Safety when dealing with hazardous storage applies to all industries, not excluding construction. Construction is home to a long list of dangerous chemicals, therefore making sure this is managed is of high importance. Common uses in the construction can vary from household chemicals to explosives, some may include:
- Caustic soda used by new build contractors
- Lubricants used in infrastructure constuction
- Explosives for demolition
Therefore, site safety is vital to keep everyone safe by achieving successful chemical management. Unfortunately, as many staff are working with these chemicals day in day out, this gives a false sense of security! Safety in the workplace needs to be taken seriously and construction is no different. So, we have put together 3 helpful tips to get your construction site up to scratch!
Afterall, safe storage of hazardous chemicals is not the only focus. The disposal of those chemicals must also be considered. You can check out our previous blogs for more information about the legislation in place and how you need to abide by this!
TIP 1: FIND A SUITABLE STORAGE LOCATION
Finding a suitable location to store your chemicals is as important as how they are stored. Both aspects coincide with each other to meet regulations. For instance, there is little practicality having your safety cabinets placed near a source of ignition, as it still provides risk of accident.
For every construction site, the suitable location to store chemicals may be different. However it is best for your storage area to be away from the following:
- Active and ongoing building works or welding to avoid sources of ignition
- Drains and watercourses to avoid environmental contamination
- Public or general view to avoid unauthorised access, theft, or vandalism
In the space you find, it must allow the 3 safety principles to be followed: segregation, separation and ventilation. Therefore, they must be enough space to incorporate the principles into the workplace. Failing to do so, can cause potential threats.
TIP 2 : TRAINING
As you might already be aware, abiding to COSHH requires chemical training for any employees working with these chemicals. This is important to understand hazardous storage and potential impacts to their health. Training should cover areas including:
- The hazards and the associated risks
- Any workplace exposure limits
- Any exposure monitoring results
- Accident and emergency plans
However, this type of training is only the bare minimum. It is best practice to ensure contractors, and anyone else working regularly on the site receives the same level of training to keep everyone safe. If working with chemicals, training should include how to decant chemicals, read chemical labels, safely store and dispose of.
TIP 3: FINDING THE RIGHT STORAGE FOR CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS
Lastly, choosing the right storage for your chemicals can be a minefield, as the storage you need may vary from site to site. Therefore, this must be accessed on an individual basis. In regards to site risk assessments, the storage of hazardous chemicals should always be included.
Hazardous storage cabinets, are perfect for the job! Having the right chemical storage capacity for the site is imperative for providing that extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access. Hazardous storage is available in a wide range of sizes to fit different needs including our best selling TUFF range.
Our TUFF Hazardous storage are available in:
- Smallest in our range: TUFF 45 H450 x W4450 x D450mm
- Standard: TUFF Hazardous Cupboard H900 x W900 x D460mm
- For larger storage requirements: TUFF Hazardous Cupboard H1800 x W900 x D460mm
The anti-bacterial powder coated yellow makes them an ideal choice for segregation of chemical storage, making it easier to meet COSHH requirements. This can make it more clear to distinguish on construction sites, and are even available lockable for highest level of hazardous storage security.
Click here for alterative hazardous storage with all industries in mind!
NEED FURTHER HELP?
Do you require further help for your construction site, but not sure where to start? You can contact our sales team for expert advice or solutions for ultimate storage compliance! Alternatively, contact us via our live chat!