Hazardous chemicals: a step-by-step guide to safe chemical storage

Improper storage of hazardous chemicals can result in devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, toxic exposure, and severe environmental harm. Beyond these risks to health and safety, failing to store chemicals correctly can also lead to breaches of WHS legislation, exposing your business to legal and financial penalties.

Proper chemical storage isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a crucial part of protecting your workers, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring the smooth operation of your workplace. This article outlines your responsibilities under WHS laws and offers practical, step-by-step guidance to help you implement effective chemical storage practices and maintain a safe, compliant workplace.

Legal duties under WHS law

Hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures and articles that can pose a risk to health and safety. If you’re a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and you use, handle or store hazardous chemicals in your workplace, you have a duty under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations to:

• Identify hazardous chemicals.
• Assess, then eliminate or minimise risk using the hierarchy of controls.
• Maintain a hazardous chemical register.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and emergency planning.

Failure to comply can result in regulatory action and fines, not to mention serious harm to people and the environment.

A step-by-step guide to safe chemical storage

1. Identify and label all hazardous chemicals

Proper identification and labelling of hazardous chemicals are essential for safe storage and compliance. Every chemical container should be distinctly labelled with the product name, hazard pictograms, and risk or safety phrases to ensure clear communication about potential dangers. Using GHS-compliant labels is critical to align with global standards. Even decanted chemicals must be labelled unless they’re used immediately. It’s equally important to avoid transferring chemicals into unlabelled or household containers, as this can lead to dangerous misuse or accidents.

2. Use the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Keep a current SDS (less than 5 years old) for every hazardous chemical. You should store SDSs electronically or in a binder easily accessible to workers and emergency responders.

The SDS tells you how to store chemicals safely, including:

• • Temperature limits.
  • Incompatibilities (e.g., flammables vs oxidisers).
  • Ventilation needs.
  • Segregation requirements.

3. Segregate incompatible substances

It’s vital to segregate incompatible substances to prevent potentially dangerous reactions. For example, acids should be kept separate from alkalis, and oxidisers should not be stored with flammable materials. Using dedicated storage cabinets or physical separation methods can provide additional protection. To simplify segregation, colour-coded storage cabinets can be a practical solution, enhancing safety and organisation in chemical storage areas.

4. Use correct storage cabinets and containers

Proper chemical storage begins with the use of suitable cabinets and containers designed specifically for their contents. Containers must be crafted from materials that resist corrosion or adverse reactions to ensure safety and longevity. For volatile or flammable liquids, ventilated storage cabinets are essential to minimise risks. All cabinets should be clearly labelled, such as “Flammable Liquids,” to facilitate quick identification, and they should be secure and lockable where necessary to prevent unauthorised access. For substances requiring enhanced protection, cabinets must comply with Australian Standards for fire resistance.

5. Ensure ventilation and temperature control

Adequate ventilation is critical to preventing the build-up of fumes in chemical storage areas. Use natural or mechanical ventilation systems to mitigate risks and ensure chemicals are not stored in direct sunlight or excessively hot environments. For temperature-sensitive substances, always adhere to the storage range specified on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). To further ensure safety, avoid placing chemical stores near potential ignition sources, such as power boards or heaters.

6. Implement spill containment and clean-up measures

Effective spill management is essential for maintaining safety and minimising environmental harm. Bunded storage areas should be used to contain leaks or spills and avoid potential hazards. Spill kits must be well-stocked and readily accessible near chemical storage locations. Staff should also be trained to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and handle clean-ups safely. Consider stormwater protection measures to prevent spilled substances from causing environmental contamination.

7. Limit quantities and use designated storage areas

Storing only the minimum required quantity of hazardous chemicals is a vital safety measure. To further reduce risks, these substances should be kept in dedicated storage rooms, sheds, or secure lockable cages designed for chemical storage. Avoid storing hazardous materials in unsuitable locations such as kitchens or office areas, where accidents could more easily occur.

8. Maintain a hazardous chemical register and manifest (if applicable)

Maintaining a Hazardous Chemical Register is a legal and safety requirement that ensures all chemicals used and stored on-site are documented. For quantities exceeding the threshold, a manifest must also be prepared, and the regulator notified. Additionally, placards must be installed at the site entrance and storage areas, as required, to communicate potential hazards effectively.

9. Train workers and prepare for emergencies

Ensure staff are trained in reading labels and SDSs, using PPE, and responding to spills or administering first aid. Maintain emergency equipment such as eyewash stations, showers, fire extinguishers, and up-to-date emergency plans and contact details.

10. Conduct regular inspections and reviews

Regularly inspect container integrity, labels, spill controls, and ventilation systems. Update storage practices when new chemicals are introduced and use a checklist or audit form as part of your WHS review cycle.

Compliance isn’t optional

Safe chemical storage is essential for protecting workers, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing environmental harm. By adopting the outlined practices, such as proper segregation, secure storage, spill preparedness, and regular reviews, you can create a safer and more efficient workplace. Prioritising safety not only mitigates risks but also demonstrates a commitment to responsible chemical management.

Citation safety can help

Citation Safety is here to make WHS easy and stress-free. When you partner with Citation Safety, you’ll also benefit from detailed templates, tools, and ongoing support to ensure your plan and WHS practices remain effective. Our Work Health and Safety Software is a complete safety management system built to help you perfectly manage your business’ health and safety from the top down. Find out more with a confidential, no-obligation chat.