Whenever flammable or combustible liquids exist in the workplace, all risks should be assessed and suitable protections put in place, in line with the requirements of The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).
All workers, including management, should be fully trained in how to use these liquids and the correct ways to store them. As experienced suppliers of industry-standard storage solutions, we have put together this useful guide to help employers strengthen their health & safety measures and ensure their storage options are DSEAR-compliant.
Heavy-Duty Storage for Flammable Liquids
We offer a wide range of storage solutions for flammable liquids and other volatile substances, from cabinets approved by COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) to cans and containers made by industry-leading manufacturers such as Justrite and Amorgard.
Safety Cans
With our robust safety cans, you can dispense, store, and dispose of flammable liquids safely. These designs are made to be completely leakproof, which is an essential feature to maintain safety, and they have intuitive functionality which makes using them very simple to use.
Hazardous Storage Cabinets
We offer a great number of storage containers, fit for storing some of the most volatile substances. The range includes:
DSEAR & COSHH Standard Storage
- Flammable Liquid Storage Containers: These bins come in a variety of sizes to suit your storage needs, as well as a choice of sloped or flat tops. Their generous spillage sumps protect against accidental leakage, and the robust hasp and staple will keep your flammable liquids safe and secure.
- Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets: Similar to our containers and bins, the fire-proof cabinets we offer come with a steel door and two-point locking system, to prevent tampering and unwanted entry.
- COSHH Storage Cabinets: Fully compliant with DSEAR and HSG51 regulations, these hardy cabinets are best suited to storing volatile substances and flammable liquids, with plenty of dimensional options to choose from, and a stackable model for optimal organisation and accessibility.
Armorgard Heavy-Duty Storage
- Armorgard Flambanks: This range of heavy-duty and lockable storage vaults is designed for storing flammables and chemicals. With five-lever deadlocks, the Armorgard Flambanks are by far one of the most secure ways to store flammable liquids in the workplace.
- Armorgard Flamstor Cabinets: With the same armoured exterior as the Flambank vaults, the Flamstor cabinets come with adjustable shelves and a space-conscious door, equipt with the signature five-lever deadlock to keep all flammables safe.
- Armorgard Transbanks: In a wide range of sizes to suit any workspace, the Transbank boxes are fully welded to prevent leaks and remain resistant to fire for up to thirty minutes, which will keep all flammable liquids as protected from ignition sources as possible. The boxes are also compatible with all industry-grade padlocks.
Ensure DSEAR Compliance in 4 Steps
When a workplace handles volatile substances such as flammable liquids, it is the employer’s responsibility to undertake a risk assessment under DSEAR regulations. This will evaluate the danger level of each substance in the workplace and the subsequent risks.
- Implement control measures to control or remove the assessed risks.
- Put a solid procedure in place for dealing with accidents and emergencies.
- Be sure that all employees are correctly trained on how to deal with risks.
- Clear sources of ignition in any area designated for flammable liquids.
Important Note: You should only store the minimum quantity of hazardous substances such as flammable liquids in the workspace. No more than what would be used within a workday. This will keep the level of risk under control and maintain health & safety.
What to Do When Flammable Liquids Spill
Even with the strongest storage solution in place, accidents can still happen. Flammable liquid spillages are a serious risk in the workplace, but can be dealt with efficiently before problems arise. Any workplace dealing with hazardous substances must have spill control equipment or response kits available on the premises.
We have a wide range of spill control tools, specifically designed for easy and safe clean-up of dangerous substances.
How to Dispose of Stored Flammable Liquids Safely
All hazardous substances, including combustible liquids, should be disposed of correctly to preserve the environment and human safety. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance on the best way to dispose of the substances you have, with options in place to help you do so safely.
If you have followed DSEAR advice, you will only have the minimum amount of any flammable liquid on-site at one time, meaning most if not all will be used up by the end of the working day. If this is not the case, and you have a large amount left over at the end of the project, you can contact professional services to deal with the excess, such as your local recycling centre.
Recycling unused substances is a great way to reduce the amount of landfill and natural resource depletion, and save money on future projects at the same time.
From your procurement process, to your storage solutions, and the way you choose to dispose of unwanted hazardous substances, you should always follow the guidance of highly regarded bodies (such as COSHH, DSEAR, and HSE) and prioritise the health & safety of your workers.