Construction sites, by definition, are high-risk environments, particularly given the range of dangerous goods and materials that are kept on the premises.
For this reason, it is vitally important that these hazardous substances and materials are stored most safely and appropriately – because if they are not, the consequences could be devastating.
That said, with so many different things to store, it can be difficult to know the best way to do so, which is why we have put together this guide.
In it, we will walk you through some of the key steps and best practices involved in storing dangerous goods on a construction site.
If you action the advice we give in it, you will go a long way towards preventing accidents, minimising risks, and ensuring you comply with your state’s safety regulations.
What Are Dangerous Goods?
When we say dangerous goods, we are specifically referring to substances or materials that have the potential to pose a significant risk to health, property, or the environment.
These include:
- Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel)
- Compressed gases (e.g., propane, acetylene)
- Corrosive chemicals (e.g., acids, cleaning agents)
- Explosive materials (e.g., certain types of powders)
- Toxic substances (e.g., pesticides, solvents)
If these goods are not stored or handled properly, they can lead to fires, chemical spills, toxic exposure, and even explosions.
Therefore, having a safe and secure storage plan is essential to safeguard your employees and the construction site they are working on.
What Are Your Legal Requirements?
Aside from an ethical obligation to look after the welfare of your crew and the premises, construction companies also have a legal requirement to do so.
In Australia, for example, the handling and storage of dangerous goods are governed by Safe Work Australia guidelines, which specify how different classes of dangerous goods should be stored and transported.
To determine what specific laws apply to your region, you should consult local regulations. Additionally, you should also ensure that all your workers are trained in the proper handling and storage of dangerous goods and that you have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) readily available for each dangerous good on-site.
This documentation includes critical information on storage, handling, and emergency measures that can easily and quickly be referenced.
Storing Dangerous Goods on a Construction Site
Now you know what we mean by dangerous goods and what your legal obligations are, here is what you need to do to store them on a construction site.
1. Only Use Approved Storage Containers
You must always store dangerous goods in containers that are designed and approved for that specific material.
Using the wrong container can lead to leaks, spills, or dangerous reactions, so make sure you use approved containers that come with labels which indicate their suitability for storing hazardous materials.
These include fire cabinets, chemical bunds and fuel and oil transfer systems. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer for guidance.
2. Designate a Secure Storage Area
Dangerous goods should always be stored in a dedicated and secure area on-site that is away from high-traffic zones and other construction activities.
The storage area should be well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes and clearly marked with appropriate signage to indicate the presence of hazardous materials.
They should also be located a safe distance away from ignition sources such as welding equipment, open flames, or electrical equipment.
3. Keep Incompatible Materials Away From Each Other
When storing dangerous goods, one of the most important things to do is to make sure incompatible substances are kept separate from each other.
Unfortunately, some chemicals can react violently if they come into contact with one another, which can lead to fires, explosions, or toxic gas releases.
For instance, flammable liquids should be stored away from oxidising agents such as bleach. Likewise, acids should be kept separate from alkalis to prevent dangerous chemical reactions, and compressed gases, such as oxygen, should be isolated from flammable gases like propane.
It is a good idea to make use of segregation cabinets or introduce different storage zones to ensure that incompatible materials and substances are not accidentally mixed.
4. Introduce Spill Control Measures
Despite your best efforts, on any construction site, accidents can happen, which can result in dangerous goods or substances being spilt.
To prepare for such circumstances, it is important to have an effective spill control plan in place to minimise any potential.
This contingency should include having spill containment kits with absorbent materials, neutralizers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) easily accessible.
It should also involve having a secondary containment system to call upon, such as bunding, to capture and contain spills before they spread.
Here is some more information about spill control measures you can implement.
5. Ensure the Storage Areas Have Proper Ventilation
Wherever you decide to store your dangerous materials, it is vital to make sure the areas have proper ventilation. Without it, there is the potential for dangerous fumes to build up, especially when storing flammable liquids or gases, which increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Make sure that the dangerous goods storage cabinets you source have ventilation ports that facilitate the safe release of fumes. There are several innovative construction technologies that can help you do this.
It is also important to make your workers aware of how crucial it is to maintain ventilation and not block vents or airflow with other work-related materials.