Working with hazardous substances such as chemicals and flammable liquids will increase the risk of an accident. No matter the quantity stored, the storage of hazardous material is a legal duty for all types of public and commercial operations, forming a key part of the UK’s top health and safety standards. Hazardous materials rarely cause accidents with proper storage.
The requirements are outlined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (or COSHH) regulations, which offer guidance on how to safely store them. Requirements include:
- Conducting a risk assessment: This is an important stage of compliance as it reveals precisely where the dangers lie. For example, chemicals must be stored separately from where they are used and, if there are any transport or handling needs, suitable products must be used to avoid spillages. An example of this might be a special trolley with drip trays.
- Following a substance safety data sheet (SDS): Safety data sheets are available from the chemical or other hazardous substance manufacturer, which will tell you exactly how corrosive, flammable or volatile a substance might be. You can then plan accordingly to comply with hazardous material storage requirements, such as by using fire-proof cabinets.
- Providing signage and carrying out regular maintenance: One of the most important of all hazardous material storage requirements is signage, which will alert people of any danger. You should also make sure storage solutions are regularly cleaned, have good organisation and labelling, and are intelligently placed, such as with heavy items down low.
- Taking care of temperature requirements: Certain substances should not be exposed to direct sunlight or very high or low temperatures, or they must be kept at an ambient temperature to maintain optimal volatility. This is the case with many powder-based chemicals. This means you should ensure storage room areas meet temperature requirements.
- Ensuring there is proper ventilation: Many storage products for hazardous substances come with a built-in ventilation system, but you must also ensure the room itself or the storage areas is well-ventilated too. In many cases, extraction fans or even just open windows can make it safe enough to store and access a hazardous substance.
You should also use an appropriate hazard symbol on or near the storage option, such as explosive, or corrosive, depending on the substance. People often call hazard symbols ‘COSHH symbols’. See our post on the hazard symbols for more information on how to best protect your premises with the relevant signs and what each of the signs mean.
As top suppliers of industrial-grade storage equipment, including many hazardous storage solutions, we are the ideal source for a concise explanation of the various regulatory requirements. Feel free to buy online, or get in touch with us if you have a product question.
What Are the Best Hazardous Material Storage Options?
Dangerous substances, such as petroleum products or many of the chemicals used in factory processes, are subject to rules and regulations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is the official UK government body that has the power to enforce the regulations. As a result, it is vitally important that you find the right solution with an effective storage product.
The hazardous storage products we have listed below are all available from our range and will help you meet all of your hazardous material storage requirements:
COSHH Storage Cabinets
A small, strong, easy-to-lock cabinet will make the perfect addition to areas where there are just a few hazardous substances that require storage. For example, a retail or office setting where strong cleaning substances are often stored might only require a small cabinet.
Our COSHH cabinets are fully compliant with HSG51 and DSEAR regulations, so you can be sure you meet all of your hazardous material storage requirements. They have up to 30 minutes of fire resistance and also come supplied with their own warning labels, for customisable storage.
Gas Cages
Many operations use gas as a vital part of their daily activities, whether that happens to be a big commercial restaurant kitchen, an extensive school heating system,. or a part of crucial factory processes. In this case, gas cages make top storage solutions that guarantee gas is kept safely and securely.
We have static, mobile and folding cages for a flexible storage solution that stays within the HSE’s guidelines. Whether it is propane being stored, Calor gas, or another type of gas, all cages come with warning labels to ensure nobody approaches the storage unit with a naked light.
Bunded Chemical Storage Containers
For large-scale operations, bunded storage is essential. Bunded storage is for big storage tanks and barrels that need to be protected in case of a spillage. The ‘bund’ is the part of the storage unit that will collect the spill itself, which can then be safely disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
Whether it is commercial pesticides, oil or petroleum products being stored, bunded storage prevents leaks and also stops substances from getting into the environment. As a result, many bunded storage options we offer are ideal for off-site work, such as during construction or infrastructure projects.
Why to Follow Hazardous Material Storage Requirements
You make your place of work, learning or other activity unsafe without proper storage solutions. Hazardous substances are dangerous, and they pose danger even when stored. There are many injuries a person can get from a poorly stored hazardous substance, such as:
- Skin burns
- Eye damage
- Lung damage
- Chronic illness from prolonged exposure to chemicals
- Organ damage
- Permanent injury, disfigurement or death
Improper storage also increases the chances of a fire occurring, which comes with a whole raft of separate dangers. Finally, the HSE has the power to give fines and pursue legal actions to prevent work in your operation. You may even face criminal charges, should they feel the need to escalate to this.
With robust, quality products from quality providers, you can make sure staff, school pupils and visitors alike are protected and that you are complying with all legal requirements.
Buy Online and Store Hazardous Substances Safely
Like many of the health and safety requirements of the UK, there are some exceptionally broad and catch-all regulations to deal with when it comes to hazardous substances. However, by assessing the risks, properties of the substances, providing signage, and ensuring proper temperatures and ventilation, you can make sure you have a fully compliant storage system.
Browse our fine selection of hazardous storage products and you will find that they are ideal for many commercial, industrial, and public settings. We also offer free delivery to the UK mainland so you can invest in the safety of your space with our cost-effective service options. Get in touch with us if you have any questions about any of our hazardous storage products.