FM APPROVAL
Compliance with FM approval for dangerous goods involves adhering to specific regulations and standards to ensure the safe handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials. The FM approval process is conducted by FM Global, a global industrial and commercial property insurance company. The approval signifies that a particular product or system meets FM Global's rigorous requirements for fire protection and loss prevention.
To obtain FM approval for dangerous goods, manufacturers or suppliers of hazardous materials must typically go through the following steps:
1. Product Evaluation: The hazardous material is evaluated by FM Global to determine its characteristics, risks, and potential impact on fire safety and loss prevention.
2. Testing and Certification: The product or system is subjected to rigorous testing protocols specified by FM Global. These tests assess various aspects, such as fire resistance, leak prevention, compatibility with other materials, and effectiveness in preventing accidents or minimizing damage.
3. Compliance Documentation: The manufacturer or supplier must provide comprehensive documentation regarding the product's design, specifications, installation requirements, maintenance procedures, and safety measures. This documentation should demonstrate compliance with FM Global's standards and guidelines.
4. Site Evaluation: In certain cases, FM Global may conduct on-site evaluations to assess the safety measures and infrastructure in place for handling and storing hazardous materials. This evaluation helps ensure that the facility meets the necessary safety requirements.
5. Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the evaluation, testing, and documentation stages, FM Global grants the FM approval certification for the specific hazardous material. The certification indicates that the product or system has met the stringent safety standards established by FM Global.
6. Ongoing Compliance: Once approved, manufacturers or suppliers must maintain compliance with FM Global's requirements. This typically involves periodic reviews, audits, and inspections to ensure continued adherence to safety standards.
Compliance with FM approval for dangerous goods is crucial for businesses involved in handling hazardous materials. It helps mitigate the risks associated with these materials and ensures the safety of personnel, property, and the environment.
ANSI Z358.1
ANSI Z358.1 refers to a specific American National Standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that addresses emergency eyewash and shower equipment. The standard is titled "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment" and provides guidelines and requirements for the design, performance, installation, use, and maintenance of these safety devices.
The ANSI Z358.1 standard is primarily intended to ensure that individuals exposed to hazardous materials or substances have immediate access to suitable emergency eyewash and shower equipment to minimize the potential for eye injuries or chemical burns. It applies to various industries and workplaces where hazardous materials are handled, including laboratories, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and medical facilities.
Some key requirements outlined in the ANSI Z358.1 standard include:
1. Equipment Design: The standard specifies the design criteria for eyewash stations and emergency showers, including their location, accessibility, water flow rates, spray patterns, and proper installation heights.
2. Performance Criteria: The standard defines performance requirements for eyewash and shower equipment, such as the flow rate, duration of flow, and temperature of the water to ensure effective rinsing and decontamination.
3. Accessibility and Visibility: The standard emphasizes the importance of easily identifiable and readily accessible eyewash and shower units. It provides guidelines for clear signage, adequate lighting, and unobstructed pathways to ensure that the equipment can be quickly located and used during emergencies.
4. Maintenance and Testing: ANSI Z358.1 requires regular maintenance, inspection, and testing of emergency eyewash and shower equipment to ensure their proper functioning. It specifies guidelines for flushing fluids, cleaning procedures, activation testing, and record-keeping to promote reliability and readiness.
Adhering to the ANSI Z358.1 standard helps organizations comply with occupational health and safety regulations, minimize the risk of injuries, and protect the well-being of employees who may come into contact with hazardous substances. It is important for employers to regularly assess their workplaces to determine if emergency eyewash and shower equipment is required and to ensure that any installed equipment meets the requirements outlined in the ANSI Z358.1 standard.
