What is a COSHH Cabinet and What are the Requirements in the UK

Understanding COSHH Cabinet Requirements in the UK

If your workplace uses chemicals, cleaning products, oils, solvents or other hazardous substances, then knowing how to store them safely is an important part of managing possible workplace risks.

But what does COSHH actually require, and when do you need a dedicated COSHH cabinet?

Well, the answer depends on the substances you use, quantities you keep on site and the risks that they present. There isn't one cabinet that suits every chemical or substance, or every workplace. So it’s important to understand what you're storing and make sure your storage arrangements are suitable.

In this guide, we'll take a look at the main COSHH cabinet requirements in the UK, where hazardous substances should be stored and what to consider when reviewing your existing storage or options.

What Does COSHH Say About Storing Hazardous Substances?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations require employers to assess the risks posed by hazardous substances and prevent or adequately control employees' exposure to them.

This includes more than how chemicals are used during day-to-day work. Businesses also need to consider how hazardous substances are stored, handled and disposed of, along with what could happen if something went wrong.

For example, a workshop might use cleaning chemicals and lubricants, while a manufacturing business could handle solvents, acids or other chemicals in larger quantities. Each application presents different or unique risks, so the storage arrangements need to reflect what's actually being used.

A COSHH risk assessment should help identify any risks and the measures that are needed to manage them. These could be:

• Keeping hazardous substances in suitable, clearly labelled containers.

• Storing chemicals in a designated area.

• Separating substances that could react dangerously with one another.

• Preventing leaks and containing spills.

• Restricting access where necessary.

• Providing suitable ventilation and other controls where the assessment identifies a need.

COSHH doesn't automatically require every business to install a dedicated COSHH cabinet.

When Does a Workplace Need a COSHH Cabinet?

There isn't a rule that says every workplace using hazardous substances must have a cabinet labelled as a COSHH cabinet.

But, dedicated chemical storage is worth considering whenever substances could present a risk if they're left in unsuitable locations, stored near incompatible products or accessed by people who shouldn't be handling them.

A COSHH cabinet might be appropriate if your business:

• Stores hazardous cleaning products, chemicals or maintenance fluids.

• Uses solvents, paints or other products containing hazardous substances.

• Needs to keep chemicals separate from general workplace equipment and materials.

• Requires lockable storage to control access.

• Needs a suitable solution for containing leaks or spills.

• Stores flammable liquids and needs a purpose-designed storage unit.

The right solution depends on what you're storing. A workshop with a few containers might have different storage needs to a manufacturing site with several drums of chemicals.

Understanding the difference between general chemical storage and flammable storage is important as well. A cabinet considered suitable for storage of one flammable chemical, may not be suitable for the other.

For smaller containers, a purpose-designed cabinet may be the most practical option. Unimac's chemical storage cabinet range includes the Armorgard ChemCube cabinets, while the Armorgard Chembank range offers further options for secure hazardous-substance storage.

Before choosing a cabinet, you need to check its specifications and confirm that it's suitable for the chemicals, quantities and storage conditions that apply to you and your workplace.

Where Should Hazardous Substances Be Stored?

Hazardous substances should be kept in a suitable, designated storage area where the risks of exposure, accidental release and contact with incompatible materials can be controlled.

Just putting chemicals in a cupboard or moving them out of the way isn't enough. The location, container, surrounding environment and type of storage all need to be carefully considered.

When you’re deciding where to store hazardous substances, consider the following.

Keep chemicals in suitable containers

Containers should be compatible with their contents, in good condition and securely closed when not in use. Keep the original labels wherever possible, and make sure any replacement containers are clearly identified.

Separate incompatible substances

Some chemicals can react dangerously if they come into contact with one another following a leak or spill. Acids and caustic substances are one example of products that may need to be kept apart. Always check the relevant safety information and do not assume chemicals can share the same storage area.

Consider leaks and spills

Where liquids are stored, consider what would happen if a container leaked. Depending on the application, secondary containment such as a sump or bund may be needed to prevent spilled material from spreading.

Choose a suitable location

Storage areas should be positioned with the substances' hazards in mind. Consider sources of heat or ignition, the risk of containers being damaged by vehicles or equipment, access for staff and emergency arrangements.

Think about ventilation

Some substances can release harmful or flammable vapours. Whether a ventilated cabinet or another ventilation arrangement is required will depend on the substances and the risks involved. Any ventilation system needs to be appropriate for the application.

For businesses storing larger quantities of chemicals, a small cabinet may not be practical. So units such as the Armorgard FlamStor range are designed for larger-scale hazardous-substance storage, with features that vary by model.

The important point is to choose storage based on the application or substance being stored, rather than trying to make the chemicals fit whatever space is available.

Do COSHH Cabinets Need to Be Locked or Ventilated?

This is a common question, but the answer isn't a straightforward yes or no.

Locking and ventilation serve different purposes, and whether they're needed depends on the substances being stored and the risks identified by an assessment.

Should a COSHH cabinet be locked?

A lockable cabinet can help prevent unauthorised access, reduce the risk of misuse and keep hazardous substances separate from general workplace materials.

This can be particularly important when certain chemicals should only be handled by trained or authorised staff.

However, COSHH doesn't impose a blanket requirement for every chemical storage cabinet to be locked. Access arrangements should reflect the hazards, the workplace and any other relevant requirements.

When you’re choosing a cabinet, you should consider who needs access, how frequently the chemicals are used, and whether additional security is necessary.

Do COSHH cabinets need ventilation?

Not all chemical or hazardous substance storage cabinets need ventilation, it depends on the substances being stored, their properties and the manufacturer's storage guidance.

Some hazardous substances might release vapours that need to be controlled. Flammable liquid storage can also require specific design features to manage any associated risks.

For example, at Unimac, our Armorgard FlamBank hazardous goods cabinets include features like high and low-level ventilation, flame-arresting gauze and a sump on some models.

It's important not to assume that adding ventilation automatically makes a cabinet suitable for any chemical. The storage unit must be appropriate for the substances being stored, and any required ventilation needs to be arranged safely.

If you're unsure whether a cabinet needs to be locked, ventilated or fitted with additional containment, you should check the safety data sheets, manufacturer's specifications and the findings of your risk assessment.

Can Different Chemicals Be Stored in the Same Cabinet?

Sometimes, yes, but you shouldn't assume that different chemicals can safely share the same cabinet.

The main thing to consider and check is compatibility. If containers leak or spill, certain substances can react with each other, potentially producing heat, fire, toxic gases or other dangerous effects.

For example, some acids and alkalis need to be separated. Oxidising substances may also need to be kept apart from flammable materials and other incompatible chemicals.

Before storing different products together, check their safety data sheets and identify any substances that must be segregated. Pay attention to the storage and incompatibility information.

You should also consider whether the cabinet is suitable for all the substances it will contain. A cabinet designed for flammable liquids, shouldn't automatically be treated as suitable for corrosive chemicals for example.

Depending on the risks, the best arrangement may be to use separate cabinets or dedicated storage areas for different chemical groups.

Don't rely on the cabinet alone to make mixed chemical storage safe. The substances, containers, storage conditions and segregation arrangements all need to be considered together.

What Should You Check When Reviewing Your Chemical Storage?

Whether you're looking to set up a new storage area or review your existing one, take time to check your arrangements still meet the needs of your workplace.

Identify what's being stored

Make a list of the hazardous substances on site, quantities and where they're stored. Check that containers are labelled and that relevant safety data sheets are available.

Review the risks

Consider how the substances could harm employees, what might happen if a container leaks and whether the current set up provides suitable protection.

Check chemical compatibility

Make sure that any incompatible substances are separated and that the storage arrangements reflect the hazards for each chemical group.

Inspect the containers and storage area

Check for damaged containers, signs of leaks or spills and any damage to the cabinet or storage unit itself. Check that the doors, locks, shelves and containment features are in good working condition.

Check the cabinet specifications

If you're using a COSHH cabinet, confirm that it's suitable for the substances and quantities being stored. Consider whether you need lockable access, ventilation, spill containment or specific features for flammable substances.

Consider whether your storage capacity is sufficient

If chemicals are often being left outside the designated storage area because the cabinet is full, it may be time to review your storage capacity. Avoid overcrowding cabinets.

Make sure staff understand the arrangements

Employees should know where chemicals belong, how they should be handled and what to do if a container leaks or a spill occurs. Storage procedures need to be understood and followed.

Chemical storage should also be reviewed when the substances used, quantities stored or working arrangements change.

Finding the Right COSHH Cabinet for Your Workplace

The right cabinet will depend on what your business stores, how much you need to keep on site and the risks associated with those substances.

For smaller containers, a chemical storage cabinet may be suitable. Businesses storing flammable liquids may need a purpose-designed hazardous goods cabinet, while sites handling larger quantities may require a dedicated chemical store or drum storage unit.

Unimac supplies a range of storage solutions for different workplace requirements.

Explore our chemical storage cabinets, drum and IBC storage units and COSHH Cabinets to compare the available options.