Chemical Storage Container Uses: What Can Be Safely Stored Inside? 

Why Proper Chemical Storage Matters 

Proper chemical storage is essential for protecting both people and the environment. Storing hazardous substances incorrectly can lead to spills, fires, environmental contamination and potential compliance issues. Different chemicals also have varying storage requirements, meaning a single approach isn't suitable for every application.

Using a purpose-built chemical storage container helps businesses safely manage hazardous substances while supporting effective COSHH storage practices. Explore our range of COSHH chemical storage containers or learn more about why you should store chemicals correctly.

What Can Be Stored in a Chemical Storage Container? 

A chemical storage container can safely store a wide range of hazardous substances, provided they are stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Storage requirements vary depending on the chemical, so it's important to select a COSHH store with suitable safety features for your application.

Flammable Liquids 

Many flammable storage applications involve products such as petrol, diesel, solvents, thinners and paints. These materials should be stored in containers with appropriate ventilation and spill containment as well as fire safety measures to reduce the risk of ignition and environmental contamination. Learn more about storing flammable materials in our complete guide.

Corrosive Liquids 

Corrosive substances such as acids and industrial cleaning chemicals require careful storage to prevent leaks and damage to surrounding materials. Bunded containment and chemical compatibility are key considerations when storing these products.

Oils and Lubricants 

Hydraulic oil, engine oil, lubricants and waste oil can all be stored safely within an appropriately specified chemical storage container. Bunded floors help contain leaks and prevent pollution, reducing environmental risks. Find out more about bunded chemical storage in our article.

Laboratory Chemicals 

Laboratories often store solvents and specialist research chemicals. These substances should be organised carefully, with incompatible chemicals segregated and access restricted to authorised personnel wherever appropriate.

Agricultural Chemicals 

Pesticide, herbicides and crop treatment chemicals should be stored securely to minimise risks to livestock and the surrounding environment. A purpose-built COSHH store helps protect hazardous agricultural products from unauthorised access and accidental spills.

Water Treatment Chemicals 

Water treatment facilities commonly store treatment chemicals and industrial additives. These products should always be stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the relevant SDS to ensure safe handling and storage.

What Shouldn’t Be Stored in a Standard Chemical Storage Container? 

Not every hazardous material can be stored in a standard chemical storage container. Some substances require specialist storage solutions because of their properties or the risks they present. These may include:

• Explosive materials
• Radioactive substances
• Certain compressed gases
• Highly reactive chemicals requiring specialist segregation
• Temperature-sensitive chemicals requiring controlled storage conditions

Before storing hazardous substances, always consult the manufacturer's guidance, the Safety Data Sheet and the relevant hazardous materials storage regulations to ensure your storage solution is suitable.

Which Industries Use Chemical Storage Containers? 

Chemical storage containers are used across a wide range of industries where hazardous substances need to be stored safely and securely, including:

• Manufacturing – for storing solvents, paints, oils and production chemicals while helping prevent spills and supporting safe chemical storage
• Construction – providing secure COSHH storage for fuels, lubricants, paints and cleaning products, protecting hazardous substances from theft, weather and accidental release
• Automotive – storing engine oils, hydraulic fluids, fuels, degreasers and other workshop chemicals in a safe, organised environment
• Agriculture – housing pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers within purpose-built COSHH stores to help protect workers, livestock and the surrounding environment
• Water Treatment – safely storing treatment chemicals, chlorine products and other industrial additives in line with manufacturer guidance
• Facilities Management – providing secure storage for cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances used during day-to-day operations
• Laboratories – keeping reagents and research chemicals safely stored with controlled access and appropriate segregation where required

Need a COSHH-Compliant Chemical Storage Container? 

Choosing the right chemical storage container is essential for protecting your workforce and the environment as well as supporting compliance with COSHH requirements. Whether you need flammable storage or a bespoke COSHH store, ModCon can help.

Browse our range of shipping containers for COSHH storage, explore our buyer's guide to chemstores for expert advice or speak to our team about the right solution for your application. If you require a bespoke unit, we also offer shipping container conversions tailored to your exact storage requirements.

To get a quote or learn more, call us today on 0333 404 8822, email us at info@modconcabins.co.uk or fill out our contact form.