What precautions must be taken while storing and working with hazardous chemicals?

Hazardous chemicals must be stored and transported carefully according to specific regulatory requirements covered by transport legislation, and work health and safety (WHS) legislation.

Employees and employers must understand these regulatory requirements, as they are both responsible for storing and transporting chemicals safely.

Storing hazardous chemicals

If hazardous chemicals are not stored correctly, they can lead to contamination, fires, spills, gas releases, and toxic exposures. Information for storing any hazardous material can be found on its safety data sheet (SDS). You must store the products in a location that incorporates the appropriate risk control measures.

While the SDS will provide information on the safe storage of the product, specific details on the layout, design and construction of a suitable storage system is available in relevant Australian Standards.

Storing hazardous chemicals safely

A number of general principles for the safe storage of hazardous chemicals include (but are not limited to):

  • ensuring safe design, location and installation of storage and handling systems (e.g. racking systems, tanks)
  • separate incompatible substances to prevent reactive chemicals interacting
  • control potential ignition sources around flammable substances
  • have appropriate safety signage and placards
  • be prepared for spill containment and have clean up systems
  • have emergency plans in place to deal with an incident involving the hazardous chemicals
  • have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and store it correctly (e.g. respirators sealed)
  • have fire-fighting equipment that is easily accessible
  • secure chemicals from unauthorised access.

Find out more about Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace – code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.3MB) and managing hazardous chemical risks.

Transporting hazardous chemicals

Many chemicals are both hazardous chemicals under the WHS regulations and dangerous goods under the transport regulations, particularly those with acute physical hazards. The Australian dangerous goods code provides the necessary information on transporting hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods for all states and territories in Australia (except the Northern Territory).

Read more about the relationship between hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods and about transporting dangerous goods in Queensland.

Checklist for transporting hazardous chemicals

When transporting chemicals:

  • avoid transporting with food, water or other reactive chemicals
  • follow the separation and segregation rules for transporting mixed classes of hazardous chemicals (those classified as dangerous goods)
  • secure hazardous chemicals on the vehicle so they can't move or fall
  • keep a record of the chemicals you are carrying
  • separate foodstuffs from chemicals
  • make sure you have the required signs and equipment for the vehicle
  • make sure the driver of the vehicle has the correct licence and is trained in emergency procedures.

Also consider...

  • Learn more about transporting dangerous goods.
  • Get an overview of Queensland's work health and safety laws.
  • Read more about submitting notifications when using, handling or storing hazardous chemicals.

  1. UiB
  2. The HSE-gateway

Rules, handling chemicals

These rules help to prevent contamination of the chemicals, but can also be used to prevent users from having problems caused by undesirable events during use.

Search Encyclopedia

Many common household products contain chemicals that can cause injury or death if they are not handled, stored, or used properly.

Some of the household products that contain hazardous chemicals are oven cleaners, tile cleaners, toilet-bowl cleaners, liquid drain openers, antifreeze, chrome-wheel cleaners, rust removers, gasoline, motor oil, lead paint, turpentine, lacquer thinner, and muriatic acid.

These safety precautions can help keep you and your family safe.

Safety musts

Follow these safety precautions:

  • Carefully read the ingredient list of any product or chemical you use. The label can also tell you how to use the proper protective equipment, how to handle the chemicals, and how to respond to emergencies. The label will tell you if the substance is flammable, corrosive, or may cause cancer. It will also state whether you should use eye protection, gloves, or other equipment.

  • Purchase the proper personal protective equipment like gloves or goggles. Clean and care for them properly.

  • Be aware of the hazardous materials you come in contact with. Learn about the specific characteristics and dangers.

  • Follow safe procedures when you handle hazardous material. Don't take shortcuts.

  • Handle, store, and get rid of hazardous materials safely and according to approved procedures. Never pour them down sewers or drains.

  • Don't mix or combine hazardous materials unless you know you can do so safely. Many products can cause violent reactions or release poisonous fumes when combined.

  • Transferring flammable liquids like gasoline, from one container to another can make static electricity that could ignite the fumes.

  • Always carry chemicals in approved containers.

  • Always wash your hands after using any unsafe material.

  • Store materials properly, as directed on their labels. Flammable chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Some chemicals like acids must be stored separately from each other.

Hazards of improper use

Exposure to hazardous materials can cause:

  • Trauma (as in explosion)

  • Burns

  • Illness

  • Death

Medical Reviewers:

  • Holloway, Beth, RN, MEd

What are the safety precautions to be taken while handling hazardous chemicals?

General rules for handling chemicals.
Do not return chemicals to their original packaging. ... .
Keep chemical containers closed. ... .
Never use a wrong or an unmarked reagent. ... .
Never put spatulas, stirrers or other objects into a storage container for chemicals..

What are 4 things to consider when storing chemicals?

To store chemicals safely, DO the following;.
Label all chemical containers fully. ... .
Provide a specific storage space for each chemical, and ensure return after each use..
Store volatile toxics and odoriferous chemicals in ventilated cabinets. ... .
Store flammable liquids in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets..

What rule should be followed to safely store hazardous materials?

Keep all hazardous materials stored properly. Keep chemicals in dry, cool and ventilated areas, and separate incompatible materials. Always keep lids closed – meaning leak-proof and vapor-tight – on all hazmat containers.