Table of Contents
Identify, Classify & Safely Store Chemicals to Prevent Fires, Reactions & Regulatory Non-compliance.
Why Conduct a Chemical Segregation Study?
Improper storage and handling of hazardous chemicals can lead to violent reactions, toxic gas releases, or fire/explosion incidents often triggered by incompatible chemicals being stored together. This is a critical concern across oil & gas, laboratories, and manufacturing sectors in Qatar.
Here at iFluids Engineering Qatar, we offer a complete Chemical Segregation and Handling Study which is geared to:
- Safe separation of HAZMAT groups and reactivity types.
- Evaluation of water resistance during fire fighting
- Compliance with global and Qatar specific EHS regulations
What’s Included in Our Study?
Our chemical storage and safety audit includes the following areas of review:
| Area | Description |
| Chemical Compatibility Matrix | Cross analysis of how chemicals react with each other and water |
| Segregation Plan | Separation distances, storage zoning, and ventilation needs |
| HAZMAT Classification | Grouping per HSG-71 / US DOT / BG RCI (Germany) standards |
| Firefighting Water Reactivity Analysis | Identification of chemicals where water use may be hazardous |
| Spill Prevention & Fire Response | Containment strategies, extinguisher type selection |
| Safe Handling SOPs | Step by step procedures and required PPE during transfer or use |
Detailed Methodology – How We Perform the Study
At iFluids Engineering QATAR, our Chemical Segregation and Handling Study is developed on the best practices followed around the world (like HSG-71, US DOT, BG RCI Germany) and customized for operation context of industrial plants in Qatar.
1. Identification of Chemicals
- Chemical inventory (product, concentration, volume and location) implemented list.
- Cross-referencing with SDS for each chemical
- Hazard class identification based on globally harmonized systems and regional hazard coding.
2. Understanding Physical & Chemical Properties
- Study of each Chemicals:
- Physical state (Liquid, Gas, Solid)
- Flammability, corrosivity, toxicity
- Reactivity with other substances
- Evaluation of composition and percentage weight to measure strength of each chemical.
3. HAZMAT Classification of Chemicals
- Chemicals are classified into relevant HAZMAT classes as per:
- HSG-71 (Health & Safety Executive, UK)
- US Department of Transportation (DOT)
- BG RCI Germany (for Industrial risk classification)
This classification provides guidance on identifying corrosive, flammable, toxic, reactive or oxidizing properties for zoning and separation.
4. Chemical Compatibility Matrix Preparation
We construct a fine-grained compatibility matrix, which is a graphical table expressing how each stored chemical reacts when placed with others.
- Determines incompatible combinations which may react violently, produce heat or form toxic gases
- Prevents dangerous scenarios like:
- Acid + Alkali → heat
- Acid + Sulfite → Hydrogen sulfide gas.
- Acid + Hypochlorite → Chlorine gas.
5. Water Compatibility Analysis.
This step investigates how each chemical behaves with water an important consideration in relation to firefighting,
- Chemicals marked as “Not compatible with water” may not necessarily be reactive, but water usage may be counterproductive or dangerous during a fire.
- Example: Oils and hydrocarbon solvents – water spreads fire.
- Example: Reactive metals – water can generate explosive hydrogen gas.
These findings are essential for fire water system planning, extinguisher selection, and emergency response design.
6. Storage Environment Assessment
Based on SDS and compatibility analysis, we define:
- Ventilation requirements (for fumes, vapors)
- Temperature-controlled zones (for heat-sensitive or flammable chemicals)
- Segregation distances and zoning for safe layout.
7. Final Grouping and Segregation Plan
Chemicals are grouped based on:
- HAZMAT Class
- Compatibility with each other
- Ventilation/Temperature control needs
- Fire suppression compatibility
We also include physical separation recommendations, such as:
- Secondary containment bunds
- Dedicated rooms or cabinets
- Use of signage and colored labels
- Separate fire protection zones
Example Reactions Considered in Compatibility Checks
| Incompatible Combination | Potential Hazard |
| Acids + Hypochlorites | Chlorine gas release |
| Acids + Alkalis | Heat generation |
| Acids + Sulfides | Hydrogen sulfide gas |
| Flammables + Oxidizers | Fire/explosion risk |
| Water-reactive metals + Water | Hydrogen gas explosion |
This approach enables the complete life cycle of chemicals from storage, over distribution to emergency response to be considered as a unique study.
Deliverables You Will Receive
- Detailed Compatibility Matrix (Color-coded)
- Chemical Segregation & Storage Layout Plan
- HAZMAT Class-wise Grouping Report
- Handling Procedures & SOPs
- Water Compatibility Chart for Firefighting
- Firefighting & Spill Control Recommendations
- Qatar-specific Regulatory Compliance Checklist
Inputs Required from You.
To get started on your study, we need:
- Latest Chemical Inventory
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical
- Existing storage layouts
- SOPs for transfer and handling (if available)
- Historical incident reports (if applicable)
Industries We Serve in Qatar
- Mesaieed, Ras Laffan and Dukhan – Oil & Gas Terminals
- Chemical Storage Warehouses
- Petrochemical Plants
- R&D and Analytical Labs
- Water Treatment Plants
- Logistic & Repackaging Facilities
Why iFluids Engineering – Qatar?
- Process Safety, HAZOP & Risk Engineering Experts
- Local presence in Doha
- Full service from hazard identification to the SOP implementation
- Regulatory Compliance – compatible with OSHA, NFPA, HSG-71 guidelines, Qatar based regulatory guidance.
Schedule a Chemical Safety Assessment Today
Minimize chemical storage risks and ensure compliance.
📧 info@ifluids.com.