3rd TAGRA

The safe use, storage, transportation, and disposal of chemicals used as raw materials, intermediates, final products, and auxiliary substances in the chemical industry are important for protecting the health and safety of workers, limiting environmental impacts, and ensuring production continuity. Particularly in areas where chemicals are stored, the physical and chemical properties of the substances and their compatibility with one another must be taken into consideration. Industrial racking systems used for the storage of chemicals are not merely equipment for organizing storage areas but also constitute an important engineering element in terms of occupational health and safety. Improper design, selection, or use of racking systems may result in the tipping, falling, and leakage of chemicals, as well as fire, explosion, the release of toxic gases or vapors, chemical exposure, injuries, and fatalities. Therefore, racking systems should be constructed from materials suitable for the properties of the chemicals being stored and the relevant storage conditions, provide adequate resistance to chemical leakage and potential reactions, possess appropriate fire safety characteristics, and have sufficient mechanical load-bearing capacity. In addition, securing racks against tipping and falling, designing them with seismic effects taken into consideration, and conducting regular inspections and maintenance are among the fundamental elements of safe storage. In this study, industrial racking systems used in the chemical industry were examined in terms of workplace characteristics, the physical and chemical properties of the stored chemicals, environmental conditions, fire safety, load-bearing capacity, and mechanical strength. In addition, the importance of considering the safety requirements specified in relevant legislation and standards when selecting racking systems and designing chemical storage facilities was evaluated.