The storage of hazardous substances is an on-going concern for any industry that handles harmful materials and chemicals in the workplace, which is why it’s so important to understand COSHH and the available options for storage solutions.
Key point to note: COSHH Regulations 2002 does not include asbestos, lead or radioactive substances, as these are covered by their own specific regulations. So, what can you do as an employer to meet the requirements? Here are 4 Top Tips on how to meet the requirements :
Examine what health hazards there are in the workplace. What substances enter and leave and how are they being handled and stored?
Ensure you are undertaking regular COSHH risk assessments to reduce potential exposure to harmful substances.
Provide appropriate control measures to restrict exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials; keep them in good working order and make sure they’re used effectively.
Deliver information, instruction and necessary training to employees and others who may encounter hazardous substances.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the government agency tasked with regulating health and safety matters in the workplace, certain COSHH liquids and materials should be stored in the following way:
Sacks, Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
A COSHH Cabinet is a storage unit specifically designed to safely store flammable materials and bottles.
Storing hazardous substances in this way reduces the potential risk of harm to workers and allows their use to be monitored and access to them restricted. Padlock points should be in place to secure the unit from theft and misuse of stored materials.
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The law requires construction sites to be kept in good order. This mainly relies on effective materials storage and waste management. Sensible solutions can not only improve site safety, but also reduce waste, costs and minimise the impact on the local environment.
Depending on the project, site workers may have to transport, handle or store flammable substances such as foam plastics; liquids and gases such as propane and hazardous substances such as pesticides, solvents and chemicals.
Top Tips for Storage on Smaller Sites
01/ Keep storage areas tidy.
02/ Plan deliveries to minimise materials on site.
03/ Use guard rails when storing at theight to prevent falls.
Based on what COSHH substances you would need to contain, there are several choices when it comes to storage solutions.
We have a wide range of COSHH compliant storage containers available, including the COSHH Site Storage Box, COSHH Storage Cabinet, COSHH Drum Store, Cranelift COSHH Drum Store and COSHH Store. All provide appropriate features to assist with easy maintenance and spillage clean-up, as well as secure locking points to prevent theft or misuse.
As well as these standard options, we have fabricated bespoke solutions such as crane-lift welding stores on the Queensferry Crossing project, essentially a weather-proof COSHH for storage of any hazardous or flammable substances required by the ‘hot works’ crews. For more on this project, click here: Queensferry Crossing Case Study.
There may be times that you need to store other types of potentially harmful and flammable substances, where a standard COSHH storage container won’t be suitable.
Conquip supplies IBC Containers for the transport and storage of bulk liquids, fully bunded Static Fuel Bowsers for storing diesel and other fuels on site and refuelling of machinery, as well as Gas Bottle Storage Cages, suitable for the safe storage of LPG, Oxygen and Acetylene gas bottles.
We’re always looking to innovate or expand our product range to provide best practice and cost-effective solutions to our customers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Talk to us about your site requirements and we’ll work together to find the answer for you.
Call: 0333 300 3470
Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm (GMT)
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