How Should Flammable Liquids Be Stored? 

Flammable liquids need to be stored carefully to reduce the risk of fire, explosion, leaks and accidental exposure. For businesses that regularly use fuels, paints, solvents or other hazardous substances, suitable storage is also an important part of meeting workplace health and safety responsibilities.

Depending on what you store and in what quantities, this could mean using a flammable liquid cabinet, a dedicated external store or a larger COSHH container. Purpose-built hazardous storage gives businesses a secure place to keep dangerous substances away from ignition sources, unauthorised access and everyday working areas. 

In this guide, the team at ModCon Cabins covers what flammable liquids are, how they should be stored, how to choose the right storage container and what features to look for. Keep reading to learn more or, to speak to an expert, call us now on 0333 404 8822. 

What Are Flammable Liquids? 

A flammable liquid is a liquid that can give off vapour capable of catching fire. HSE classifies flammable liquids as those with a flashpoint of 60°C or below, although other liquids may still present a fire risk when used or stored at higher temperatures.

Common workplace examples include petrol, some paints, solvents, varnishes, adhesives and cleaning products. If these liquids leak or their vapours build up near an ignition source, the result can be a serious fire or explosion.

How Should Flammable Liquids Be Stored? 

Flammable liquids should be kept in suitable, clearly labelled containers within storage designed for the substance and risks involved. The storage arrangements should be based on a workplace risk assessment rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Good practice includes:

• Use suitable storage: Keep flammable liquids in purpose-designed cabinets, chemical stores or external hazardous storage units suitable for the quantity being stored.
• Keep ignition sources away: Storage should be separated from naked flames, hot surfaces, sparks and other foreseeable ignition sources.
• Use the correct containers: Keep liquids in compatible and clearly labelled containers, following the relevant safety data sheet.
• Limit indoor quantities: DSEAR requires quantities of dangerous substances within working areas to be reduced to a minimum so far as reasonably practicable. HSE also provides recommended maximum quantities for suitable cabinets and bins within workrooms.
• Provide suitable ventilation: Where required, ventilation should prevent dangerous concentrations of flammable vapour from accumulating.
• Control spills and leaks: Suitable secondary containment, such as a bund or sump, can prevent a leaking liquid from spreading beyond the storage area.
• Control access: Hazardous materials should be secured against unauthorised access, particularly on busy workplaces and construction sites.
• Use clear signage: Appropriate hazard signs help workers and visitors understand what is being stored and the precautions required.

If you're considering how you should store flammable materials at work, the type of substance matters as much as the quantity. Your DSEAR assessment should determine the fire and explosion controls required, while COSHH also applies where a substance presents a risk to health.

Choosing the Right Flammable Liquid Storage Solution 

The right storage option depends on what you need to store, how much of it you have and how frequently it needs to be accessed. 

External COSHH Stores 

External COSHH stores provide a dedicated area away from general working spaces. They're particularly useful for businesses holding larger quantities of paints, fuels, oils or industrial chemicals that shouldn't be kept within workshops or occupied buildings. 

Walk-In Hazardous Storage Units 

Walk-in units provide more room for businesses that need regular access to multiple containers or different hazardous substances. They can suit manufacturing, engineering and larger industrial sites where stock needs to remain organised and securely controlled. 

Bunded Chemical Stores 

Bunded storage incorporates secondary containment to control leaks or spillages. This helps prevent hazardous liquids spreading into surrounding areas or entering drainage systems. Bunding is particularly important where a loss of containment could create a wider safety or environmental risk. 

H3 - Portable Hazardous Storage Containers 

A portable hazardous storage container is useful where storage requirements can change between projects or locations. Construction sites and contractors can benefit from a secure unit that can be positioned where required while keeping hazardous substances separate from general equipment and working areas.

Whatever format is chosen, the store should be suited to the substances involved and provide the necessary protection against weather, unauthorised access, leaks and other site-specific risks.

What Features Should a Flammable Liquid Store Include? 

The exact specification should follow your risk assessment, but there are several features commonly considered when designing a safe flammable liquid storage area.

• Bunded sump: Contains leaks and spills within the storage area rather than allowing liquid to spread.
• Fire-resistant construction: Where fire resistance is required, the store should be designed to provide the necessary level of protection for its location and intended use. HSE guidance sets out fire-resistance requirements for certain indoor cabinets and bins.
• Ventilation: Helps prevent flammable vapours building up to dangerous concentrations.
• Lockable doors: Restrict access to authorised employees and help protect hazardous materials against theft or interference.
• Hazard signage: Makes the contents and associated risks clear before somebody enters or handles the stored materials.
• Spill containment: Keeps a leak under control and makes it easier to manage an incident safely.
• Durable construction: A robust store should withstand the conditions in which it will be used without compromising its ability to contain and secure hazardous substances.

ModCon's COSHH containers are constructed from galvanised steel and available with features including bunding, steel louvre vents, secure steel doors, raised mesh flooring, drainage provision and hazard signage.

Regulations for Storing Flammable Liquids 

Businesses storing flammable liquids need to consider several areas of UK health and safety law.

 

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to assess and control risks to people from dangerous substances that could cause fires or similar incidents. Where the risk can't be eliminated, suitable measures must be taken to control it.

 

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) deal with risks to health from hazardous substances. Employers must assess these risks and prevent exposure or, where this isn't reasonably practicable, adequately control it.

 

HSE also publishes detailed guidance on the storage of flammable liquids. HSG51 covers flammable liquids stored in containers of up to 1,000 litres, while separate guidance applies to larger tank storage.

 

The correct approach will depend on the substance, quantity, container type, workplace and how the liquid is used, so storage should always form part of a suitable risk assessment.

Industries That Require Flammable Liquid Storage 

Flammable liquids are found across a wide range of workplaces, so safe storage isn't limited to specialist chemical businesses.

Construction businesses may need secure storage for fuels, paints, solvents and other site chemicals, particularly when working across temporary locations.

Manufacturing and engineering sites can use flammable liquids throughout production, maintenance, finishing and cleaning operations, creating a need for controlled storage close enough for practical use without increasing risk.

Automotive businesses commonly handle fuels, paints, cleaning fluids and workshop chemicals that require organised, secure storage.

Facilities management teams may be responsible for paints, cleaning products, maintenance chemicals and fuels used across larger premises or multiple sites.

Utilities businesses and contractors may need portable storage for fuels and chemicals used during maintenance and field operations.

Local authorities can also hold hazardous substances for property maintenance, grounds work, highways operations and other public services.

The right solution will depend on exactly what is being stored and in what quantities. A small workplace using limited amounts of flammable liquid will have very different requirements from an industrial site holding multiple drums or containers.

Why Choose ModCon Cabins? 

ModCon Cabins has more than 25 years' experience in the portable cabins and shipping containers industry, supplying made-to-order storage solutions to businesses across the UK. Our COSHH containers can be tailored around your storage requirements, with options for secure steel construction, bunding, ventilation, signage and portable handling features.

Whether you need a compact chemical store or a larger walk-in hazardous storage unit, we'll work with you to create a practical solution for your site and the materials you need to store.

Get in touch with ModCon Cabins for a free, no-obligation quote and discuss the right hazardous storage solution for your business. Call us now on 0333 404 8822, email us at info@modconcabins.co.uk or fill out our contact form.