Can used chemical packages be stored with unused packages in Vietnam?

1. Can used chemical packages be stored with unused packages in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 5 of Decree 113/2017/ND-CP stipulating technology, equipment, tools and packages as follows:

1. Chemical production technology shall be selected to minimize the threat of chemical emergencies, environmental pollution and ensure fire safety.

2. Technical equipment shall satisfy general requirements for safety in accordance with national technical regulations and standards, types of chemicals and technological process to meet the production capacity and business scale. Machines, equipment and materials subject to strict requirements for occupational safety and hygiene and testing measurement equipment shall be inspected, calibrated and maintained in line with regulations on machine and equipment inspection.

3. Requirements for packages

a) Containers and packages must be tight, firm and resistant to chemicals, weather and normal impacts when handling. Used packages shall be stored separately. Before filling chemicals, filling station shall check chemical packages and containers and clean the used packages to eliminate the possibility of reaction or fire when filling chemicals. Containers and packages that have been used but not reused shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with regulations of law on environmental protection;

b) Chemical containers and packages shall have labels specifying the contents prescribed in regulations of law on chemical labeling. Chemical labels must be stated clearly and resistant to effects of chemicals, weather and normal impacts when handling.

As such, used packages shall be stored separately from unused packaging. Packages that have been used but not reused shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with regulations of law on environmental protection in Vietnam.

2. Do hazardous chemicals have to be classified and stored in Vietnam?

According to Article 6 of Decree 113/2017/ND-CP, storage and transport are as follows:

1. Hazardous chemicals shall be classified and stored according to the nature of each chemical substance. It is not allowed to store chemicals that are likely to react together or subject to requirements for chemical and fire safety in the same area.

2. Chemicals in the warehouse shall be stored according to national technical regulations and standards to ensure safety and facilitate response to chemical emergencies.

3. Chemical transport process shall be carried out under regulations on transporting dangerous goods.

According to this Article, hazardous chemicals must be classified and stored according to the nature of each chemical substance in Vietnam according to the above regulations.

Best Regards!