Safety Precautions When Storing Chemicals

The notion of dangerous substances can conjure up creepy images of radioactive waste or science laboratories. However, these so-called "scary substances" are all around us. From flammable liquids to detergents, paints and pesticides, chemicals are part and parcel of modern life.

In the workplace in particular, health and safety surrounding the safe storage of chemicals is of paramount importance. There is no room for error, and being lax about these precautions could have large-scale, disastrous repercussions. That's why there are strict protocols and procedures to ensure that these potentially hazardous chemicals don't cause harm to the people who work with or near them or to the environment.

Laying down the law

Comprehensive legislation and a number of European laws cover everything from the manufacture, supply, storage, transport, packaging, use, and environmentally responsible disposal of chemicals. By adhering to these rules and regulations, as an employer or business, you can reduce the likelihood of incurring heavy fines or prosecution. You'll find all the legislative guidelines on the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Safety first: Signage and spillage kits for the workplace

From everyday products in the home to specialised chemicals used at work, we're exposed to the risk of injury or harm from hazardous materials on a daily basis. A range of equipment specifically aimed at safety around chemicals is a necessity for all companies, whether it's signage, chemical spillage kits, or first aid kits.

A spill kit is a collection of tools and equipment for containing, controlling, and cleaning up hazardous chemical spills. These supplies are kept on hand in places where chemical accidents may occur, such as warehouses, transportation hubs, industrial sites, and labs. It's always better to be prepared, as spills in the workplace can happen anytime. Ensuring you're equipped with a proper spill kit and well-trained employees who know how to use them effectively is essential when storing or working with hazardous chemicals.

A well-organised chemical spill kit contains absorbent materials that will soak up any accidental spill and can be used with acids, alkalis, caustics, and solvents and include absorbent pads, socks, and a disposal bag with a tie, making the removal of hazardous liquids safe for all involved.

Another indispensable item in the workplace is proper signage to alert people to the proximity of hazardous materials. Dangerous chemicals signs feature a highly visible design that draws the attention of visitors and employees. Available in either self-adhesive vinyl or rigid 1mm PVC board (non-adhesive) for various fixing methods, they can be used on cupboards, doors, walls, vehicles, and more. Each sign complies with the ISO 7010 legislation for symbols relating to safety signs for accident prevention, fire protection, health hazard information, and emergency evacuation.

Many chemical-related emergencies involve the material coming into contact with somebody's eyes or skin. Emergency eye wash kits are a legal requirement if a risk assessment deems it necessary. As part of a company’s emergency pack, an emergency eye wash kit is vital should a hazardous chemical enter the eye. Eyewash first aid kits include two sterile eye wash bottles and two sterile eye dressings. Mounted on a quick-release wall bracket, so the kit is always accessible to staff members.

What is a COSHH cabinet?

Reinforced and lockable (only properly trained staff have access to them), COSHH cabinets prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the dangerous materials stored within. These storage cabinets are essential for anyone who may use any product considered harmful, toxic, corrosive, poisonous, flammable, or an irritant.

Different coloured cabinets are used to identify various types of hazardous materials. This is also important from a fire safety perspective. In containing combustibles they keep you, your employees and your customers safe, reduce risk of damage to the physical structure of the workplace and the external environment, plus, ensure you stay within the health and safety regulation guidelines.

You can find all the relevant information on the Government's HSE website which includes assessment and usage.

What Chemicals are Stored in COSHH Cabinets?

According to a report in Safe Workers, chemicals are the most common type of hazardous substance within a workplace. Any business using chemicals and storing them on the premises should conduct a proper risk assessment and determine if a COSHH cabinet is needed. You can find a full explanation of COSHH or Control of Substances Hazardous to Health on the Government's HSE website.

Several substances are considered hazardous under COSHH legislation:

• Flammable liquids such as petrol
• Gases, such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG)
• Cleaning chemicals and detergents
• Glue, paint, oil, and varnish
• Solvents

Here are a few examples of industries which may require a COSHH cabinet and what should be stored in them:

• Engineering workshops - degreasing agent, brake fluids, solvents, lubes, and paints
• Pest control companies - pesticides and poisons
• Agricultural industry - fertilisers, detergents, flammable liquids, pesticides, and disinfectants
• Catering and commercial kitchens - cleaning materials and chemicals used in food production and detergents
• Cleaning businesses - cleaning chemicals such as powerful bleaches

General Chemical Safety Guidelines

Not all your chemicals need to be stored in a COSHH cabinet, but they will need to be stored safely and compliantly. To help, there are very clear regulations when storing different chemicals:

Bases

• Store large bottles of liquid bases on trays in a cabinet clearly marked "Bases" or "Corrosives"
• Segregate bases from acids and other incompatible materials
• Have spill control pillows or caustic neutralisers available for caustic spills
• Don't use acids to neutralise base spills
• Store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers

Acids

• Separate oxidising acids from organic acids, flammable, and combustible materials
• Segregate acids from bases, active metals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and other incompatible materials
• Use a cart or bottle carriers to transport acid bottles
• Store large bottles of acids on trays in acid cabinets, low shelves, or a cabinet marked "corrosives"
• Always have spill-control pillows or acid neutralisers available in the event of a spill and do not use bases to neutralise acid spills

Oxidisers

• Store away from flammable and combustible materials, such as wood, paper, etc.
• Store in a dry, cool area

Flammables

• Keep away from sources of ignition
• Only store flammable liquids in a labelled flammables cabinet or a specially equipped flammable-safe refrigerator
• For flammable metals, have a Class-D fire extinguisher available
• Ensure your fire extinguishers are marked clearly with fire extinguisher signs, labels and stickers for fire points
• Keep fire extinguishing and spill control equipment at hand

Compressed Gases

• Chain cylinders individually, 2/3 to 3/4 of the height of the cylinder from the floor
• Store in a secure and upright position
• Remove all manifolds and regulators, chain or strap the cylinders to the cart before moving, and secure the valve caps
• When not in use, replace the valve cap
• Use a cylinder cart to transport them
• Clearly mark the status of the cylinder: "Full", "In Use2 or "Empty"

Peroxide-Forming Chemicals

• Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry area
• Date the container when received and opened
• Use organic peroxide warning labels on all containers
• Check the container for the formation of peroxides, as required, using appropriate indicator strips
• Dispose of peroxide-forming chemicals on or before their expiration date or one year after opening, whichever is first

A few final "top tips" when storing potentially harmful goods and materials safely:

• Keep the smallest number of hazardous substances necessary
• Store incompatible substances separately
• Always store chemicals according to the manufacturer's instructions on the accompanying safety data sheet
• Label containers that are used for short-term storage
• Prevent the release or leakage of dangerous substances
• Use the correct safeguards when handling substances - for example, wear protective clothing and ensure adequate ventilation
• Keep a spill kit near storage areas, and train staff on what to do in the event of an emergency spill
• Immediately clean up any leaks or spills that occur

For more information on how to make sure you're compliant when it comes to storing chemicals, take a look around our site or give us a call on 0808 258 2098.