Chemical Storage
A procedure for the safe storage of chemicals and dangerous goods in the workplace, including segregation, containment, labelling, and inventory management in compliance with Australian WHS regulations and dangerous goods storage requirements.
Purpose
To prevent chemical incidents — spills, fires, explosions, and toxic exposures — by ensuring chemicals are stored correctly, segregated appropriately, and managed within an accurate inventory system.
Scope
Covers all chemicals and dangerous goods stored on site, including raw materials, cleaning products, maintenance chemicals, and waste chemicals. Applies to all storage areas including storerooms, cabinets, and external storage compounds.
Prerequisites
- Current inventory of all chemicals and dangerous goods stored on site
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all stored chemicals
- Dangerous goods storage manifest prepared where placarding thresholds are reached
- Storage areas designed and constructed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards
Step-by-Step Procedure
Maintain the Chemical Inventory
Keep an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all chemicals stored on site, including quantities, locations, and dangerous goods classifications.
- 1.1List all chemicals with their product name, manufacturer, and dangerous goods class
- 1.2Record the quantity and storage location for each chemical
- 1.3Update the inventory whenever chemicals are received, moved, or disposed of
- 1.4Review the inventory against physical stock quarterly
Classify and Segregate Chemicals
Classify all chemicals by their dangerous goods class and apply the segregation rules to prevent incompatible chemicals from being stored together.
- 2.1Identify the dangerous goods class for each chemical from the SDS
- 2.2Refer to the dangerous goods segregation chart (AS/NZS 3833 or equivalent)
- 2.3Separate incompatible classes — e.g. flammables away from oxidisers, acids away from bases
- 2.4Provide separate bunded areas, cabinets, or rooms for incompatible groups
- When in doubt about compatibility, refer to the SDS section on storage conditions and incompatibilities
Ensure Correct Labelling of All Containers
Verify that all chemical containers — original and decanted — are correctly labelled with GHS-compliant labels.
- 3.1Check that original containers have intact, legible labels with GHS pictograms
- 3.2Label any decanted or transferred chemicals immediately with product name and hazard information
- 3.3Remove or deface labels on empty containers before disposal or reuse
- 3.4Replace damaged or illegible labels promptly
Inspect Storage Conditions
Regularly inspect chemical storage areas to ensure they meet the required conditions for ventilation, containment, temperature, access control, and housekeeping.
- 4.1Confirm ventilation is adequate — natural or mechanical as required
- 4.2Check bunding integrity — capacity must contain at least 110% of the largest container or 25% of total volume
- 4.3Verify temperature conditions — some chemicals require cool or temperature-controlled storage
- 4.4Ensure storage areas are secured with restricted access
- 4.5Check housekeeping — no leaking containers, spills cleaned up, aisles clear
Manage the Dangerous Goods Manifest and Placards
Where the quantity of dangerous goods stored exceeds the placarding threshold, maintain a manifest and display placards as required by the WHS Regulations.
- 5.1Calculate the total quantity of each dangerous goods class stored on site
- 5.2Determine if the placarding threshold is exceeded for any class
- 5.3If thresholds are exceeded, prepare and maintain the manifest
- 5.4Display the outer warning placard at the site entrance and inner placards at each storage area
- 5.5Keep a copy of the manifest accessible for emergency services
Ensure Emergency Preparedness
Confirm that spill response equipment, fire protection, and emergency procedures are in place for all chemical storage areas.
- 6.1Position spill kits appropriate for the chemicals stored — acid, solvent, universal
- 6.2Verify fire extinguishers are the correct type for the chemical classes stored
- 6.3Confirm emergency eyewash and safety shower stations are accessible and functional
- 6.4Display emergency procedures and SDS access information in the storage area
Manage Chemical Waste and Disposal
Segregate and store chemical waste safely until collection by a licensed waste contractor. Do not dispose of chemicals into drains, bins, or the general environment.
- 7.1Segregate chemical waste by type — do not mix incompatible wastes
- 7.2Store waste in labelled, sealed containers in a bunded area
- 7.3Arrange collection by a licensed hazardous waste contractor
- 7.4Retain waste disposal manifests and records
Review and Update the Chemical Storage System
Review the chemical storage system at least annually or when new chemicals are introduced, storage areas change, or incidents occur.
- 8.1Review the chemical inventory for accuracy and remove obsolete or unused chemicals
- 8.2Reassess segregation arrangements following any changes to the chemical inventory
- 8.3Update the manifest and placards if storage quantities have changed
- 8.4Incorporate lessons learned from any spills, leaks, or storage incidents
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Percentage of chemicals stored on site that are accurately reflected in the inventory register
Percentage of storage areas assessed as fully compliant with dangerous goods segregation requirements
Number of chemical storage incidents — spills, leaks, reactions — per reporting period, targeting zero
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store chemicals if I only have a small quantity?
Even small quantities of chemicals must be stored safely. Use appropriate storage cabinets — flammable liquids cabinets, corrosive storage cabinets — that comply with the relevant Australian Standard. Maintain segregation between incompatible chemicals, ensure labels are intact, and keep SDS accessible.
What are the Australian Standards for chemical storage?
Key standards include AS 3780 for storage of corrosive substances, AS 1940 for storage of flammable and combustible liquids, and AS/NZS 4452 for storage of toxic substances. The WHS Regulations and state-specific dangerous goods regulations also contain storage requirements. The applicable standard depends on the dangerous goods class.
What is the placarding threshold?
The placarding threshold is the quantity of dangerous goods that triggers the requirement to display placards and maintain a manifest. Thresholds vary by dangerous goods class and are specified in Schedule 11 of the WHS Regulations. When the threshold is exceeded, the PCBU must prepare a manifest and provide a copy to emergency services.
Want this customised for YOUR business?
We'll tailor every step to your exact operations, tools, and team structure.