FACT SHEET
STORING AND HANDLING
INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINERS
Introduction Workplace Health and Safety Regulations require
that all Hazardous Chemicals are correctly packed.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are widely
used in the Australian agricultural and veterinary A hazardous chemical is correctly packed if the
(AGVET) chemical industry. While the term IBC chemical is packed in a container that:
covers a number of different containers and
configurations the most widely used are 1000 (a) is in sound condition; and
litre rigid IBCs. These are stackable, reusable,
versatile containers with an integrated pallet base (b) will safely contain the chemical for the time
mount that provides forklift and/or pallet jack the chemical is likely to be packed; and
manoeuvrability. IBCs have a white/translucent
plastic container (typically high-density (c) is made of material that is compatible with,
polyethylene (HDPE)) enclosed and protected and will not be adversely affected by, the
by a tubular galvanized steel grid. It is common chemical; and
industry practice to store IBCs outside in the yard
on compacted gravel, concrete or bitumen. (d) does not usually contain food or beverages and
cannot be mistakenly identified as containing
Common areas of potential non-compliance food or beverages.
around suitable spill containment include the
storage of chemical products outside the building While IBCs supplied pre-filled by manufacturers
e.g. IBCs in the yard or car park, liquid products in would be expected to meet these requirements,
non-bunded areas of the building and excessive premises which transfer products from bulk tanks
chemicals in the showroom area. or road tankers into IBCs must ensure the IBC is in
sound condition. IBCs which are damaged may
Regulations covering the packing and fail when being transported or stacked.
storing of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous
Chemicals. While there is variation in the specific
requirements in accordance with the individual
Every State and Territory has Legislation and regulations of each jurisdiction as a general
Regulations covering the packing and storage of statement, all jurisdictions require Hazardous
Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods. Chemicals, Dangerous Goods and Combustible
Liquids to be stored in a safe manner and that all
risks associated with the storage of these materials
be eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably
practicable.
Storing and Stacking IBCs: Internationally there are several manufacturers of
IBCs and there is a potential for any brand to exist
There are a number of factors that need to be in an Australian Agvet premise. Often when Agvet
considered when determining how to stack IBCs. chemicals and other products are manufactured
and filled overseas, cost effective but lower quality
1. Whether the IBCs are in a transport situation IBCs are used. These may not be as strong and
(dynamic) or a storing situation (static) hence stacking is not recommended.
2. The type of IBC (design)
3. Specific Gravity of the product Key differences between brands and types of
IBCs will include the pallet type. Wooden and
The Agsafe industry standard for outside yard composite pallets are generally not as strong as
storage of IBCs is to stack IBCs up to two units high. steel and plastic pallets.
This reflects typical Industry practice for storage,
which is to stack IBCs no more than two high or Some IBCs have a galvanised steel frame
on pallet racking. This is a good rule of thumb and enclosing the blow moulded inner bottle. Lower
most types of IBCs can be safely stored in this way. specification products may have a weld mesh
cage enclosing the inner bottle. These are not as
In some situations, it may be suitable strong and can not be stacked as high.
to stack IBCs higher than 2 units – but
this is more complicated and will vary Schultz Australia is a well known manufacturer of
depending on the type of IBC and the IBCs in the Australian Agvet Chemical Industry.
product stored. They have a wide variety of IBCs available and
these will have different specifications and
stacking loads.
They provide detailed information about the
stacking of their products and the examples on
the next page apply to these products.
NOTE:
Before stacking IBCs you should refer to the
information for the specific brand and type of IBC
from the manufacturer.
The IBCs stacking test load for specific IBC design
types is listed on the label plate immediately
after the manufacturer’s information and before
the total maximum permissible gross mass in
kilograms (kg). Any IBC where a label plate with
the below information is absent should not be
considered for stacking.
For example, up to 4 units high is permissible for
some Schutz brand IBCs if static load conditions
are met. When transporting IBCs you should not
exceed 2 IBCs high.
Information on the label plate
Example: MX 1000 D/BAM12380
(Stacking test load = 4056kg)
Max. 4 IBC Max. 3 IBC Max. 2 IBC
Density: 1.0-1.2 Density: 1.3-1.8 Density: 1.9
3 on 1 stacking 2 on 1 stacking 1 on 1 stacking
possible possible possible
Static stacking filled IBCs (storage)
Sample calculation for MX 1000 D/BAM12380
Max. 4 high
Note the test load given on the UN marking on the label plate.
While in this example stacking 4 high is possible a number of common products will have a higher
specific density and a lower stacking height will apply.
For example: Roundup Ultra Max has a density of 1.379 and hence a stack of only 3 high applies.
General provisions for the stacking of IBCs
• Only stack IBCs of the same brand and type.
• Make sure the ground is level,
• Only use a forklift which is sufficiently powerful,
• Make sure the fork tines are the correct length and go all the way under the IBC.
Correct
Wrong
When transporting an IBC by forklift truck,
never proceed without tilting the fork!
Correct use with a pallet jack
Notes:
• Protect the valve from any knocks
• Never use chains hooked to the tie bars or steel cage to handle the IBC.
Outside storage - Label and Summary
container integrity
IBCs are a common and useful means of supplying
APVMA registration is conditional on products larger quantities of Agvet Chemicals. Their larger
which are not date controlled remaining within capacity and design increase the risk of accidental
specification for at least two years when stored in spills when transporting and storage and premises
unopened original containers, away from direct need to implement systems and controls to
sunlight, and at or above 25°C (normal storage reduce these risks.
conditions). Outside storage is likely to reduce the
life of both the product and labels particularly if Particular care is required when stacking these
they are exposed to direct sunlight and extreme items and staff should be knowledgeable in
weather conditions (heat and frost). determining safe stacking heights based on the
brand and type of the IBC and the density of the
product.
Where information, such as the label
plate, is not available or staff are not
experiences in calculating a safe
stacking height, then IBCs should be
stacked no more than 2 high.
You need to ensure that IBCs are not
stored outside for extended periods of
time and regularly check the condition
of the labels.
IBC bladders have been known to fail due to
extended periods of exposure to ultraviolet light.
Storage of IBCs in Pallet Racking
It is often difficult to safely store IBC’s in pallet
racking. As IBC’s are generally narrower than a
standard pallet, there is not sufficient overhang to
ensure they “lock in” correctly.
Steel palleted IBC’s also have a very low friction
coefficient with the steel rails on the pallet racking.
This means they can easily move and fall off the
racking.
Consideration should be given to placing the IBC
on a standard pallet (e.g. Chep) if storage in pallet
racking is necessary.
Agsafe Limited
P: (02) 6206 6888 A: Level 1, 40 Macquarie Street Barton ACT 260
GPO Box 816 Canberra City ACT 2601 W: www.agsafe.org.au
