Management of Controlled Substances

Controlled substances are “controlled” because they are dangerous to transport, handle, and store. The risks they pose are manifold: spillages and leakages can lead to contamination of the water table or direct contamination of a local water supply serving the human population in the region. For these reasons, all controlled liquid or gaseous substances are stored as far as possible from away from drains, water supplies, or other forms of water channel .

Flammable and inflammable controlled substances pose an extreme hazard. Fire or explosion can occur if they come into contact with flames, fumes, other volatile substances, or heat sources. Such events represent a serious to human and plant life, structures, other stored goods. Big explosions and fires might also pose a threat to people living and working near the facility, who may have to be evacuated.

To minimize environmental risk from controlled substances, managers should control the reception of the goods, making sure deliveries of controlled substances are received in a special area that is specifically built to prevent or manage accidental spillages or leakages. Managers will also design, review, update, and drill operational procedures for the management of leakages and spillages of controlled substances. Operatives and managers can conduct regular walk-around checks to make sure that liquids are located out of the proximity of drains, so that water sources are not contaminated by leaks. Operatives can be trained in the proper and safe handling of controlled substances. When a delivery of controlled substances occurs, operatives must check that all containers and packaging are unopened, undamaged, and not leaking; the containers are correctly and clearly labelled, with contents descriptions, warning symbols, and handling instructions clear and visible to operators; containers are stored in the necessary temperature and humidity conditions, and ensure that any other environmental conditions are met; and containers are stored far away from any sources of heat, fumes, ignition, or volatile materials.