chemicals consists of using plastic in case of leakage. Plastic is known to be the safest way to store chemicals. If leakage occurs and plastic is not used or is packed incorrectly, the chemical can cause damage to the environment and even harm handlers. When it comes to packaging chemicals, there are a few special concerns to consider.

Environmental Hazards

When handling hazardous materials, specialty packaging for chemicals is necessary to avoid environmental hazards. A kit assembly service of a chemical must consist of glass or plastic containers being used since these materials are least degradable. The containers need to also be sealed tightly to prevent leakage. If a chemical is not concealed properly then the chances of it leaking into the environment and causing harm to a body of water or other landscapes increases.

Physical Hazards

Chemicals that are fueled with hydrocarbons can cause harm if not properly handled. While most of these chemicals can be flammable, they come in aluminum cans. In some cases, these chemicals can explode. To minimize the chances of hazard with these hydrocarbon chemicals, they are generally transported on the ground and are packaged with metal drums. Metal drums are commonly used to store flammable items. This container allows for it to decrease the chances of a possible explosion.

Health Hazard

Chemicals can cause negative impacts on handlers’ health if they are not properly packaged. Hazardous materials that are acidic or basic can lead to burns if they are in direct contact with the skin. When assembling a highly acidic material, the package needs to include automated filters. These filters allow for minimum human interaction since they are done automatically.

Chemicals and Water

Hazardous chemicals that react with water are lithium or potassium. When packing these materials they are usually stored in either tight plastic containers or metalized pouches. These containers will protect the chemicals from reacting with water or light moisture.

Numerous Packages

When packing one or more chemicals for shipment, all chemicals need to be separated. Separation of the chemicals reduces the chance of a mixed interaction or potential reaction. Multiple chemicals in one shipment are stored in their unique packaging based on the type of chemical.

Packing Solutions

Glass bottles are commonly used to store and package chemicals. The material allows for the protection of chemicals from light exposure and provides additional barriers to potential issues. As previously mentioned, plastic is another safety requirement for most packaging when it comes to chemicals. Other miscellaneous packing items such as metal drums, lacquer-lined drums, and bulk containers are also necessary for the packaging process for most chemicals. When searching for a specialty packaging company for kit assembly purposes, contact OctoChem for the best quality service.