One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: Should I store my dangerous goods indoors or outdoors? Like many work health and safety questions, it will all depend on the type of dangerous goods you are handling and/or storing.
Dangerous goods are termed as such because they can potentially harm people or the environment, and can even damage property if they are handled incorrectly. Dangerous goods come in a variety of liquids, solids, or gases.
They also come in a variety of qualities, some are toxic, corrosive, oxidising, flammable, or explosive. There are some that can spontaneously combust, or react violently when exposed to water or air.
We utilise dangerous goods on a daily basis as normal consumers and professionally. Items like an aerosol whipped cream, spray paints, or household cleaning materials may seem safe, but they do require special care during use and/or transport.
Based in Brisbane, Wholesale Safety Storage Australia (WSSA) provides safety compliant health and safety equipment, which we can deliver across Australia from our warehouses located in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.
What are Dangerous Goods?
Any product that may cause harm to humans, the environment, and cause property damage are considered dangerous or hazardous goods. Proper precautions have to be taken from shipping to storage to ensure the safety of people and facilities.
Dangerous goods come in various forms such as, chemicals, liquids, solids, or gases. They can either be flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidising, radioactive, or even infectious substances. These materials are regulated by national and international standards to ensure their safe handling, transport, and storage.
Procedures are established to classify hazardous goods based on the specific physical and chemical characteristics of the product are in place. A good practice for determining if the product/s might be dangerous is by inspecting its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the product’s manufacturer.
Dangerous goods are classified by the Australian Dangerous Code into 9 classes, namely:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases
- Class 3: Flammable liquids
- Class 4: Flammable solids
- Class 5: Oxidising agents/substances
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
- Class 7: Radioactive substances
- Class 8: Corrosive substances
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous articles and substances
It is important to note that the level of risk and the type of reaction of these dangerous products and/or substances are different according to their class classification and the special properties of the substance.
It is therefore just as important to be aware that the quantity, location, and properties of each material within the vicinity of other substances be determined, to assess the level of risks associated with working with or handling these substances. This determination should also include their mixtures and solutions.
NOTE: Incompatible dangerous goods should be transported and stored separately to prevent risks from accidental contact or mixing. Check the material’s SDS to see their compatibility and/or incompatibility with other substances.
Why Dangerous Goods Require Safety Storage.
The situation and conditions at your job site is a prime consideration before deciding whether you would need an indoor or outdoor dangerous goods safety cabinets. It is important that you manage and store them in a way that minimises the risks that these dangerous goods may pose.
Dangerous or hazardous materials must be stored and transported with care according to specific regulatory requirements set by transport legislation and Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.
The storage of dangerous goods is a crucial aspect of compliance and safety for any organisation that handles and uses dangerous/hazardous materials. This includes the use of specialised and compliant storage containers/cabinets, and the strict implementations of safety protocols for handling, storage, and transporting.
Utilising safety storage cabinets mitigates the risk of accidents, injuries, or accidental exposure to hazardous substances. Normally, accidents involving dangerous goods commonly happen during handling or transport. If dangerous goods are not stored correctly, it may lead to contamination, spills, fires, gas releases, and/or toxic exposures.
It is crucial that facilities comply with regulations, guidelines, and industry standards for the safe storage of dangerous goods. Along with adhering to relevant regulations and guidelines, it must also have the appropriate fire protections in place, and be equipped with emergency response procedures and spill kits in case of accidents.
Safety storage also enhances a culture of safety in the workplace. It helps your personnel be mindful of the potential risks when working with hazardous substances and the necessary precautions to take. This awareness can contribute in reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries from happening.
WSSA is one of the largest authorised and most reputable health and safety equipment manufacturers in Australia. We can deliver our products direct to your location from any of our warehouses in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney.
Our products meet Australian safety guidelines and are all 100% guaranteed and designed for Australian conditions.
Australian Standards for Dangerous Goods.
The safe storage of dangerous goods are outlined in the Australian Standards. While safety can be achieved by adhering to the requirements.
The Australian Standards are a set of broad requirements that are specific to the class of dangerous goods you might have in your workplace. Along with this, there are also additional Australian regulations that address a range of issues that include the safety and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods.
Australian Standards detail certain requirements and guidelines that are aimed at ensuring systems and services are unfailing. Currently, there are over 7,000 standards already established. For this reason, business owners take extra precaution for their businesses to remain compliant.
The Queensland Work and Health Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) regulates the storage, handling and use of hazardous chemicals. The standard in place that addresses the storage and handling of dangerous goods is AS1940-2017 – Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
It’s always a good idea to refer to the Australian Standard if you’re storing dangerous goods or chemicals in determining the proper storage for these goods. It can give clear and detailed guidance for any business working with dangerous goods.
The Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Dangerous Goods Safety Cabinets.
Both indoor and outdoor dangerous goods cabinets provide safety, however, they do differ in their intended use, design, and construction.
Indoor safety cabinets are designed and specifically intended for use within controlled environments such as manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and/or storage rooms. WSSA’s indoor flammable liquids safety cabinets, for instance, are designed to handle Class 3 Flammable Liquids.
Our various range of Australian manufactured flammable liquids storage cabinets feature self-closing doors with built-in vents and flash arrestors. They also feature spill containment sumps with drain. They are finished with water-resistant yellow epoxy/polyester powder. More importantly, they meet the requirements of AS1940-2017.
On the other hand, outdoor safety storage cabinets are designed to withstand harsh outdoor/environmental conditions. Unlike indoor dangerous goods storage cabinets, outdoor units are constructed with heavy-duty galvanised steel fit for construction sites and/or mining operations. WSSA Outdoor Dangerous Goods Storage is in compliance with AS2312-2014.
For controlled environments where access, fire protection, and temperature are controlled and monitored, indoor safety storage is recommended for use. When weather resistance and storage integrity is needed in open or exposed areas, the use of outdoor safety storage is recommended.
Keeping a Safe Workplace with Indoor and Outdoor Safety Cabinets.
Operating a worksite that carries and uses any type of dangerous goods poses a challenge. Maintaining a safe work environment is a key concern, looking at indoor and/or outdoor dangerous goods storage and keeping compliant with safety regulations that are necessary for the protection of your people, property, and the environment.
As an example, WSSA’s Indoor Flammable Liquids Safety Cabinets and Outdoor Dangerous Goods Storage are constructed in full conformance with Australian Standards. In selecting fully compliant dangerous goods storage for your workspace, you have taken a vital step towards avoiding hazardous workplace incidents and the associated government penalties that may arise from such an incident.
Nothing can be overstated when it comes to dangerous goods. Safety storage equipment is a crucial part in preventing accidents, protecting people, and preventing environmental hazards.
Take the appropriate action today and secure your workplace by acquiring WSSA’s health and safety equipment for your dangerous goods. Demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety by investing in high-quality and regulation compliant indoor and outdoor dangerous goods safety cabinets.