Managing risks of storing chemicals in the workplace

Overview

This guide outlines some of the common health and safety risks of storing chemicals and shows you ways to manage those risks, it includes a storage checklist that sets out the standard precautions everyone should take and a detailed chart that shows which types of chemicals to separate and by how far.

If you store, handle or use hazardous chemicals at your workplace you need to have a hazardous chemical register.

A manifest provides information on hazardous chemicals for use by emergency services, and a site plan helps emergency services by providing information about the layout of the workplace.

If you store swimming pool chemicals – make sure they are kept in a cool, dry and well-ventilated space. See our information sheet Storage of swimming pool chemicals for more information.

If you store flammable liquids make sure you have the right tools for the job. See our guide Storage of flammable liquids for step-by-step advice on how manage the risks they pose.

This guide is for small to medium business owners who use and store chemicals in their workplace.