How to Safely Store Hazardous Materials in Your Shed

How do you store hazardous materials safely in a garden shed or commercial storage facility? That’s the topic we’re discussing in today’s blog post, which was written with the help of our in-house specialists. If you need to store materials classified as hazardous by the government, there are certain rules you need to comply with. There are also certain guidelines that you need to bear in mind at all times. So, if you’re ready, let’s find out how to store hazardous materials in sheds without putting ourselves, other people or our properties in danger.

Why Safe Storage of Hazardous Materials Matters

Storing hazardous materials safely is very important, owing to the various risks associated with improper storage practices. Hazardous materials include materials that are highly toxic when ingested, as well as explosive substances and materials that are highly flammable. Examples include fuels, solvents, pesticides, paints and strong acid solutions.

Store hazardous materials incorrectly, and you could expose yourself and others to one or more of the following risks:

• Fire
• Poisoning
• Environmental Damage

As you can see, storing hazardous materials is a serious business, with serious consequences if guidelines are not followed. You also need to consider the possible legal implications associated with improper storage of hazardous materials.

Where Should Hazardous Materials Be Stored in a Shed?

Where should hazardous materials be stored in a shed is another common question that we’re asked by customers across Australia. Our experts always recommend sticking to the following guidelines:

• Ensure the Area is Well Ventilated
  Ventilation disperses toxic fumes that might otherwise overcome you upon entering your shed.
• Keep Storage Containers Away From Entrances
  This practice will help avoid accidental spillages.
• Store in Racks Rather Than on the Floor
  Keeping flammable materials off the floor is always good practice.

If you follow these basic guidelines, you’ll avoid most of the rookie mistakes that other people make when they first store hazardous materials. However, you should also ensure you comply with all relevant laws in your part of the country. For added safety, always store hazardous materials separately, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Shed Safety Features You Should Have

Whether you’re planning to install a large industrial shed in a commercial development or a small storage shed in your garden, the following safety features should be included if appropriate:

• Fire-Resistant Cladding or Lining
  This is a crucial feature if you’re storing hazardous materials that include flammable substances.
• Floor Bunding or Spill Containment
  All good guides on how to store hazardous materials will advise you to include floor bunding or other spill-containment features in your shed design.
• Adequate Ventilation
  Ventilation is crucial when storing hazardous materials that may off-gas VOCs.
• Weather Resistance
  To ensure the hazardous materials you’re storing are never exposed to the elements, you need to include strong weather-resistant features in your shed specification.
• Lockable Compartments
  Lockable compartments help keep curious children and adults safe from hazardous materials.

Whatever type of shed you intend to use for storing hazardous materials, we recommend including all necessary safety features. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to store hazardous materials in a skillion roof garage or a farm shed: adding these features could save lives.

How to Store Different Types of Hazardous Materials

To find out how to store hazardous materials of a particular type, we always recommend reading every relevant government guideline and law. However, if you’re looking for some quick pointers on how to store certain hazardous substances in your shed, the tips below should suffice.

Fuels and Oils

For fuels and oils, use sealed and labelled containers. This will ensure no accidental spills and no accidental consumption, at least by those who can read. To mitigate the risk of fire, store the containers in flameproof lockers.

Pesticides and Garden Chemicals

When storing hazardous materials such as pesticides in an agricultural shed, always keep them in their original containers to ensure they are never applied at the wrong time or to the wrong crops. Make sure they are out of reach of pets and children.

Paints and Solvents

If you want to know how to store hazardous materials such as paints and solvents in a single-garage shed or any other type of shed, follow these rules:

• Make sure you keep everything in sealed, labelled containers that are upright at all times.
• Make sure there are no ignition sources in the vicinity, and keep the internal temperature of your shed above freezing in the winter.
• Install air conditioning if you live in an area where summer temperatures often soar.

These tips should give you a clearer idea of what to do if you want to store hazardous materials in your shed, but you must also read all current laws and government guidelines.

Hazardous Material Storage Tips & Regulations (Australia)

This section is not intended as a comprehensive resource, but should help you prepare for storing hazardous materials in your shed.

Labelling Rules

Hazardous material labels must include specific details of hazards, together with instructions on how to use the materials safely.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Virtually all hazardous chemicals must be accompanied by Material Safety Data Sheets, which contain vital safety information.

National, State/Territory and Local Council Regulations

There may be specific state and/or local council laws that you need to obey when storing hazardous materials, as well as national laws. Make sure you are acquainted with all relevant laws. Whatever laws you need to comply with, Best Sheds can build a shed that meets all your needs. Contact us by phone or email to tell us what you require.

Need a Safe Shed for Storing Hazardous Goods?

If you need a new shed for storing hazardous materials in Australia, please feel free to browse our comprehensive range at your leisure. You can design a custom shed using our free designer or request a quote for any model featured on our website whenever you wish. All our sheds are engineered to be safe and durable and to cope easily with Australian weather, which is why we’re able to provide generous Best Sheds guarantees for all models.