When you think of getting safe storage, what exactly comes to mind? Is it those chemical and paints that you left after your DIY home improvement projects? If this is the case, we are on the same track, especially if your living within a strata community, you need to ensure these items are properly stored away. We shall explore some of the ways you can store these hazardous materials, and you will get to see different options you can explore, to ensure you are keeping your family and community safe.
Most homes have hazardous chemicals than we would like to imagine, and if not stored away correctly, it could bring several accidents and injuries. And within the strata communities, there are some set by laws that will prohibit you from storing these hazardous products in your garage, storage cages and even inside your apartment. Hazardous products being computer material, asbestos and gas cylinders. But other hazardous items need to be appropriately stored away.
Items like solvent paints, car batteries, pesticides, motor oil, kerosene, petrol and various harmful substances can be dangerous to dispose of in your regular trash. Also, it is illegal pouring then down your sink, gutters or even the toilets. Before disposing of these items, take the extra time to find out from your local council if these are accepted at their local depot. Additionally, there is a list of state-based schemes that will assist in the disposal of such items.
How to safely store your LPG
Within a strata community, you always need to ensure you make safety a priority in everything you do. These are some professional tips you can follow to store your LPG cylinders safely.
- Avoid connecting or disconnecting the cylinders near a naked flame
- If you are using the cylinders for household purposes, ensure it is not filled with automatic LPG.
- If you are in a windy condition, try and avoid using the LPG.
- The cylinder should always be kept in a cool area that is free of flames.
- LPG cylinders should not be stored near flammable liquids, petrol or even aerosols.
- The valves should be turned off firmly when you are not using it, to reduce accidents, especially with children.
Some of the rules you should be aware of
You need to beware of some ground rules if you are living in a Strata community. These are some of the guidelines that have been given by Better Health Victoria.
- Ensure that all the hazardous wastes have been stored away correctly as you wait for the best way to dispose of them.
- If you are to store these chemicals, ensure that you have kept them in their original container, have the lids tightly sild to avoid any spills or children opening them.
- Additionally, used containers need to be identified and stored away neatly, keeping them away from children to avoid accidents.
- You also need to ensure that protective clothing and equipment be kept away from chemical substances.
- Try and follow the special instructions that have been provided in each product.
- All flammable liquid should be kept away from heat, to avoid accidents within your home.
- The acids should be kept far away from alkalis
- Store pesticides in a cool, dry place
- Keep the pool chemicals far away from fuel.
Some essential tips you should remember
If you do not adequately dispose of these hazardous substances, you could incur a penalty of up to $1,000,000 and or a seven-year sentence. Thus, making the safety of the community a priority is something you should always practice.
When using chemicals labelled ‘poison’ or ‘caution’ you need to ensure you are taking extra care. Additionally, once you are done with storing these chemicals away, do not store them in unlabelled containers, as someone could mistake this for a drink, especially the young ones.
Use a ventilated area to store the flammable liquids, and ensure these chemicals have not been stored next to a piece of equipment that could light a spark, as the gas cylinders. Ensure you keep safety a priority.
