What are the international regulations for the safe storage standards of polyester hot melt?

What are the international regulations for the safe storage standards of polyester hot melt?

1. Physical and chemical properties

1.1 Melting point range
The melting point of polyester hot melt is an important indicator of its physical and chemical properties, which is directly related to the temperature requirements of its storage environment. The melting point of polyester hot melt is usually between 250℃ and 260℃. The international standard ISO 1133 specifies the determination method of plastic melt mass flow rate and melt volume flow rate. Although this standard is mainly for plastic materials, its test principle and method provide a reference for the determination of the melting point of polyester hot melt. In actual storage, in order to ensure that the polyester hot melt does not melt and deform, the storage environment temperature should be at least 20℃ lower than its melting point.

2. Packaging and labeling requirements

2.1 Packaging material specifications
The packaging materials of polyester hot melt need to meet specific international standard requirements to ensure its safety and integrity during storage and transportation.
Material selection: According to the international standard ISO 9001 quality management system, the packaging materials should have good moisture-proof, dust-proof and shock-proof properties. Polyethylene film or polypropylene woven bags are usually used as inner packaging. These materials have excellent waterproofness and air permeability, which can effectively prevent polyester hot melt yarn from getting damp and moldy. For outer packaging, sturdy cartons or wooden boxes are mostly used to resist external physical impact.
Material thickness and strength: International standard ISO 18602 stipulates the minimum thickness and tensile strength requirements of packaging materials. For example, the thickness of the inner packaging polyethylene film should not be less than 0.05mm, and the tensile strength should reach more than 15MPa; the compressive strength of the outer packaging carton should be able to withstand a pressure of not less than 500kg to ensure that it will not be deformed or damaged when stored in multiple layers.
Material compatibility: The packaging material and polyester hot melt yarn should have good chemical compatibility to avoid chemical reactions that affect product quality. International standard ISO 10993 has detailed provisions for the chemical compatibility test method of materials, requiring strict chemical composition analysis and compatibility testing of materials before packaging to ensure that the packaging material will not release harmful substances or have adverse effects on polyester hot melt yarn.

3. Storage environment conditions
3.1 Temperature and humidity control
The temperature and humidity control of the storage environment of polyester thermal melt yarn is very important and directly related to the stability of its quality and performance.
Temperature control: According to the reference significance of the international standard ISO 1133 for the determination of melting point, combined with the melting point range of polyester thermal melt yarn (250℃ to 260℃), the storage environment temperature should be strictly controlled within a range of at least 20℃ below its melting point, that is, not exceeding 240℃. In addition, the international standard ISO 15737 puts forward more specific requirements for the storage environment temperature of textiles, and recommends that the storage temperature be between 15℃ and 30℃. This temperature range can effectively prevent the polyester thermal melt yarn from melting and deforming due to high temperature, and avoid affecting its physical properties due to too low temperature.
Humidity control: The international standard ISO 139 stipulates the relative humidity requirements for the storage environment of textiles, and recommends that the relative humidity be controlled between 50% and 60%. Within this humidity range, the polyester thermal melt yarn can be effectively prevented from absorbing moisture and dampness, and the fiber performance can be prevented from being reduced due to excessive moisture, such as reduced strength and poor elasticity. Studies have shown that when the relative humidity exceeds 60%, the moisture absorption rate of polyester hot melt yarn will increase significantly, and its elongation at break can decrease by 10% to 15%. Therefore, strict control of the humidity of the storage environment is essential to maintain the quality of polyester hot melt yarn.
Temperature and humidity monitoring and recording: The international standard ISO 9001 quality management system requires regular monitoring and recording of the temperature and humidity of the storage environment. It is recommended to use high-precision temperature and humidity sensors to automatically record data once an hour and store the data in a traceable system. Once it is found that the temperature and humidity exceed the specified range, measures should be taken immediately to adjust them, such as turning on ventilation equipment or using a dehumidifier.

4. Safety protection measures
4.1 Personal protective equipment
During the storage and related operations of polyester hot melt yarn, personal protective equipment is a key link to ensure personnel safety, and there are clear international regulations and recommendations for this.
Respiratory protection: According to the relevant occupational safety and health guidelines of the International Labor Organization (ILO), when handling polyester hot melt yarn that may generate dust or fiber fragments, workers should wear dust masks that meet the international standard EN 149. This mask can effectively filter particulate matter in the air and prevent the inhalation of dust that may irritate or harm the human respiratory system.
Eye protection: The international standard ISO 12568 specifies the technical requirements for eye protection equipment. When operating polyester hot-melt yarn, especially in the process of handling, cutting, etc. where the fiber may splash, workers need to wear protective glasses or masks. These protective equipment should have impact resistance to prevent fiber fragments from causing damage to the eyes and ensure eye safety.
Hand protection: The international standard EN 388 stipulates the wear resistance and cut resistance of protective gloves. Since polyester hot-melt yarn may cause friction or scratches on the skin during handling and operation, workers should wear protective gloves that meet this standard. These gloves can not only provide adequate protection, but also ensure operational flexibility.
Body protection: In the environment of storing and operating polyester hot-melt yarn, workers should wear work clothes that meet the international standard EN 340. This kind of work clothes should have good breathability and protective properties to prevent fiber fragments from adhering to the skin, and also resist possible physical and chemical hazards.

5. Fire risk prevention
5.1 Fire extinguishing equipment
The storage area of ​​polyester thermal fuse needs to be equipped with fire extinguishing equipment that meets international standards to deal with possible fire risks.
Selection of fire extinguisher type: According to the international standard ISO 11601, the polyester thermal fuse storage area should be equipped with ABC dry powder fire extinguishers. This fire extinguisher is suitable for extinguishing various types of fires, including solid material, liquid and gas fires, as well as electrical fires, and can effectively deal with various types of fire situations that may be caused by polyester thermal fuses.
Number and layout of fire extinguishers: The international standard ISO 14520 specifies the number and layout requirements of fire extinguishers. For polyester thermal fuse storage areas, at least 2 fire extinguishers should be equipped for every 100 square meters, and the maximum distance between fire extinguishers should not exceed 20 meters. This ensures that when a fire occurs, staff can obtain fire extinguishers in the shortest time to extinguish the initial fire.
Fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance: The international standard ISO 14520 also requires regular inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers. It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the fire extinguisher every month, including whether the pressure gauge, nozzle, valve and other components are normal, and to conduct a comprehensive maintenance every six months, including cleaning, pressurization, replacement of damaged parts, etc. Through a strict inspection and maintenance system, ensure that the fire extinguisher can be used normally in an emergency.

6. Regulations and certification requirements
6.1 Annex 17 of REACH Regulation
REACH Regulation is an important chemical management regulation of the European Union. Its Annex 17 sets strict requirements for the use and storage of various substances. Polyester hot melt yarn, as a chemical product, is also subject to this regulation.
Restricted substance list: Annex 17 lists many restricted substances, such as certain heavy metals and harmful aromatic amines. Polyester hot melt yarn may use some chemical additives in the production process. If these additives contain restricted substances listed in Annex 17, their content must be strictly controlled below the limit specified by the regulations. For example, for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, their content must not exceed a specific ppm value to ensure that the product will not cause harm to human health and the environment during storage and use.
Supply chain information transmission: According to the requirements of REACH regulations, manufacturers and suppliers of polyester hot melt yarns are responsible for delivering product safety information to downstream users. This includes providing a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that details the product’s ingredients, hazard characteristics, safe storage conditions and other information. If the product contains restricted substances in Appendix 17 that exceed the specified threshold, the specific restrictions and countermeasures must be explained to the user to ensure the compliance of the entire supply chain.
Certification and compliance inspection: EU customs and relevant regulatory agencies regularly inspect imported polyester hot melt yarn products. If the product is found to be non-compliant with the requirements of Appendix 17 of the REACH Regulation, it will face penalties such as return, destruction or high fines. Therefore, manufacturers of polyester hot melt yarns must ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements and pass the corresponding certification, such as obtaining REACH certification, to prove the product’s compliance with chemical safety.

7. Transportation and warehousing management
7.1 Warehousing layout planning
The warehousing layout planning of polyester hot melt yarns must follow strict international standards to ensure its safety and stability during storage.
Height limit for cargo stacking: According to the requirements of international standard ISO 18602 for the strength of packaging materials, combined with the packaging characteristics of polyester hot melt yarn, the height of cargo stacking in storage should be controlled within a reasonable range. For example, for polyester hot melt yarn packaged in standard cartons, the number of stacking per layer should not exceed 10 boxes, and the total stacking height should not exceed 3 meters. This height limit is intended to prevent cargo collapse caused by excessive stacking and ensure storage safety.
Aisle width setting: The international standard ISO 9001 quality management system emphasizes the importance of storage aisle width, and it is recommended that the storage aisle width should be no less than 1.5 meters. Such aisle width can ensure the smooth passage of handling equipment such as forklifts, while providing sufficient operating space for staff to avoid collision accidents caused by narrow aisles and improve storage operation efficiency.
Classification and storage of goods: For easy management and retrieval, polyester hot melt yarn should be classified and stored according to different specifications, models and uses. International standard ISO 9001 also requires a clear identification system to be set up in the storage area, including cargo labels, shelf numbers, etc., to quickly identify and locate goods. For example, polyester hot melt yarns of different specifications should be stored separately in shelf areas marked with corresponding specifications, and each specification of goods should have an independent cargo number to facilitate inventory management and delivery operations.
Ventilation and lighting facilities: Good ventilation and lighting conditions are an important part of warehouse layout planning. The international standard ISO 15737 describes the ventilation requirements for textile storage environments and recommends that storage areas should be equipped with effective ventilation systems to ensure air circulation and avoid problems such as moisture and odor caused by poor ventilation. At the same time, lighting facilities should meet the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001 and provide sufficient light for staff to accurately operate and inspect goods. The lighting intensity in the storage area should not be less than 300 lumens to ensure that the goods and logos can be clearly seen at any time.
Safety exit setting: The international standard ISO 14520 sets clear requirements for the safety exit setting in the storage area, stipulating that at least 2 safety exits should be set for every 100 square meters of storage area, and the maximum distance between safety exits should not exceed 30 meters. Safety exits should be kept unobstructed, and no goods or debris should be stacked to ensure that people can evacuate quickly in an emergency.
Storage of emergency supplies: A special storage area for emergency supplies should be set up in the storage area to store fire-fighting equipment that complies with the international standard ISO 11601, such as ABC dry powder fire extinguishers, as well as protective gloves that comply with the international standard EN 388 and eye protection equipment that complies with the international standard ISO 12568. Emergency supplies should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they can be used normally in emergency situations.