HAZARDOUS AREAS


STORAGE AREAS


Vapours can also be given off in external stores can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Without adequate ventilation, these vapours may reach levels that present both health hazards and explosion risks.


This issue is frequently encountered in walk-in chemical stores, particularly those created from converted shipping containers. While widely used, these units were not originally designed for chemical storage and often lack properly engineered ventilation systems.


Typical issues include: Walk-in stores with no extraction system


Extraction systems installed at high level even when vapours are heavier than air


Insufficient airflow for the volume of chemicals stored


Where vapours are heavier than air, high- level extraction systems remove very little of the hazardous atmosphere.


Ventilation design must therefore consider the vapour density and physical properties of the chemicals being stored.


LACK OF SECONDARY CONTAINMENT Leaks and spills are common when handling chemicals. Without appropriate containment, a leaking container can quickly contaminate floors, drains, or surrounding work areas. Secondary containment systems, including bunded shelving, sump trays, or drip trays, capture leaks before they spread. External chemical stores often suffer from bund failure, particularly where containment


materials are not suitable.


For example, corrosive chemicals stored in a steel sump may gradually attack the bund if leaks are not cleaned up promptly. Over time this can lead to corrosion and eventual failure of the containment system.


EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT PROVISION


External chemical storage areas are sometimes installed without adequate consideration of emergency response requirements. Personnel working with hazardous substances should have immediate access to eyewash stations and safety showers in the event of splashes or exposure. Fire detection systems are also frequently absent from external chemical stores, particularly those located away from main buildings. Without appropriate emergency provisions, even relatively minor incidents can escalate rapidly.


TEMPERATURE CONTROL ISSUES External chemical stores are exposed to seasonal temperature fluctuations. Converted container units frequently become extremely cold during winter and excessively hot during summer. These temperature extremes can affect chemical stability, increase vapour generation, and place additional stress on containers. Purpose-built chemical storage systems should incorporate temperature control and environmental monitoring to maintain safe storage conditions.


LACK OF MONITORING AND SYSTEM FEEDBACK Many chemical storage installations operate without any form of remote monitoring. Without feedback into a Building Management System (BMS) or alarm system, problems such as ventilation failures,


temperature excursions, or fire detection faults may go unnoticed.


Modern systems increasingly incorporate remote monitoring.


ROUTINE INSPECTION AND STORAGE AUDITS Even well-designed chemical storage systems require periodic inspection.


Routine checks should include: Damaged or deteriorating containers Incorrect segregation of chemicals Expired or redundant substances Failing cabinet components Bund integrity


Ventilation performance


Regular inspections allow potential problems to be identified before they develop into serious hazards.


WORKING WITH CHEMICAL STORAGE SPECIALISTS Designing safe chemical storage systems requires an understanding of how different substances behave in storage.


Working with hazardous storage specialists can help organisations avoid many of the problems commonly identified during inspections. Companies such as Chemstore assess the specific risks associated with stored chemicals and provide storage systems that meet recognised safety standards. Specialist guidance can also help organisations determine appropriate segregation, ventilation design, bund materials, and monitoring systems. Chemstore UK


www.chemstore.co.uk INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE |WINTER/SPRING 2026 11


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