Storage and transport

For the storage and transport of our goods, we adhere to strict safety guidelines in order to prevent risks to people and the environment.

In order to safely store substances, we have implemented global safety concepts for all our warehouses worldwide. We have based these concepts on the recommendations of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), which include the minimization of storage risks through segregated storage, the protection of the environment through retention capacity in the event of leaks and for extinguishing water, automatic extinguishing units adapted to the products and materials being stored, occupational safety measures, as well as optimized material and work flows in the warehouse.

At the end of 2012, we made significant revisions to our Group-wide standards for warehouse safety. In doing so, we created the framework for selecting service providers. The “Warehouse requirements” standard defines the structural and organizational requirements for a facility. The “Warehouse Safety” standard defines the operational measures needed to prevent substance leakage, as well as fires and explosions.

According to this standard, risk evaluations must be conducted on all stored substances, including finished chemical and pharmaceutical products, raw materials, intermediates, waste, packaging material, and technical materials. In addition to this, the standard lays down mandatory rules of workplace conduct for all warehouse employees. All warehouses are to be audited thoroughly and regularly to check for compliance with safety requirements.

For shipments transported by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or on behalf of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, safety is our top priority. We want to ensure that shipments reach our sites and customers undamaged, with the correct labeling and documentation.

Several substances that we ship are classified as hazardous materials. Hazardous goods transport – whether by road, rail, air, or water – is heavily regulated across the globe by conventions such as the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

We have refined our audit concept in order to monitor compliance with the transport safety regulations at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany sites as well as the compliance of those partners involved in the transport of goods.

In Germany, we participate in the German Transport Accident Information and Emergency Response System (TUIS), which provides qualified, rapid assistance for incidents involving the transport of chemicals.

Environment Health Safety Security Quality (EQ), the Group function in charge of environmental protection at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, are the experts in warehouse and transport safety guidelines. At the individual Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany sites worldwide, local EHS managers are responsible for issues pertaining to warehouse and transport safety. Regular training is provided for our warehouse employees, as well as the employees involved in the transport of goods.