Design a safe chemical store

How chemicals are stored is vital to preventing fire or chemical incidents and ensuring worker safety.

The facility should carefully consider the layout of the chemical store ensuring that not only are chemicals positioned correctly, but the required emergency resources are available.

Safe chemical storage layout

1. The emergency exit is opposite to the main entrance, with no obstacles inside or outside of it and the exit door opens outwards by push-bar handle.
2. There is cross-ventilation
3. All liquid chemicals must have a secondary containment in case of spillage due to cracks or other reasons in the container, then the chemical is contained in a confined space.
4. First aid boxes are installed.
5. Eye and body wash station is installed.
6. Spill kit is kept to contain any spillages.
7. The flooring is impermeable to liquids and non-slippery. It should be easy to clean and resistant to acids and organic solvents.
8. A physical file of all the chemicals’ SDSs is kept in the stores in a place that is indexed and accessible to all staff.
9. Warning signboards are installed at key locations to keep staff informed of risks.
10. An adequate fire management system is installed, such as suitable fire extinguishers or fire alarm system.
11. Gas cylinders are stored upright in a separate location, protected from direct sunlight, and kept away from flammable, combustible or oxidising chemicals, as well as LPG cylinders. Mark a designated area with a red (or the local required colour) border for non-conformant chemicals that are to be returned to the chemical supplier. Keep relevant documents in the vicinity.