Hazardous Substance Storage Cabinets (Two Door)
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Storing hazardous substances safely is essential for protecting employees, the environment, and ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers must assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances. Proper storage, labelling, and containment are critical in reducing exposure and ensuring a safe working environment.
This guide covers best practices for hazardous substance storage, focusing on COSHH-compliant storage cabinets, key safety precautions, and FAQs to help simplify compliance.
What are Hazardous Substances?
A hazardous substance is any chemical, material, or biological agent that can cause harm to health or the environment. These include:
- Caustic chemicals (e.g., acids, alkalis, disinfectants)
- Solvents & adhesives (e.g., paint thinners, sealants)
- Cleaning products (e.g., industrial detergents, degreasers)
- Flammable liquids & gases
- Biological agents (e.g., bacteria, moulds)
To ensure safe handling and storage, hazardous substances must be clearly identified, stored correctly, and controlled according to COSHH regulations.
Best Practices for Storing Hazardous Substances
1. Use COSHH-Compliant Storage Cabinets
Hazardous substances should be stored in purpose-built COSHH cabinets, designed to:
- Contain leaks and spills – Featuring a leak-proof sump to collect spills
- Provide fire resistance – Reducing the risk of chemical fires
- Control access – Keeping substances secure with lockable doors
- Ensure proper ventilation – Preventing the build-up of hazardous vapours
- Organise hazardous materials – Preventing incompatible substances from mixing
View our range of COSHH & Flammable Cabinets here.
2. Keep the Storage Area Safe & Organised
A well-managed storage area helps minimise risks:
- Ensure good ventilation and lighting
- Use impervious surfaces to prevent chemical absorption and make cleaning easier
- Clearly label all stored substances for easy identification
- Keep storage quantities to a minimum – only store what’s necessary
3. Separate Incompatible Substances
Certain chemicals must not be stored together due to potentially dangerous reactions:
- Flammable substances should be kept away from ignition sources (e.g., boilers, heaters)
- Acids and alkalis must be stored separately to prevent violent reactions
- Oxidising agents and flammable substances should never be stored together
Tip: Always check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for storage recommendations for each substance.
4. Maintain Proper Labelling & Signage
Ensure that all hazardous substances are:
- Clearly labelled with hazard symbols
- Stored in sealed, undamaged containers
- Marked with appropriate safety signage for staff awareness
Key Safety Precautions for Hazardous Substance Storage
1. Train Employees on Safe Storage & Handling
Proper training is essential to prevent accidents and ensure compliance. Employees should:
- Understand hazardous substance classifications
- Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for handling and storage
- Use spill response equipment when necessary
- Know when PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) is required
2. Implement Emergency Spill Procedures
Even with proper storage, spills can happen. Employers should:
- Keep spill kits near hazardous substance storage areas
- Train employees in emergency response protocols
- Regularly inspect storage areas for leaks or damaged containers
Explore our spill control solutions here.
3. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Under COSHH, employers must:
- Identify hazards – Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each substance
- Assess exposure risks – Who is at risk, and how?
- Implement control measures – Use COSHH cabinets, ventilation, and PPE
- Monitor & review storage areas – Regularly check for leaks, damage, or expired chemicals
A documented risk assessment ensures compliance and provides evidence of due diligence in the event of an inspection.
FAQs on Hazardous Substance Storage
Not all hazardous substances require a COSHH cabinet, but flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials must be stored in purpose-built hazardous storage cabinets to prevent exposure and contamination.
Regular inspections should be conducted monthly, with annual checks ensuring compliance. Look for:
- Leaks or spills in the sump
- Damaged or loose seals
- Lost keys or damaged or non-closing doors
Employers must comply with:
- COSHH Regulations 2002 – Ensuring hazardous substances are controlled and stored safely
- DSEAR (Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) – Covering flammable and reactive substances
- HSG51 – Providing guidelines on flammable substance storage
It depends on the chemical properties. Flammable, corrosive, and oxidising substances should be stored separately to prevent dangerous reactions. Always check Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for specific guidance related to the materials you are storing.
Cabinets should be located in low-traffic areas, away from:
- Heat sources (boilers, heaters, machinery)
- Electrical panels
- Food or drink storage areas
Outdoor storage may be required for large quantities or substances with higher risk levels.
Final Thoughts: Storing Hazardous Substances Safely & Compliantly
Safe hazardous substance storage is a legal requirement, not just best practice. COSHH cabinets play a vital role in workplace safety, ensuring chemicals are securely contained, accessible when needed, and protected from fire or leaks.
At SafetyBuyer, we provide high-quality, fully compliant COSHH cabinets that help businesses meet their storage and risk assessment obligations.
Browse our full range of COSHH cabinets today!
Call us on 0800 043 0161 – for help choosing the right hazardous substance storage solutions for your site.
