Chemical Delivery at Treatment Works

Chemical deliveries to water and wastewater treatment works involve bulk tanker unloading of hazardous liquids.
Common chemicals delivered include ferric sulphate, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, and polyelectrolyte.
Tanker drivers and site staff must follow a documented delivery procedure for each chemical type.
Incorrect tank identification during delivery has caused dangerous chemical mixing incidents in the UK.
Chemical splashes during hose connection, disconnection, and sampling cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
Tanker movements on treatment works create pedestrian strike risks in confined site layouts.
Bund integrity must be confirmed before delivery to contain any spillage during the unloading operation.
Emergency showers and eyewash stations must be checked and accessible before every chemical delivery.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 and CDM 2015 apply to all chemical delivery and handling activities.
Drivers must carry ADR documentation and the vehicle must display appropriate hazard warning plates.

Prevent chemical injury	Bulk chemical splashes cause severe burns — correct PPE and procedures protect delivery and site staff.
Avoid dangerous mixing	Delivering the wrong chemical to the wrong tank can generate toxic gas such as chlorine, causing fatalities.
Environmental protection	Chemical spills from delivery operations contaminate land and water, resulting in prosecution and clean-up costs.
Legal compliance	COSHH 2002, ADR regulations, and environmental permits require strict controls for all chemical deliveries.

Do

Don't

Verify the chemical name and tank identification before connecting any delivery hose
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and face shield during all connection operations
Check bund integrity and capacity before authorising the tanker to begin unloading
Confirm emergency eyewash and safety showers are functional before delivery starts
Supervise the full delivery from connection through unloading to hose disconnection
Check the tanker driver holds valid ADR certification and hazard documentation
Ensure the delivery area is clear of other workers and pedestrians during unloading
Sample and check delivered chemical quality against the specification where required
Secure all tank fill points and lock bund valves after the delivery is completed
Report any spills, splashes, or near misses from the delivery to the site supervisor

DON'T connect delivery hoses without confirming the correct chemical and correct tank
DON'T allow chemical delivery without verifying bund containment is intact and drained
DON'T stand directly over hose connections when pressurising or depressurising lines
DON'T leave the delivery unattended — remain present throughout the unloading process
DON'T allow pedestrians to walk through the delivery area during tanker unloading
DON'T accept deliveries without checking the ADR documentation and hazard warning plates
DON'T attempt to clean up chemical spills without the correct PPE and spill kit
DON'T overfill storage tanks — monitor levels throughout the delivery operation
DON'T store delivery hoses in contact with incompatible chemicals between deliveries
DON'T delay treating chemical splashes to skin or eyes — flush immediately for 15 minutes

See also: Ferric and Aluminium Dosing Chemicals | Chemical Spill Response

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