How to Comply With UK Chemical Storage Requirements (HSE)

Storing chemicals is never just a housekeeping job. One misplaced drum, a poorly chosen cabinet or a missing label can lead to fires, toxic exposure, environmental damage, and enforcement action. Add the mix of flammables, oxidisers, corrosives and compressed gases across labs, workshops and warehouses, and it’s easy to see why many teams feel unsure about what is legally required versus simply “good practice”.

This guide gives you a clear, step‑by‑step route to compliance with UK law and HSE guidance. It aligns practical actions with COSHH (for health risks) and DSEAR (for flammable/explosive atmospheres), and shows how to implement segregation, containment, signage and emergency arrangements that satisfy regulators, insurers and your own risk appetite.

You’ll learn how to build a chemical inventory, design storage areas, complete COSHH/DSEAR assessments, separate incompatibles, control volumes and access, specify compliant cabinets and outdoor stores, choose containers and bunding, label and sign correctly, manage specialist hazards, plan for spills and waste, and keep people trained and records audit‑ready. Let’s get started.

Step 1. Build your chemical inventory and classify hazards

Start by creating a single, up‑to‑date inventory for every substance on site. COSHH and HSE good practice expect you to know exactly what you hold and the hazards involved, using the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) as your primary sources. This inventory underpins your COSHH assessments and all later decisions on segregation, containment and UK chemical storage requirements.

Minimum fields to capture: product name, CAS/UN, SDS date, CLP pictograms/hazard statements, quantity, container type, location, owner, required storage conditions, known incompatibilities, expiry/open date.
Classify for segregation: pyrophorics, water‑reactives, flammables, corrosives (acids/bases), oxidisers, toxics; note compressed gases and cryogens as specialist categories.
Tidy as you count: quarantine unknowns, dispose of expired/damaged containers, and flag high‑risk flammables for DSEAR controls later.

Step 2. Map storage areas and design for segregation and containment

With your hazards classified, sketch a simple site plan that shows where each class will be stored, how deliveries enter, and how spills or fumes could travel. Your aim is to create clear zones that keep incompatibles apart and build in containment so any leak is confined and easy to clean up, meeting HSE‑aligned UK chemical storage requirements.

Choose safe locations: Secure, clearly signposted areas away from vehicle routes and site boundaries, not at flood risk, on impermeable surfaces with a drainage plan and spill kits (supervise deliveries).
Design interiors: Level, anchored shelving; store below eye level; keep away from heat and escape routes; keep containers closed; no storage in fume hoods (except certain toxic gases in cabinets).
Segregate physically: Keep flammables, oxidisers, acids and bases, and toxics apart; never store oxidisers with flammables; avoid alphabetical storage unless compatible; use dedicated cabinets/rooms or secondary containment.
Provide containment: Use trays, drip pans and bunded stores to prevent pollution and protect groundwater.

Step 3. Complete COSHH risk assessments for storage activities

Under COSHH, you must assess and control the risks from hazardous substances in storage as well as during use. Build each assessment from the SDS and label information, identify who could be harmed and how, and decide proportionate controls for your UK chemical storage requirements. Document the outcomes and review after changes, incidents or periodically.

Define the scope: receiving deliveries, internal transport, routine storage, decanting, waste staging and disposal.
Identify hazards and incompatibilities: use SDS and CLP labels; note flammables, oxidisers, corrosives, toxics and special cases (compressed gases, cryogens).
Evaluate exposure routes: vapours in poorly ventilated stores, skin/eye contact from leaks, reactions from incompatible mixing, environmental release to drains/ground.
Specify controls: minimise quantities, segregate incompatibles, keep containers closed, provide ventilation where needed, use rated cabinets/rooms, secondary containment, secure access, clear signage, spill kits and PPE.
Plan emergencies: spill response, first aid/eyewash, fire controls, supervised deliveries and a drainage plan.
Set inspections and records: routine checks for damage and expiry; record findings and corrective actions; review on change.

Step 4. Apply DSEAR controls for flammable and explosive atmospheres

DSEAR applies wherever you store or handle flammable liquids or gases. For storage, prevent the build‑up of explosive atmospheres, remove ignition sources, and limit consequences if something goes wrong. Build these measures into bulk stores and point‑of‑use areas alongside COSHH so your UK chemical storage requirements are complete. Use SDS/HSE guidance to judge ventilation and when fire‑resistant cabinets are needed.

Assess under DSEAR: Cover storage, transfers, decanting and waste staging.
Ventilation: Disperse vapours; avoid confined, poorly ventilated spaces.
Minimise quantities: Keep stocks low; containers closed when not in use.
Fire‑resistant storage: Use flammable‑liquid cabinets; keep away from heat sources.
Control ignition sources: No smoking; hot‑work permits; manage tools/equipment.
Contain and respond: Provide spill kits, supervise deliveries, protect drains, and position suitable extinguishers and signage.

Step 5. Separate incompatibles with a clear, enforceable scheme

Segregation is non‑negotiable in UK chemical storage requirements. Use your inventory to group by hazard and physically separate incompatible classes so a spill or leak cannot escalate into a reaction. Where a product has multiple hazards, prioritise the most severe class (e.g., treat pyrophorics ahead of flammability) as good practice guidance advises.

Use simple rules: Keep oxidisers away from flammables/combustibles and reducing agents; separate acids from bases; segregate toxics from other groups.
Provide physical barriers: Dedicated rated cabinets, distance, and secondary containment trays to prevent mixing.
Avoid alphabetical storage: Only store alphabetically within confirmed compatible groups.
Label zones clearly: Colour‑code shelves/cabinets and post incompatibility charts at point of storage.
Formalise in SOPs: Map shelves, train staff, and verify with routine inspections so the scheme is consistently enforced.

Step 6. Minimise volumes and control access to stores

The simplest way to cut risk is to hold less. COSHH and HSE good practice encourage minimising quantities and keeping only small working amounts in use areas, with bulk held securely. Tight access control prevents unauthorised handling and supports your UK chemical storage requirements by limiting who can enter, issue and return substances.

Cap quantities: Define maximum working amounts; keep surplus in the main store.
Secure access: Lockable rooms/cabinets; authorised keys or fobs only.
Stock discipline: FIFO, remove expired/damaged items, frequent inventory checks.
Supervise movements: Oversee deliveries and issue/return; record all transfers.

Step 7. Specify compliant cabinets, rooms and outdoor stores

Match the storage equipment to the hazard and the quantity held. For UK chemical storage requirements, focus on rated fire protection for flammables, corrosion resistance for acids/bases, robust segregation for oxidisers, and secure, well‑ventilated rooms or compounds that contain spills and protect drains/groundwater.

Flammable‑liquid cabinets: Use fire‑resistant, purpose‑built cabinets for small working stocks; keep away from heat sources; keep doors closed; do not normally vent (improper venting can defeat fire protection); store only flammables inside.
Corrosive cabinets: Choose polyethylene or coated steel; avoid wooden cabinets for oxidising acids; consider local ventilation for volatile corrosives (e.g., hydrochloric acid); use trays to segregate incompatibles.
Oxidisers: Store in dedicated cabinets/shelving, physically separated from flammables, combustibles and reducing agents.
Storage rooms: Secure, signed, adequately ventilated, with level anchored shelving, storage below eye level, impermeable/bunded floors, protected drains, and no storage on escape routes; apply DSEAR controls if flammables are present.
Outdoor stores/compounds: Lockable, weather‑protected, on impermeable surfaces with bunding or drip trays; away from site boundaries and vehicle impact; above flood risk; clear signage; supervised deliveries with a drainage plan.

Step 8. Use suitable containers, bunding and safe shelving

Robust, compatible containers, effective secondary containment and secure shelving prevent small issues becoming incidents. Aligning with UK chemical storage requirements means choosing containers the chemical won’t attack, keeping closures sound, capturing any leaks before they reach drains, and making sure shelves can’t fail or tip.

Use compatible containers: Match material to chemical; keep containers closed and intact.
Provide secondary containment: Trays, drip pans or bunded stores on impermeable surfaces; protect drains.
Install safe shelving: Level, stable, secured to walls; store below eye level; never on floors.
Keep away from hazards: No storage in sinks or fume hoods; avoid heat/sunlight.
Handle flammables correctly: Use rated safety cans for decanting and small working quantities.

Step 9. Label containers and post required signage and emergency info

Clear labels and simple signage prevent mix‑ups and support UK chemical storage requirements. Every container—including decanted bottles and waste—must be identifiable at a glance, with hazards and emergency cues taken from the SDS. Post obvious signs at store entrances and delivery points so people know the risks and how to respond.

On‑container labels: product name, hazard symbols/pictograms, SDS emergency info; tanks/IBCs show contents and capacity.
Area signage: Flammable—No Smoking; clearly marked delivery areas; emergency contacts; spill kit and eyewash locations.

Step 10. Manage specialist hazards: compressed gases, temperature control and reactives

Some substances need extra attention to meet UK chemical storage requirements. Compressed gas cylinders, temperature‑sensitive flammables and highly reactive chemicals can turn a tidy store into a serious incident if they’re not controlled. Use the SDS and your segregation scheme to set specific rules, prioritise the most severe hazard, and build in clear labelling, containment and routine checks.

Compressed gases: Store cylinders upright and securely chained/bracketed; keep in a cool, well‑ventilated area, away from ignition sources and incompatible materials; restrict access and label clearly.
Temperature control: Keep chemicals away from heat and direct sunlight; follow SDS temperature limits; note that cold rooms, refrigerators and freezers have additional requirements for flammables; never use sinks or fume hoods as storage.
Reactives: Prioritise pyrophorics and water‑reactives; keep them dry and segregated per SDS. Store peroxide‑formers in a cool, dark, dry place and respect storage time limits; record open/expiry dates and remove out‑of‑date stock promptly.

Step 11. Plan for spills, drainage protection and waste disposal

Spill control and environmental protection are central to UK chemical storage requirements. Base your plan on the SDS: identify likely spills, the right absorbents/neutralisers, and safe clean‑up methods. Map a clear drainage plan, keep storage/delivery areas on impermeable surfaces with bunding, and position spill kits at stores and delivery points. Train staff to raise the alarm, stop the source if safe, contain, protect drains, and avoid ignition sources.

Spill readiness: Stock kits (PPE, absorbents, neutralisers, drain covers, booms) and eyewash nearby.
Drainage protection: Use bunds/sumps; connect delivery areas to foul sewer or isolate run‑off; fit shut‑off valves.
Response rules: No smoking or sparks; ventilate flammable vapours; never wash chemicals to drains.
Waste handling: Segregate and label cleanup waste in compatible, closed containers; store in bunded areas; follow SDS and pollution prevention guidance; record and review after incidents.

Step 12. Train your people, inspect routinely and keep auditable records

Competence and oversight keep storage safe. COSHH requires information, instruction and training; HSE good practice expects routine inspections and records. Build a simple system so people know what to do, stores stay orderly, and you can evidence control against UK chemical storage requirements and DSEAR.

Train by role: Use SDSs to brief on segregation, supervised deliveries, PPE, spill response, signage, and no storage in sinks/fume hoods.
Inspect routinely: Check container integrity, labels, expiry dates, segregation, minimal quantities, fit ventilation/cabinets, secure shelving, stocked kits, protected drains—and fix issues quickly.
Keep records: Maintain the inventory, SDS dates, COSHH/DSEAR assessments and reviews, inspection findings/actions, and waste/incident logs; review after changes or incidents.

Put your plan into action

You now have a clear route from inventory to training. Start with the quickest risk‑reducers—clean up your inventory, mark segregation, and stop leaks reaching drains—then lock in routine inspections and records. That combination satisfies COSHH/DSEAR expectations, reassures insurers, and, most importantly, keeps people and the environment safe.

Nominate a responsible person: set review dates, KPIs and audit cadence.
Finalise the inventory/SDS pack: remove expired stock and unknowns.
Mark and equip stores: segregation signage, bunding/trays, spill kits, eyewash.
Complete/refresh assessments: update COSHH and DSEAR; brief teams and restrict access.

If you’d like expert support, practical templates or training that sticks, our specialists can help you implement this plan with confidence. Start with Logicom Hub.