HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 26.01.2023

How to correctly store chemicals

Chemicals in the workplace

Whatever industry you are in you are likely to use chemicals in some way, whether it’s for processing and manufacturing, or cleaning materials in an office environment. Chemical storage is complex and there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Regulation 7 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires you to have in place arrangements for safe storage of both chemicals being used and waste chemicals.

Where to start

In order to fully understand the hazards you first need to know what chemicals are being stored. You can do this by having an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals that are used in your business. You should conduct a COSHH risk assessment for individual substances, and part of this is to establish the storage requirements (see The next step ). The safety data sheet (SDS) will inform you as to the optimum temperature to store substances, whether it’s flammable, etc.

General storage requirements

For low-risk environments with minimal chemicals being stored there are some simple steps that can ensure you are complying with best practice:

• chemicals must be stored in a secure location away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
• do not store chemicals on the floor, window ledges, or balconies
• keep containers closed
• label containers, and be sure they are compatible with the chemical
• when dispensing chemicals from large containers use an appropriate smaller container, e.g. a plunger can
• use rated storage cabinets or safety cans whenever possible (see The next step ).

Chemical segregation

Chemicals should always be segregated according to their specific hazard(s) to prevent unintended reactions. For example, oxidisers should not be stored with flammable materials. You should not store chemicals with combustible materials such as cardboard. Tip. Section 7 of the SDS provides information on general storage and handling, and section 10 informs you which chemicals to avoid storing the product with.

Types of storage

Depending on the quantity of chemicals being stored there are several options. If the chemical is low risk then a metal storage cabinet which closes properly will suffice. If you are using flammable materials, then you need to provide storage facilities designed to slow the spread of fire.

Informing your staff

It’s important that your staff know how to handle and store chemicals . The quantities and variants in use will determine whether you need to provide additional training such as COSHH awareness.

Tip. The HSE provides a poster to remind staff about good practices when it comes to handling and storing chemicals (see The next step ).

For our COSHH risk assessment, a selection of cabinets and the HSE poster, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 21 issue 10.