COSHH Cabinets & Cupboards

COSHH Storage

Our hazardous materials cabinets and cupboards have been specially constructed to securely and safely store hazardous materials in the workplace. All comply with current Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and offer a safe, segregated storage solution for potentially harmful substances.

Storage of this type is loaded with safety features to ensure hazards are minimised and work can be undertaken as safely as possible. For example, all units offer secure storage. Our chemical storage cabinets are fitted with single or 3-point locking mechanisms (depending on cabinet size) and include reinforced doors for increased security.

All cabinets, boxes and vaults feature an integral sump (or the option to have one included), which ensures any accidental spills or leaks are contained within the unit. This is particularly important to prevent cross-contamination and substances polluting the local environment.

Because these features are seen as fundamental for safe storage, you will find them present even in items such as empties bins which hold used containers awaiting disposal.

Placing one cabinet on top of another can be a good way to make the most of limited floor space, however to do this safely the unit must be expressly designed for that purpose. Stackable dangerous substance cabinets have retaining lips that prevent cabinets from separating accidentally.

Cabinets must be able to withstand accidental damage from impact to maintain their protective abilities. To increase their strength many of the available options are constructed from thick, powder-coated steel. All cabinets and boxes have a super-strong finish that ensures they stand up to the harshest of conditions.

Strength and security in any storage option play a major role in working safely to minimise risk, however there are other essential elements that must also be taken into consideration. One of these is ensuring staff and visitors know exactly what is being stored and where. This means clear, easily-recognised signs and labels are a must.

All storage must be labelled to show the nature of the risk inside. It is imperative to use the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These diamond-shaped labels mark the contents as ‘harmful/irritant’, ‘flammable’, ‘corrosive’ etc. and are universally recognised. Many cabinets are supplied with these labels as standard, but further supplies or those with different pictograms can be purchased separately.

Fireproof Storage

When storing flammable goods, a unit that has a fire resistance of at least 30 minutes is a must. This will allow extra time for firefighting to take place, potentially avoiding a major incident. Consider using a unit such as the flammable and chemical storage vault which also features forklift skids and the ability to add castors allowing it to be moved from place to place.

How are COSHH cabinets used?

COSHH storage should be a primary concern for any facility where hazardous materials or cleaning products have to remain on site. These hazardous cupboards ensure that chemicals that could cause serious injury to individuals and the environment are managed safely. Only designated employees are given the keys, and each business must have clear guidelines on returning substances to the correct COSHH cupboards when they are not needed.

You should position each substance inside the cabinet according to its individual storage instructions, and kept separate if a chemical reaction could occur. If one of your employees discovers a product has expired or if a chemical is no longer needed by the facility, you should immediately dispose of it in accordance with the government guidelines on hazardous waste, which states: “You must make sure hazardous waste produced or handled by your business in England causes no harm or damage." You must also ensure that you are complying with the HSE regulations that cover the amount of each substance you can keep in a single location.

Do COSHH cupboards have to be locked?

Yes, a HSE compliant COSHH cupboard must be fully lockable to secure toxic, irritant, poisonous, corrosive or otherwise harmful substances. They should always be locked when unattended, especially if vulnerable adults, children or animals could gain access to the contents. To learn more about the type of substances that you should lock in COSHH storage, refer to HSE guidance HSG51 and The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

How many COSHH cupboards are there?

The storage of hazardous substances is tightly regulated in the UK, but Seton can help you select the ideal solution for your business. We have a huge range of good value cabinets in various sizes and also stands to keep the chemicals conveniently at eye level.

Corrosive cabinets - This is the best COSHH cabinet for alkaline and acid chemicals that have corrosive properties. These Corrosive Cabinets are constructed from steel and includes reinforced double doors, so you can easily access the contents when required. They comply with the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquified Petroleum Gas Regulation 1972 and the relevant sections of HSE guidance HSG51 and DSEAR.

Fire-resistant cabinets - Our DSEAR-compliant Fire Resistant Safety Cabinet has been designed for the safe storage of dangerous substances and has a 30-minute fire rating. The inbuilt transport base makes this cabinet easy to relocate when necessary.

Galvanised bins - When you need to store chemicals outside, we have Galvanised Bins with leak-proof floors, reinforced doors and fixed staple hasps for padlocks. Compliant with
HSE guidance HSG51 and DSEAR, these outdoor COSHH cupboards also have been treated to provide resistance to rust.

FAQ

How often does a COSHH assessment have to be reviewed?

To warrant a new COSHH assessment, either working practices will have changed significantly or new information will have become available about your employee’s exposure to certain substances.

Who has to carry out a COSHH assessment?

If you are an employer, you are legally obliged under the COSHH Regulations 2002 and the Approved Codes of Practice to carry out the assessment. You can ask others to help with the task, as long as they have enough experience to consider any potential risks and the actions which could mitigate them.

Do all chemicals have to be locked up on my premises?

Mild cleaning chemicals are usually safe around adults and don’t have to be kept under lock and key in a COSHH cupboard. However, if people with learning disabilities or children are often in the building, it could be a sensible precaution.

Looking for help dealing with chemicals safely in your business?

Then look no further – grab our What is COSHH and COSHH Assessment in-depth guides and make sure you and your business are operating legally.