Can Shipping Containers Be Used for COSHH Storage?

Shipping containers are the perfect choice for COSHH-compliant chemical storage. From manufacturing and automotive, to healthcare and construction, chemical storage containers are one of the most common solutions for easy, cost-effective COSHH compliance. They are cost-effective, easy to install and highly durable. 

In this blog post, we’re going to look in detail at why shipping containers make good COSHH stores, how they can be modified to store hazardous materials, whether any shipping container can be used for COSHH storage and how to choose the right container for COSHH compliance. 

So, keep reading to learn more, or to speak directly to an expert, call us now on 0333 404 8822. 

Why Do Shipping Containers Make Good COSHH Stores? 

Shipping containers are a perfect base for COSHH storage, providing a range of benefits including strong construction, being easy to modify and great portability. 

Steel Construction, Secure From Unauthorised Access 

Shipping containers are designed for heavy use at sea, and are built using high-grade Corten steel, making them exceptionally durable even in outdoor conditions. They’re also weather-sealed and easily secured with strong locking doors. 

Easily Modified for COSHH Compliance 

Because they’re straightforward structures, shipping containers can be easily modified to suit COSHH requirements. From additional locks and seals to extra ventilation, they can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted however necessary. 

Portable Between Sites 

Shipping containers are portable by design, built to be easily loaded and unloaded from ships. This makes moving them between sites far easier; perfect for construction environments or flexible layouts. Being easy to move is one of the primary reasons shipping containers are also used for portable cabins. 

How Can Shipping Containers Be Modified to Store Hazardous Materials? 

Shipping containers can be easily modified to safely and compliantly store hazardous materials. These modifications help reduce environmental risks as well as improving safety and supporting COSHH compliance. 

Bunded Floors 

Bunded floors are a vital compliance and safety feature. They help contain fluid leaks and spillages, providing a sealed containment area and preventing environmental contamination. You can learn more about bunded chemical storage in our new article. 

Ventilation 

Many hazardous substances produce vapours that can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Installing natural or forced ventilation helps maintain airflow, reducing the build-up of potentially harmful or flammable vapours and creating a safer storage environment. 

Spill Containment 

Additional spill containment features, such as integrated sumps and spill response equipment, help manage accidental leaks quickly and minimise environmental risks while keeping the storage area safe. 

Shelving  

Heavy-duty shelving keeps hazardous materials organised and securely stored. It also helps maximise storage capacity and can be used to separate incompatible substances where required. 

Lighting 

Internal lighting improves visibility, making it safer to access and handle stored materials. Where necessary, hazardous material containers can also be fitted with ATEX-rated lighting for potentially explosive environments. 

Security 

High-security locks, reinforced doors, lock boxes and access control systems help prevent unauthorised access to hazardous materials, protecting both the contents and the surrounding environment. 

What Can Be Stored in a Chemical Storage Container? 

Chemical storage containers can safely store a wide range of hazardous materials, including chemicals, oils, paints, solvents, cleaning products, pesticides, hazardous waste, acids, alkalis and flammable liquids. The exact substances that can be stored will depend on the container’s specification and the safety features incorporated into its design.  

Can Any Shipping Container Be Used for Chemical Storage? 

No. While a standard shipping container provides a strong, weatherproof structure, it is not automatically suitable for storing hazardous chemicals. Chemical storage containers require specialist modifications to help contain spills, provide adequate ventilation, improve security and support compliance with COSHH regulations.

Using an unmodified container could increase the risk of environmental contamination and safety incidents. The exact features required will depend on the type and quantity of hazardous substances being stored.

To learn more about your legal responsibilities, read our guides to hazardous materials storage regulations and why you should store chemicals correctly.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Container for COSHH Storage? 

Choosing the right COSHH storage container depends on the hazardous substances you’re storing, the available space on your site, as well as your operational requirements. ModCon offers bespoke 10ft and 20ft chemstores that can be tailored with a range of safety and storage features.

Choose the Right Size

ModCon’s 10ft COSHH containers are ideal for smaller sites or lower storage volumes, while 20ft containers provide additional capacity for larger operations or businesses storing multiple hazardous substances.

Consider the Chemicals Being Stored

Different chemicals have different storage requirements. Consider the type of chemicals you’re storing and whether incompatible substances need to be segregated. ModCon chemstores can be fitted with features such as bunded floors and ventilation to suit your application.

Plan the Internal Layout

Think about how you’ll access and organise your products. ModCon can customise containers with shelving, lighting and other internal features to maximise storage space while keeping hazardous materials easy to access.

Consider Site Access

Make sure there’s enough room to safely load and access the container. ModCon’s containers include forklift pockets and lifting eyes, making them easy to position and relocate around your site.

Choose the Right Safety Features

Depending on your requirements, ModCon containers can be fitted with bunded floors, galvanised flooring, ventilation, secure locking systems and other bespoke features to help support safe chemical storage.

Need More Advice?

For more information on selecting the right specification and features for your application, take a look at our chemstore buyer’s guide. It covers everything you need to know before investing in a COSHH storage container.

FAQs: Using Shipping Containers for Chemstores 

Who can supply chemical storage containers with COSHH compliance features? 

Specialist container manufacturers such as ModCon Cabins can supply purpose-built chemical storage containers with features designed to support COSHH compliance. Depending on your requirements, ModCon can provide containers with bunded floors, ventilation, secure locking systems, shelving, lighting and other bespoke modifications to create a safe chemical storage solution. 

How do I get a shipping container converted for chemical storage?

The simplest option is to work with a specialist supplier such as ModCon Cabins. Rather than modifying a standard container yourself, ModCon can manufacture or convert a shipping container to suit your storage requirements, incorporating features such as bunded flooring, ventilation, shelving, lighting and security systems before delivery.

Is it illegal for organisations to store hazardous materials?

No. Organisations can legally store hazardous materials, provided they do so safely and comply with relevant legislation, including COSHH and environmental requirements where applicable. Using a purpose-built chemical storage container with appropriate safety features helps businesses to compliantly store hazardous substances and reduce the risk of spills and unauthorised access.

Can I get a container with specialist ventilation for chemical storage?

Yes. ModCon Cabins can supply chemical storage containers with ventilation systems designed to suit the hazardous substances being stored. Combined with features such as bunded floors and secure access, appropriate ventilation helps create a safer storage environment by reducing the build-up of potentially harmful vapours.

How do I store chemicals safely in a shipping container?

Chemicals should only be stored in a purpose-built container fitted with appropriate safety features, such as bunded flooring, ventilation, secure shelving and suitable security. Chemicals should also be organised correctly and incompatible substances segregated where necessary. To learn more, read our guide, ‘What Can Be Stored in a Chemical Storage Container?’.