by HSEI Training
If you have any hazardous chemicals in your workplace, you have a strict health and safety obligation to store these chemicals safely. All substances that are flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise dangerous must be securely stored. Improperly stored chemicals can be highly dangerous and can potentially cause a serious accident.
A safe chemical storage location should primarily limit the exposure of workers and others to the risks associated with the chemicals, and protect people from the hazardous effects that could result from an accidental spillage or chemical reaction. It is especially important that you never store hazardous chemicals in the vicinity of food and drinks.
When storing hazardous chemicals in your workplace, take the following steps:
Read the safety data sheet (SDS) or label carefully, and follow any storage recommendations
Secure the chemicals against unauthorized access or use
Only keep minimal amounts of chemicals onsite. Ensure that all chemicals are clearly and correctly labelled, and that the labels are intact and legible
Do not allow chemicals to be exposed to the sun, excessive heat or sources of ignition
Provide adequate ventilation
Label shelves and cupboards so that chemicals can be stored in the right place
Use placarding where required
Ensure clear segregation schemes are maintained. Chemicals must be separated when being stored to ensure that incompatible chemicals do not mix if there is a spill
Keep the outside of containers clean and the storage area tidy
Do not store liquids above solids to avoid contamination in the event of a leak
Always store corrosives on spill trays
Ensure shelves are not overloaded
Never store flammable liquids in refrigerators or freezers unless they have been modified, i.e. spark-proofed
Separate incompatible chemicals that could react dangerously if stored together
Note that different chemicals must be separated when being stored or transported to ensure incompatible chemicals do not mix if there is a spill. You should obtain professional advice about the segregation of hazardous chemicals.
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