The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.

REACH when using chemicals

REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, for example paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.

If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (for example if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.

It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.

REACH and information about chemicals

REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.

You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.

REACH and registering chemicals

If you manufacture chemicals or import chemicals from outside the European Union, you must register them with the ECHA. You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely - see registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).

When you are planning chemical storage areas, you should carefully consider how you store, handle and take delivery of chemicals at your site.

Follow safety data sheet instructions

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including how to store, use and dispose of it safely. The SDS may also recommend the best methods and materials to use for cleaning up a spill. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

For more information about SDSs, see chemical labelling and information.

Comply with health and safety legislation

If you store hazardous chemicals you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect the health of your staff. Check the SDS to see if the substances you use are hazardous.

Read HSENI guidance on COSHH.

Good practice for chemical storage

Locate your storage areas to minimise the risks of damage to the environment, and the health and safety of your employees and the public. Ensure that your storage area is located so if chemicals leak or spill, you will not pollute air, land, surface waters or groundwater.

Make sure your storage area is:

• secure - avoid sites close to a boundary fence
• away from heavy plant or where vehicles move around to minimise the risk of collision or damage to storage systems and pipework from vibrations
• not likely to flood or, if this is not possible, above the height that any flood water is likely to reach
• clearly signposted, with a clear boundary

You should store chemicals safely to protect groundwater. It is important to remember that groundwater may be used for drinking water supplies.

Delivery and handling of chemicals on your site can cause pollution. For example, forklifts can damage chemical containers and chemical bottles may break and leak.
You should:

• Supervise deliveries of chemicals and fuels at all times.
• Label all tanks and containers clearly with their contents and storage capacity - check levels before deliveries to prevent overfilling and spills.
• Locate delivery areas to minimise the vehicle movements on your site. If possible, have a one-way system to avoid congestion, especially if you have frequent deliveries.
• Mark out delivery areas clearly. If possible, put a roof over the delivery area.
• Have an up-to-date drainage plan of your site. This will help you identify where any spills may end up.
• Ensure drains from delivery areas connect to the foul sewer. If this isn't possible, isolate run-off from the surface water drainage system, either by catch-pits or sumps with isolating valves. Your delivery area should have an impermeable surface.
• Check that delivery pipes have automatic cut-off valves to prevent overfilling tanks, intermediate bulk containers or mobile bowsers.
• Keep a spill kit close to delivery areas, and make sure that your staff know how to use it - see avoiding and dealing with chemical spills.

It is good practice to follow pollution prevention guidelines (PPGs) to help you avoid causing pollution.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

If you store chemicals in tanks, mobile bowsers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or drums, you must take precautions to avoid causing pollution.

How to store oil and chemicals safely in containers

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to be handled

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it is incompatible with.

To prevent accidents, you should store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or drum store. If you store large quantities of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

If you store any kind of oil on your premises, you may need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. Even if the regulations do not apply, you should consider meeting the requirements to help prevent water pollution and avoid prosecution - see storing oil.

Avoid major accidents

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations may affect your business if you:

• store large quantities of chemicals
• store fuels, including gas
• have a large warehouse or distribution facility
• store explosives

For more information, see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Use bunds and secondary containment systems

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills - see secondary containment systems for bulk chemical stores.

Maintain storage tanks, IBCs and underground tanks

You should:

• ensure that your containers are in good condition and are strong enough to prevent bursts or leaks in normal use
• inspect storage containers at least once a week - if you find damaged containers, repair or replace them immediately
• use IBCs instead of drums wherever possible - they are easier and safer to handle and use, and less likely to leak than drums

Below-ground tanks and pipework are difficult to inspect and leaks may not be immediately obvious. To prevent leaks, you should:

• fit a leak detection system
• not install underground tanks below the water table
• use flexible piping if you run pipes below a source of vibration - vibrations from heavy machinery can damage underground pipes
• test all pipework for leaks when it is first installed

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals and oil on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that starts on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

If you store chemicals outside you should use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away when they are not in use.

Store all chemicals in an area where you can contain spills. This should be within a secondary containment system (SCS) such as:

• an impermeable bunded area
• on a bunded pallet or spill pallet
• in a sump pallet
• a bunded storage unit
• a bunded drum store
• a storage cabinet with an integral sump

Use a bunded trolley or mobile sump pallet for moving drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC) around your site. Before you move drums or IBCs, ensure that they are properly secured on the trolley or pallet and will not fall off.

Your bund and any bunded pallets should be able to contain at least 110 per cent of the volume of the largest tank or 25 per cent of the total volume you are likely to store, whichever is greater.

Ensure that your pallets and bunds are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you should not use a polyethylene bund to store corrosive chemicals.

Dispose of water from bunds correctly

If rainwater collects in a bund, it will reduce its holding capacity. Put a roof over the bunded area to prevent this if possible.

You must comply with your duty of care when you dispose of water that collects in bunds - see duty of care for business waste.

You must check if you need a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation to allow rainwater from bunds to enter surface waters or groundwater.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to surface waters or groundwater, unless you have permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You must not discharge rainwater that collects in bunds to drains that discharge to foul sewer, unless you have permission from NI Water. It is against the law to discharge anything into the sewer that could harm sewers or interfere with the treatment or disposal of sewer contents - see preventing water pollution and discharging trade effluent.

Water that collects in the bund may be contaminated. You must dispose of contaminated water as hazardous waste, unless you have and comply with a discharge consent or groundwater authorisation for a discharge - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Secondary containment for small chemical stores

You may want to use different measures for small chemical stores, such as a drip tray or bunded cabinet - see small-scale chemical storage - cabinets, shelves and vehicles.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

There are legal requirements if you store chemicals in small-scale stores, such as in:

• chemical cabinets, cupboards or on shelves, for example in a laboratory or workshop
• a vehicle, for example if you carry paints, pesticides or cleaning chemicals for your work

Store chemicals safely

You must store any hazardous chemical in a suitable container that is:

• sealed securely to prevent spills
• resistant to the effects of the substance
• strong enough to cope with handling

You can check the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to see if it is hazardous. The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store, use and dispose of it safely - see chemical labelling and information.

Separate all incompatible chemicals. If you store incompatible chemicals together and there is a leak or spill, it could cause a violent reaction. A chemical's SDS will tell you which chemicals it shouldn't be mixed with.

If you store pest control products on your site, make sure you store them safely to avoid causing pollution - see pesticides and biocides.

If you store chemicals in your work vehicle, lock the vehicle whenever you leave it. Don't leave chemicals on display.

Keep your chemicals in a deep drip tray in your vehicle. Alternatively, ensure that your chemicals are in double-skinned containers, and that you keep containers tightly shut.

Secure chemical containers so that they cannot move about when you are driving.

Use secure shelving and secondary containment

Use bunded shelving to catch any spills. Alternatively, keep chemicals on shelves within drip trays.

You should secure all shelving and storage units to the floor or wall to prevent them toppling over.

Store all bottles, vials and other chemical containers:

• within a drip tray
• in a bunded cabinet
• in a bunded chemical store
• on bunded shelving

The bund or drip tray should be big enough to contain any spills.

Make sure that your drip trays or bunded shelves are made of a suitable material for the chemical you are storing. For example, you may not be able to use a polyethylene container to store corrosive chemicals.

Keep double-wrapped or bagged chemicals in trays. Keep chemicals from the same batch together in the same storage tray.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).

Store flammable chemicals safely

Store flammable chemicals in a fire-proof steel cabinet or chemical storage cupboard. If you store lots of flammables, you may need to keep them in a designated room.

Common flammable substances include:

• cleaning fluids
• adhesives
• thinners
• aerosols
• paints

Keep information and implement safety precautions

You should:

• keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site, and details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up
• avoid storing chemicals above eye-height, or on top of cupboards or cabinets - use safety steps if you need to reach chemicals stored at height
• wear appropriate protective clothing when you are dealing with chemicals, such as gloves, goggles or a face mask - see how to protect yourself and your workforce
• avoid storing chemicals directly on the floor, even temporarily

Prevent vandalism of chemical stores

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandals.

Use lockable storage units and keep chemicals locked away if possible when they are not in use.

You should store heat-sensitive chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. You may also need to use these chemicals in a temperature-controlled area. Heat-sensitive chemicals include:

• high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
• peroxyacetate
• some epoxies
• vaccines
• some medicines
• some biological chemicals, such as enzymes, proteins and DNA

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS contains information about the chemical, including details of how to store it safely. The SDS will tell you if you need to store the chemical at a specific temperature. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether they have to provide one.

Store heat-sensitive chemicals safely

You should:

• only use refrigerators and freezers that are designed specifically for storing chemicals
• avoid storing flammable chemicals in refrigerators or freezers, unless they are spark-proof
• store chemical bottles in drip trays or on bunded shelves

For walk-in refrigerated units, store drums and intermediate bulk containers on bunded pallets or sump pallets.

Prevent vandalism of chemical fridges and freezers

You are responsible for all chemicals on your site. You can be prosecuted for a pollution incident that originates on your site even if it was caused by vandalism.

Keep chemicals in lockable fridges and freezers. If your storage unit is outside, keep it locked when you're not using it.

Buy an efficient fridge or freezer

Ensure that the fridge or freezer has an alarm to alert you if the temperature rises too high. Choose the most energy efficient fridges and freezers. Choose the right size of fridge or freezer to meet your needs. It is inefficient to run a large fridge if you only have to store a small amount of chemicals. You can get small bench-top or under-bench units as well as larger free-standing fridges and freezers.
Switch off fridges and freezers when you're not using them.

Dispose of fridges and freezers correctly

You must use a specialist disposal business for your old fridges and freezers. They may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia or ozone-depleting substances.

When you receive any chemical it may be supplied with a safety data sheet (SDS). This is sometimes also referred to as a material safety data sheet. The SDS contains information about the chemical including:

• how to store and use it safely
• chemicals it is incompatible with, for example that you should not store it with
• how to dispose of it safely

When you receive a chemical, check the SDS to find out how to store it safely. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.

Understand hazard labels

If the chemical you receive is hazardous it should have a hazard label on it. These labels contain chemical hazard warning symbols that tell you what the risks of a chemical or product are. The hazard label will tell you whether a chemical is:

• explosive
• an oxidising agent
• flammable
• toxic
• harmful
• an irritant
• corrosive
• dangerous to the environment

You should ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the hazard labels - find more information on chemical labelling and packaging.

Mark vehicles that transport chemicals

If you transport dangerous goods, legal duties may apply for packaging, documentation, driver training and vehicle marking.

Vehicle placards or hazard panels are required in certain circumstances, depending on the classification and quantity carried and any ADR exemptions. If you routinely transport chemicals, find out more about carriage of dangerous goods.

Manufacturing and supplying chemicals

If you manufacture or supply chemicals, you may need to provide an SDS and make sure classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) rules are met.

CLP rules depend on whether products are placed on the NI/EU market or the GB market, so check which regime applies to your supply chain.

Download approved classification and labelling guidance (PDF, 517K).

You should manage your site carefully to reduce the risk of chemical spills. If you have a chemical spill on your site, it is important that your staff know how to deal with it. If you cause pollution you could be prosecuted and fined.

You should report pollution incidents as soon as they happen by calling the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Tel 0800 80 70 60.

Plan for pollution incidents

You should have a pollution incident response procedure in place for dealing with spills. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the procedure and know how to implement it. If you store lots of chemicals or have a chemical warehouse, you may need to install a spill alarm so that you can evacuate the building when there is a spill.

If you store large quantities of dangerous substances, then you may need a major accident prevention policy under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations - see control of major accident hazards (COMAH).

Prevent pollution from spills

Ensure that you have absorbent materials - such as sand and other containment equipment - suitable for the type and quantity of chemicals you store and use on your site. Keep them close to where you might need them, particularly in delivery areas. Make sure that your staff know where they are and how to use them. You can buy spill kits containing all the appropriate spill equipment for the chemicals you store.

Try to prevent liquid spills from entering drains, surface waters or groundwater. For example, use earth to block the flow of large spills, or use sand or a commercial spill kit to soak them up.

You should never hose down a spill, as you could cause a much worse pollution incident.

If you store chemicals in a vehicle, you should also carry a spill kit suitable for the quantity and type of chemicals you have.

Dispose of chemical leaks and spills safely

You must ensure that you clean up chemical leaks and spills correctly. You must dispose of waste chemicals and used spill equipment correctly and get it treated by an appropriate waste plant. You will need to deal with waste chemicals and materials contaminated with chemicals as hazardous waste.

You can only dispose of hazardous waste at a landfill site after it has been treated. Certain types of waste are banned from landfill, such as any chemicals that are:

• explosive
• corrosive
• flammable
• oxidising
• infectious

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste.

Safety showers

If you have safety showers on your site, ensure that you dispose of the water from the showers safely, as it may be contaminated. You can dispose of this water to the foul sewer, but you will need permission from Northern Ireland Water first.

You should manage your chemicals carefully to reduce the amount of chemical waste you produce. Reuse or recycle chemicals and chemical containers wherever possible.

Dispose of your chemical waste responsibly

You must check that anyone that you pass your waste to is authorised to take it. If you don't check and they dispose of it illegally, you could be held responsible. This is known as your duty of care - see duty of care for business waste.

If you produce waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment, you will need to deal with it as hazardous waste - see dealing with hazardous waste.

Dispose of chemical containers

Your supplier may take back chemical containers to reuse or recycle them. You may have to triple rinse containers first. You must have permission from NI Water before you dispose of rinse water to the foul sewer. If you rinse out pesticide containers you can add the rinse water to the spray tank.

If the container that you are rinsing out contained a hazardous chemical, the rinse water is also likely to be hazardous and you must dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Recover chemicals from waste

If you recover any chemicals from waste, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is likely to apply to you.

Reduce, reuse and recycle chemical waste

Reduce your chemical waste - only buy the amount of a chemical that you need. Use an inventory to help you manage your chemicals.

Keep an inventory of the chemicals you have on site. This should include details of when you received them and when you should dispose of them if you don't use them up. This will help you to avoid having more chemicals than you need.

Reuse or recycle packaging from chemical deliveries, such as:

• cardboard
• wooden pallets
• polystyrene loose fill packaging
• vermiculite
• plastic bags

Check with your supplier to see if you can reuse your chemical containers - they may be able to refill containers with the same chemical. Some waste recovery businesses offer cleaning services so that you can reuse chemical containers.

You may be able to recycle waste metal or plastic drums if they contained non-hazardous chemicals. Ask your waste site if they offer a recycling service.

Store and transport waste chemicals safely

You should store and transport all waste chemicals in suitable, sealed containers such as drums. The waste chemical containers and other packaging should be stored and transported in covered containers, such as drums, cages or covered skips.

If you transport dangerous waste you must meet further requirements for packaging, labelling and documentation - find out about carriage of dangerous goods.

You can download guidance on the safe storage of drums and intermediate bulk containers (PDF, 1.2MB).