What Should You Store in a Hazardous Cupboard?

Many workplaces use chemicals and other hazardous substances as part of their everyday operations. From cleaning products and laboratory chemicals to paints, solvents and other substances, these materials need to be stored carefully when they are not being used.

A hazardous cupboard provides a dedicated place to keep hazardous substances secure, organised and contained. But what exactly should you store in one? And are there substances that should be kept separately?

Understanding what belongs in a hazardous cupboard can help businesses reduce the risks associated with spills, leaks, accidental exposure and inappropriate storage.

What is a hazardous cupboard?

A hazardous cupboard is a dedicated storage unit designed for workplaces that need to store hazardous substances safely. Depending on the type of cupboard, features can include lockable doors, adjustable shelves and spill-containment sumps.

The exact storage requirements will depend on the substances being stored. Employers should always consider the information provided on product labels and Safety Data Sheets, alongside the findings of their COSHH assessment.

A hazardous cupboard should form part of a wider workplace safety system rather than being viewed as a replacement for appropriate risk assessments and procedures.

What can be stored in a hazardous cupboard?

There are many types of hazardous substances that may require dedicated storage. However, the correct storage solution will depend on the properties and hazards associated with each substance.

Cleaning chemicals

Commercial cleaning products can contain substances that may cause irritation, burns or other health effects if they are incorrectly handled.

Where appropriate, cleaning chemicals can be kept in a dedicated hazardous cupboard when they are not in use. Containers should remain clearly labelled and securely closed.

Paints and solvents

Paints, thinners, adhesives and solvents are commonly found in workshops, maintenance areas and manufacturing environments.

Some of these products may present additional hazards, such as flammability. This means they should not simply be placed together without checking their individual storage requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and Safety Data Sheet.

Laboratory and industrial chemicals

Schools, laboratories, manufacturing facilities and other industrial workplaces may use a wide range of chemicals.

Acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances may require dedicated storage, but incompatible substances should not necessarily be stored together. Chemical compatibility is an important consideration when deciding how and where products should be stored.

Maintenance and workshop chemicals

Workshops may use products such as degreasers, cleaning agents, lubricants and other chemical products.

Keeping these materials in a designated storage cupboard can help prevent containers from being left around work areas where they could be knocked over or accessed unnecessarily.

Not all hazardous substances should be stored together

One of the most important things to remember is that a hazardous cupboard does not mean that every hazardous substance can safely be stored in the same place.

Some chemicals can react with one another if they come into contact. For example, incompatible substances may need to be physically separated to reduce the risk of a dangerous reaction following a leak or spill.

Before storing chemicals together, check their Safety Data Sheets and your workplace COSHH assessment. HSE guidance recommends considering the compatibility of substances when planning storage arrangements.

What shouldn't be stored in a hazardous cupboard?

The answer depends on the type of cupboard and the substances involved.

For example, highly flammable substances may require a purpose-designed flammable liquids storage cabinet, rather than a general hazardous cupboard. Similarly, certain substances may have specific requirements relating to ventilation, temperature, segregation or fire protection.

You should also avoid using hazardous storage as a place for general workplace items. Keeping unrelated equipment, rubbish or non-chemical materials inside the cupboard can reduce the available storage space and make it harder to identify and manage the substances being stored.

Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions and the requirements identified by your risk assessment.

How should chemicals be stored?

Once you've established which substances need dedicated storage, good organisation is essential.

Keep containers:

• Clearly labelled and identifiable
• Securely closed when not in use
• Upright and stable
• Free from visible damage or leaks
• Stored according to their compatibility requirements
• Accessible without excessive handling

It's also good practice to regularly review your chemical stock. Remove substances that are no longer required through the appropriate disposal process rather than allowing them to accumulate indefinitely.

Choosing a hazardous cupboard

The right hazardous cupboard will depend on the substances you need to store, the quantities involved and the available space in your workplace.

Lockers Online stocks a range of QMP hazardous cupboards, including different sizes and configurations designed to suit a variety of workplace environments. Options include standard, small, low, extra-wide, wall-mounted and mobile hazardous cupboards.

Some models also feature integrated sumps to help contain spills, with different sump capacities available depending on the model.

Before choosing a cupboard, consider what you are storing, how much you need to store and whether any substances require specialist storage arrangements.

Safe storage starts with understanding the risks

A hazardous cupboard can provide an organised and secure location for hazardous substances, but choosing the right cupboard is only part of effective chemical management.

Always check product labels and Safety Data Sheets, follow your COSHH procedures and make sure employees understand how hazardous substances should be stored and handled.

If you're looking for dedicated storage for hazardous substances, explore the QMP Hazardous Cupboards available from Lockers Online to find a solution suited to your workplace.