Storing chemicals safely isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s essential for preventing accidents, protecting workers, and reducing environmental risk. Whether you’re managing a small workshop, a laboratory, or an industrial facility, following best practices for chemical storage significantly lowers the chances of fires, leaks, reactions, or unexpected hazardous exposures.

1. Start With an Accurate Inventory

A chemical inventory is the foundation for the management of Hazardous Substances of safe storage. WorkSafe NZ emphasises that businesses should store only what they need, as reducing the volume on-site lowers both risk and compliance requirements.

The inventory must include, at a minimum:

  • The name of each substance and UN Number if available
  • Maximum quantity likely to be at the workplace
  • Storage location – specific storage and segregation requirements
  • A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every hazardous substance

Tools like the Hazardous Substances Calculator help determine the controls and storage requirements that apply to your workplace based on the quantities that you have.
Calculator | Hazardous Substances

2. Use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to Guide Storage

Safety Data Sheets are mandatory for each hazardous substance you use, store, or handle. They tell you:

  • How the chemical should be stored
  • What it must be kept away from
  • Required ventilation, PPE, and first aid
  • What to do in an emergency such as a spill or fire

The supplier must provide an SDS the first time a substance is supplied and must be updated every 5 years. Workplaces must also ensure that SDS information is accessible and understood by workers and emergency responders.

3. Store Chemicals in Suitable Location

The correct storage location reduces risks such as fire, explosion, and exposure. WorkSafe NZ notes that storage conditions depend on the class and quantity of the substance. Small amounts may be stored in approved metal cabinets, while larger quantities may require a separate building or dangerous goods store.

General storage principles include:

  • Keep substances away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks, and ignition sources.
  • Provide adequate ventilation to prevent vapour buildup, especially with flammable products.
  • Maintain containers with tight‑fitting lids to keep vapours inside and reduce spill risk.
  • Ensure substances are correctly labelled, legible, and stored securely.

Depending on the amount and type of substances present, your workplace may require warning signage at entrances.

4. Keep Incompatible Substances Separate

Improper chemical combinations can lead to dangerous reactions. WorkSafe NZ stresses the importance of checking the SDS to determine which materials should not be stored together.

Examples include:

  • Storing flammables away from oxidisers
  • Keeping corrosives separate from substances they could react with
  • Ensuring decanted containers are clean and free of residue before reuse

Clear segregation reduces the risk of fires, explosions, toxic gas releases, and container degradation.

5. Use the Right Containers & Labels

WorkSafe NZ recommends keeping chemicals in their original containers wherever possible. If decanting is necessary:

  • Read the SDS first to understand hazards and compatibility
  • Use containers suitable for the substance—for example, avoid storing hydrochloric acid in certain metals or hydrofluoric acid in glass
  • Label the new container clearly with the substance name and hazard information

Never store hazardous substances in food or drink containers, as this has caused serious injuries in workplaces.

6. Train Your Team and Improve Awareness

Workers must understand the risks associated with the substances they use. WorkSafe requires that SDSs be:

  • Read and understood
  • Incorporated into workplace training
  • Readily accessible in hard copy or digital form

Training should also cover proper PPE, spill response, and safe handling techniques.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

No storage system is complete without an emergency plan. WorkSafe guidance states that workplaces must:

  • Develop and maintain an emergency plan
  • Train workers in emergency procedures
  • Conduct an annual emergency drill

The SDS provides essential information for planning emergency responses, including first aid and spill control measures.

Chemical Solutions recognises the importance of SDSs, which is why we include QR codes on our labels to provide everyone with quick and easy access to the digital version.