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Why Safe Chemical Storage Is Essential

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Even when not in use, hazardous chemicals can present serious risks to people, property, and the environment. Improper storage can lead to fires, explosions, leaks, or chemical reactions that release toxic or corrosive gases.

In laboratories — where multiple experiments and substances are handled daily — even small storage mistakes (like leaving a bottle open or placing incompatible chemicals together) can quickly become dangerous.

By safely storing chemicals, you:

  • Reduce the risk of incidents such as spills or explosions.

  • Prevent exposure to harmful substances.

  • Comply with Australian WHS regulations and Australian Standards.

  • Protect laboratory staff, students, and visitors.

Identify and Classify Chemicals

Before you can safely store chemicals, you must know exactly what’s in your laboratory.

Start by:

  1. Listing every chemical used, stored, or handled in your lab.

  2. Collecting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical — these documents explain storage requirements, hazard classes, and emergency measures.

  3. Identifying incompatibilities — for example, acids must be stored separately from bases, and oxidising agents away from flammables.

Remember: Storing incompatible chemicals together can cause violent reactions, fires, or toxic gas emissions.

Implement a Chemical Safety Management Program

A Chemical Safety Management Program (CMP) helps you maintain compliance and manage risk systematically.

Your CMP should include:

  • Chemical identification and hazard classification

  • Risk assessment for all chemicals and storage areas

  • Control measures (engineering controls, PPE, ventilation, signage)

  • Staff training in chemical handling and emergency response

  • Regular review whenever new chemicals or processes are introduced

Following a structured system ensures your lab stays compliant with Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws and prevents safety oversights.

Use the Right Containers and Storage Systems

Every chemical should be stored in a sound, compatible, and clearly labelled container. Containers must not resemble food or drink packaging and should be in good condition without leaks or corrosion.

For flammable gases or liquids:

  • Containers must be less than 500 L or 500 kg unless stored in compliant bulk systems.

  • Follow the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code for transport and storage.

For solids or other hazardous materials:

  • Containers should be below 500 kg or 500 L, unless in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) designed for chemical use.

Store Chemicals in Compliant Safety Cabinets

One of the most effective ways to reduce risk in laboratories is to use compliant chemical storage cabinets.

The Australian Standard AS/NZS 2243.10:2004 – Safety in Laboratories outlines specific storage cabinet requirements, including:

  • Spill containment to capture leaks and prevent spread.

  • Chemical segregation to keep incompatible substances apart.

  • Fire resistance to provide at least 10 minutes of protection for safe evacuation.

  • Ventilation options to manage vapour build-up when required.

Different cabinet types are available depending on the hazard class:

  • Flammable liquid cabinets reduce vapour ignition risk.

  • Corrosive substance cabinets are made from non-metallic, corrosion-resistant materials.

  • Toxic substance cabinets restrict unauthorised access.

By installing the right safety cabinets, you protect your staff, reduce accident risk, and ensure compliance with WHS Regulations.

Maintain Chemical Manifests and Signage

For transparency and emergency preparedness, you must keep an up-to-date Manifest of Hazardous Chemicals.

This document includes:

  • A full list of all hazardous chemicals on-site

  • Quantities, hazard classifications, and storage locations

  • Corresponding SDS for each chemical

  • Emergency contact details and response procedures

Keep this manifest accessible — ideally in a hazmat box near entry points — so emergency services can locate it quickly.

Additionally, ensure your storage areas display clear placards and warning signs in accordance with WHS Regulations if quantities exceed threshold limits.

Bulk Storage and Underground Systems

If you store chemicals in bulk containers (over 500 L or 500 kg), ensure they are:

  • Properly secured to foundations or supports

  • Placarded in compliance with WHS requirements

  • Regularly inspected for leaks or damage

If underground storage tanks are no longer used, they must be emptied, cleaned, and decommissioned. Abandoned tanks used for flammable substances must be reported to the WHS regulator.

Regular Training and Review

Even with compliant storage systems, safety depends on people. Train all staff and students to:

  • Handle and label chemicals correctly

  • Use PPE and spill kits properly

  • Follow emergency and evacuation procedures

Regularly review your chemical management system — especially when new chemicals are introduced or when your laboratory layout changes.

Conclusion

Safe storage of hazardous chemicals is not just a compliance requirement — it’s a commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment.

By identifying hazards, implementing a chemical management plan, and using compliant storage systems like laboratory safety cabinets, Australian laboratories can operate efficiently and safely.

Whether you’re managing a school science lab, a research facility, or an industrial workplace, following Australian WHS and AS/NZS standards will help ensure safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

 Key Takeaways:

  • Identify and segregate incompatible chemicals.

  • Use compliant safety cabinets for secure indoor storage.

  • Maintain a chemical manifest and proper signage.

  • Conduct regular training and safety reviews.

  • Follow Australian Standards AS/NZS 2243.10 and WHS regulations.

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