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Storage and use

Chemicals classified as hazardous to health or the environment or as posing a physical hazard are referred to as hazardous chemicals. Hazardous chemicals used at public events include LPG and generator fuel.

Chemicals may be stored in assembly facilities and at large public events only in the quantities necessary for carrying out the activity. The storage volumes of hazardous chemicals must be kept as low as possible.

The emergency plan of the public event must include the quantities of hazardous chemicals and the reasons why they are needed, as well as an assessment the risks caused by their use, the necessary safety arrangements, instructions for accident and incident prevention and for action in the event of accidents, incidents and dangerous situations.

Notification procedure

The use of hazardous chemicals at a public event is considered to constitute the temporary small-scale industrial handling or storage of hazardous chemicals. Temporary handling or storage refers to operations lasting no more than six months, such as the use of a chemical at a construction site, a trade fair, an exhibition or a competition. If the amount of chemicals handled or stored at a public event meets the criteria specified in the Government Decree on the Control of the Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals (685/2015), the handling and storage are subject to notification.

The notification threshold would be exceeded by, for example

  • 200 kg or more of LPG,
  • 150 kg LPG and 3,000 litres of diesel or light fuel oil, or
  • 160 kg LPG and 2,000 litres diesel or light fuel oil.

The notification must be submitted at least one (1) month before the start of the event. The notification and its attachments must be submitted to the rescue department in whose area the operations take place. The notification form and instructions can be found on the website of the local rescue department. Please contact the rescue department if you need more information and instructions.

Decisions and inspections

The rescue department makes a decision based on the notification and conducts a commissioning inspection for temporary activities before the event begins. The inspection pays special attention to the safe use of hazardous chemicals, guidance of personnel, prevention of accidents and organisation of rescue operations.

Considerations relating to hazardous chemicals at public events

  • Take appropriate care in use.
  • Comply with safety data sheets.
  • Place at least one 6-kg portable fire extinguisher rated at least 34A183BC and a fire blanket near each place of use and storage.
  • Mark the storage place with the necessary warning signs in accordance with the CLP Regulation and with signs prohibiting smoking and naked flames.
  • Prevent third parties from accessing the storage place.
  • Take environmental protection into account in the use of hazardous chemicals. Place liquids hazardous to the environment on drip trays and reserve sufficient absorbents and collection equipment near the places of use and storage.

Additional considerations relating to LPG

  • Use LPG cylinders of the appropriate size for the intended use. Composite cylinders are recommended.
  • Connect LPG cylinders to the appliances in the event area.
  • Store any spares and empty cylinders in a pre-determined storage space.
  • Ensure that all LPG appliances are CE marked.
  • Make sure that all LPG hoses meet the requirements set for them.
  • Any T connectors installed on LPG hoses must have shut-off valves.
  • Check LPG equipment and installations before use, especially LPG hose connections (using, for example, soap solution to test for leaks).
  • When indoors, only use LPG equipment rated for indoor use. Check the indoor suitability of the appliance from the manufacturer or the user manual.

The special-effects use of LPG and other hazardous chemicals is also discussed on the page Special effects.

Read more:

Special effects
Government Decree on the Control of the Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals (685/2015) (in Finnish)