Stuttgart, 30.07.2024 – The Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. (FSK) is an established point of contact for questions relating to the safe handling of the hazardous substance diisocyanate and offers all legally required training courses on its training platform. A critical point in handling hazardous substances is always the delivery and storage. The FSK is now addressing this issue together with its competent cooperation partners and experienced safety consultants. From August 2024, the association will therefore be offering Tank Farm Assessments (TFA), IBC/Drum Assessments (IDA) and specialized training for tank truck unloading personnel – once again promoting greater safety, efficiency and legal compliance in the industry and in each individual company. Ask us for a non-binding offer now!
“In the classroom courses and in dialog with participants and companies, we have clearly seen that there is often a lack of an implementation strategy,” says FSK Managing Director Klaus Junginger, explaining the decision to offer the assessments for tank farms and storage facilities for IBC containers/drum goods. The assessment differs from the association’s previous training courses and offers companies the opportunity to discuss and optimize all critical points after a comprehensive inventory. “Our auditors and consultants have years of experience in this field. We have already worked with these experts in our training courses. As an association, we know where there is still a need at the companies and our assessments are used to identify solutions directly and individually on site,” continues Junginger.
Tank Farm Assessment and IBC / Drum Assessment
The unloading and storage of diisocyanates and other hazardous substances is considered potentially dangerous. Accidents and “near-accidents” occur time and again due to various causes. This is where the FSK’s assessments come in: Risks in the organization, internal processes and the technical installation are analysed and eliminated quickly and reliably. Up to 140 aspects, including goods receipt, tanker or general cargo unloading and warehouse equipment, are systematically examined. The relevant areas, technical facilities, installations and emergency equipment are inspected by an experienced expert and assessed according to a risk classification. Safety deficiencies and risks are reliably identified and described in the final report.
Advantages of TFA and IDA at a glance
- Identification of accident risks for unloading personnel and the environment
- Opportunity to implement new, important industry standards
- Clear assignment of responsibilities during unloading
- Highly valued by environmental and licensing authorities
- Supportive for internal safety, environmental and quality audits
- High level of acceptance among raw material suppliers
The basic time required for the assessment (on site) is around 2.5 hours and depends on the size of the storage facility and the associated unloading area.
Training of tank truck unloading personnel
The unloading of diisocyanate or polyol tankers also involves major risks and is potentially dangerous, as incorrect operation can quickly result in very serious damage to people, the environment and, not least, the company’s image. Unfortunately, there are always serious accidents year after year, which can often be attributed to the misconduct of the people involved. A lack of knowledge and misjudgement of dangers often play a major role. This is precisely where the training comes in: Based on documents from leading industry associations, the training provides basic knowledge about the chemicals, the necessary personal protective equipment, the particular hazards involved in unloading, unloading methods, connections, emergency situations and clarifies responsibility and cooperation with the driver.
The “Training of tank truck unloading personnel” among other things includes
- Special hazards and risks during tanker unloading
- Equipment of the unloading area and the tank farm
- Personal protective equipment
- Important documents for the unloading process
- Organization and cooperation with the driver
- Behavior in case of emergencies.
The time required for the training is approximately 2 hours. Each participant receives a certificate of participation. The training is also offered in an adapted form for the unloading and storage of containers (IBCs, drums).
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to train your specialist staff in this area and reduce the potential risks!
The assessments can also be combined with the mandatory diisocyanate training for your staff, which has been mandatory since 24.08.2023. Contact us directly here or use our inquiry form.