Storing chemicals and flammable materials requires careful consideration. If you use chemicals on a small scale, it\u2019s essential that you address the various risks. Luckily, our friends over at the Health and Safety Executive have come up with some sensible guidelines on how to store hazardous materials safely.<\/p>\n
Now, many of us switch off when we sense the looming shadow of \u2018health and safety\u2019 but stick with us, because this is really important. Here are the highlights from the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH<\/a>) and how to implement them using cabinets in your workplace.<\/p>\n Like squabbling children in the playground, keep separated the chemicals that might react.<\/p>\n How? <\/em>Firstly, keep each hazardous product in a separate, appropriate and enclosed container. (Don\u2019t try this with squabbling children.)<\/p>\n When thinking about where you place them in your cabinet, store heavier items and corrosive materials on the bottom shelves.This will limit the risk of unapproved mingling. You could even go a step further and consider using completely separate cabinets for different hazardous materials that might not get along.<\/p>\n Never mix:<\/p>\n It\u2019s essential that only authorised, trained personnel can access your stored hazardous materials.<\/p>\n How? <\/em>Invest in a specially designed hazardous materials cabinet with a lock\u2026and keep it locked. Only give keys to the trusted staff that require access and breathe a sigh of relief that your chemicals are out of harms\u2019 way.<\/p>\n Make sure staff know exactly what they\u2019re dealing with when they open the cabinet doors.<\/p>\n How? <\/em>Fully and clearly label each individual container within your cabinet, and store with the labels facing outwards. List the risks and handling procedures to prevent accidents.<\/p>\n Make sure the cabinet itself stands out too. Choose a brightly coloured cabinet and\/or stickers that indicate hazardous materials.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let leaked chemicals from broken containers spill all over your workplace.<\/p>\n How?<\/em> Choose a hazardous materials cabinet that includes a leak proof sump and lipped trays. This will stop any accidental spillages from seeping out of your cabinet and wreaking havoc about the workplace.<\/p>\nContain your chemicals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Restrict access<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Avoid chemical confusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Confine spills<\/strong><\/h2>\n