Information of the public according to § 8a of the 12th BImSchV

Introduction The Federal Government issued the Major Accidents Ordinance (12th Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act) on the basis of EU directives, to which warehouses that exclusively store, commission and ship liquefied petroleum gas in containers are also subject. The aim of the Major Accidents Ordinance is to reduce the risks and dangers of industrial incidents for the public and to protect the environment and neighbourhood from hazards that may arise.

Even if there is no direct danger from pure storage, ROTHENBERGER Werkzeuge GmbH is obliged to inform you about the safety measures taken and the correct behaviour in the event of an incident.

In our warehouse the containers containing gas are stored, picked and dispatched, no further processing, e.g. decanting, mixing etc. takes place.

**About us At ROTHENBERGER we develop, produce and market pipe tools, machines and aids for plumbers, heating engineers, refrigeration/air conditioning technicians and service fitters. Our equipment is used on construction sites in the SHK trade and in refrigeration, gas and environmental technology as well as in maintenance.

Application of the Major Accidents Ordinance Since its commissioning, the operating area has been subject to the regulations for installations requiring a permit under the Federal Immission Control Act (12th BImSchV - Major Accidents Ordinance) and represents a lower-class operating area. All requirements of the competent authority resulting from the basic obligations of the Major Accidents Ordinance are fulfilled. The competent authority has been notified of the mandatory information pursuant to Article 7 (1) of the Major Accidents Ordinance.

Hazardous substances in the operating area Our gas free warehouse stores combustible gases such as liquid gas (propane / butane) and more specialised gases (propenes, butenes) as well as oxygen.

Hazard warnings

The above-mentioned gases form flammable mixtures with (atmospheric) oxygen, are heavier than air, have a narcotic effect in high concentrations, possibly asphyxiating, cause frostbite in liquid state on contact with skin.
Avoid fire, naked lights and smoking and keep sources of ignition away.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Prevent entry into sewers, cellars and pits.

Liquid gas (propane / butane) is a colourless liquid stored under pressure with an intense odour, which evaporates quickly when released and is highly flammable. A release of larger quantities of gas would be recognisable by the clouds of mist spreading on the ground, but due to the limitation of the container volume to 0.75 l, no large quantity can escape. Since it is neither toxic nor hazardous to water, the danger is that leakage could occur with a fire or explosion due to ignition of the gas-air mixture.

Oxygen is not itself flammable, but it supports combustion. Therefore, it must not be stored directly together with highly flammable substances.

Correct behaviour in the event of an incident Despite all technical and organisational measures to prevent an incident, it cannot be ruled out with absolute certainty, especially if there is a chain of several unfortunate circumstances.

Any gas that enters the atmosphere forms a highly flammable or explosive gas mixture when mixed with atmospheric oxygen, which can also leave the operating area under certain circumstances.

In the event of an incident with effects beyond the operating limits, ROTHENBERGER Australia will inform its neighbours in order to avoid possible sources of ignition until the mixture in question has been diluted to an uncritical level.

In order to avoid the release of a critical quantity of liquid gas, we have numerous safety devices:

Fire alarm system.
The plant management is available 24 hours a day
Hydrants, extinguishing water pumps, sprinklers and powder extinguishers
Daily inspection or regular maintenance of the facility
In-house safety officer, hazardous goods officer and incident officer
Regular fire drills

Should an accident occur despite all safety precautions, gases and vapours may escape in addition to a fire or explosion. In order to keep the effects as low as possible, appropriate measures are taken immediately - as agreed with the authorities in the alarm and hazard prevention plan. The aim of our emergency organisation, if necessary together with public emergency and relief forces, is to prevent a hazard to people and the environment, as stipulated by the Major Accidents Ordinance.

If you notice a smell of gas, a cloud of smoke or a loud bang, or if you are informed by telephone, siren or radio announcements, please follow the rules strictly:

If there are signs of an incident, listen for loudspeaker or radio announcements by the fire brigade and police.
Follow the instructions of the fire brigade and police without fail
Stay away from the scene of the accident and keep traffic routes clear for the emergency services
Find a building and close windows and doors, refrain from using vehicles
Bring children indoors and, if necessary, pick up passers-by or help the disabled
Inform your neighbours
Avoid any sources of ignition (electrical appliances, open fires, smoking, etc.)
Wait for the all-clear signal from the fire brigade or police via radio and loudspeaker.
In case of health problems, contact your family doctor or the emergency medical service.