How to Store Hazardous Chemicals Safely in the Workplace

Chemicals are used in all sorts of workplaces, from workshops and factories to schools, offices and cleaning businesses. Some are relatively low risk, while others can cause serious harm if they are handled or stored incorrectly.

Getting storage right is a simple but important part of workplace safety. Chemicals need to be kept somewhere suitable, clearly identified and, where necessary, secured away from people who shouldn't have access to them.

Here are some of the main things to consider when storing hazardous chemicals at work.

Know what you're storing

Before deciding where chemicals should be kept, you need to know what you're dealing with.Check the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information about the substance, including any specific storage requirements. This might include keeping it away from heat, sunlight, ignition sources or other chemicals.

Your COSHH assessment should also take storage into account. The risks will vary depending on the substance, how much you have and how it is being used.

Don't store everything together

One chemical cupboard doesn't necessarily mean that every chemical can go in it. Some substances can react with each other and create a much bigger hazard if they come into contact. Acids and alkalis, for example, should be kept apart.

Take a look at the Safety Data Sheets for the products you use and make sure incompatible substances are stored separately where required.

It also helps to keep the cupboard organised. If employees can quickly find the product they need, there's less unnecessary handling and less chance of the wrong container being picked up.

Use a proper hazardous storage cupboard

General-purpose cupboards and open shelving aren't always suitable for hazardous substances. A dedicated hazardous storage cupboard gives you a designated place to keep chemicals when they're not being used. Depending on what you're storing, it can also provide additional security and spill containment.

The size and type of cupboard you need will depend on your workplace. A small business storing a handful of containers will have different requirements from a busy workshop or manufacturing site.

There are also different styles available. Wall-mounted cupboards can be useful where floor space is limited, while larger freestanding cupboards provide more storage capacity. Mobile cupboards can be useful where chemicals need to be moved between different areas.

Lockers Online stocks a range of QMP hazardous cupboards in different sizes and configurations to suit a variety of workplaces.

Consider what happens if something leaks

A damaged or badly sealed container can quickly turn into a spill. Even a relatively small leak can cause problems if the liquid reaches other chemicals, equipment or the floor.

Some hazardous storage cupboards include a sump at the bottom to help contain spilled liquids. This can stop a leak from immediately spreading outside the cupboard and makes dealing with a spill more manageable.

The right level of spill containment will depend on the products and quantities you're storing, so this is something worth considering before choosing a cupboard.

Keep chemicals in their original containers

Where possible, leave chemicals in the containers they came in. The original label tells employees what the product is and highlights any relevant hazards. Moving chemicals into an unlabelled or unsuitable container makes it much harder to know what's inside and can lead to mistakes.

And it goes without saying, but never use old drinks bottles, food containers or similar items for storing chemicals. Containers should also be checked from time to time. If you notice a damaged container, corrosion, a loose lid or a leak, don't ignore it.

Keep access under control

Not everyone in a workplace needs access to hazardous chemicals. A lockable cupboard can help keep substances away from unauthorised employees, visitors and members of the public. This can be particularly useful in workplaces where chemicals are used by a small number of trained employees.

Anyone who does use hazardous substances should know where they're stored and understand how to handle them safely.

Don't let the cupboard become a dumping ground

Chemical cupboards have a habit of filling up over time. Old products get pushed to the back, containers that are no longer needed take up space and before long it can be difficult to see exactly what's being stored.

Regular stock checks can help prevent this. Get rid of products that are no longer needed through the correct disposal process and avoid keeping larger quantities on site than you actually require. Keeping the cupboard tidy also makes it much easier to spot a leak or damaged container.

Make sure staff know what to do

Good storage is only part of the picture. Employees who handle hazardous substances should know about the risks and what to do if something goes wrong.

That includes knowing where chemicals are stored, what protective equipment is required and what to do in the event of a spill or other incident.

Your COSHH assessment should help determine the controls, procedures and training needed for your workplace.

Finding the right hazardous cupboard

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to chemical storage. Think about what you're storing, how much you have, how often it is used and where the cupboard needs to go.

You may need a compact cupboard for a smaller amount of stock, or a larger solution with built-in spill containment. You might also need to consider whether a wall-mounted, mobile or freestanding cupboard makes the most sense for your workplace.

If you're looking for a dedicated solution for hazardous substances, take a look at the QMP hazardous cupboards available from Lockers Online.

The right storage won't replace good working practices, but it can make hazardous chemicals easier to manage, keep them secure and help reduce the risk of spills and accidents in the workplace.