Hazardous Storage Containers

Hazardous material storage containers

Our range of hazardous storage containers from trusted brands including Armorguard and Justrite are designed to securely store hazardous materials such as chemicals, flammables and corrosives on a range of sites. If your workplace handles hazardous materials, then you need to follow COSHH guidelines to ensure the safety of your staff and mitigate the risks associated with these materials.

Hazardous material storage requirements

Hazardous materials should be handled and stored in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). COSHH is a legal requirement for employers of businesses handling substances that could cause harm to employees. Essentially, you need to ensure that you are storing dangerous substances following manufacturer’s guidelines in a secure hazardous storage container which can only be accessed by authorised personnel. You can find important information regarding the safe storage of hazardous materials and COSHH guidelines on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Hazardous storage containers FAQs

What are hazardous storage containers?

Hazardous storage containers are a safe storage solution specifically designed to store hazardous materials such as corrosives, flammables and chemicals when not in use. These containers may take the form of hazardous storage cabinets, cans or storage bins and should be compliant with COSHH regulations.

How do you dispose of hazardous materials containers?

Hazardous waste and hazardous material storage containers should only be disposed of at authorised locations. There are also specialist waste disposal companies who can offer hazardous waste collection services to your workplace. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that hazardous waste such as chemicals, hazardous waste containers and solvents are safely produced, handled and disposed of to prevent harm or damage. You can find out more about disposing of hazardous waste on the GOV.UK website.

How often should hazardous waste containers be inspected?

You should inspect your hazardous waste storage containers on a daily basis to ensure that no containers are leaking or are damaged. If you find that the integrity of your storage containers have been compromised, you should take immediate action and replace them.

You should ensure that:

• Waste is in a fully enclosed, leak and weather proof storage container with a secure locking system
• Hazardous storage containers are not damaged or leaking.
• All containers are correctly sealed
• The storage capacity is not being exceeded
• Hazardous waste storage containers are stored in the appropriate conditions (away from sources of heat, direct sunlight etc.)

Why are hazard symbols used on chemical containers?

It’s important for a workplace to identify the contents of a hazardous material storage container and the potential hazards associated with them in order to keep employees safe and prevent exposure to dangerous substances. Storing chemicals, flammables and other hazardous materials in the right container which is clearly labelled is a necessary safety precaution in areas handling acids and bases.

AHow do you store hazardous products?

Hazardous products such as chemicals, corrosives and flammables should be stored in an appropriate COSHH cabinet following manufacturer’s guidance in secure hazardous storage containers. The storage container must be located in an area which is:

• Away from processing areas
• Out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources
• In close proximity to a clear exit (but not obstructing any doors)

You should ensure that substances are stored separately from other hazardous materials in the appropriate container (which is in good condition) and are correctly disposed of when they exceed their use-by dates.

What is the best material for waste storage containers?

Typically, the material used for hazardous waste storage containers is metal (unless the metal will affect the contents of the container or the substance inside could erode the metal. Steel is a popular material for hazardous waste storage containers as it is robust and can hold its integrity.

What is a hazardous substance under COSHH?

Hazardous substances covered by COSHH includes materials labelled as a hazardous substance and products containing:

• Vapours
• Gases and mists (including asphyxiating gases)
• Fumes
• Biological agents
• Chemicals