Safe Chemical Storage & Spill Control
Chemicals are integral to our daily lives, even if their presence isn’t always obvious. Everything we can see, touch, taste and smell is made up of chemical compounds, and virtually every manufactured product involves the use of chemicals. When chemicals are used properly, they can improve our quality of life, health and well-being. Conversely, some chemicals are dangerous and can pose serious risks to our health and environment if they are improperly managed. When it comes to workplace safety, there’s always room for improvement – so here’s our top tips for improving chemical safety in your facility.
Chemical Storage Cabinets
As expected, safe chemical handling begins with storage. A dedicated hazardous storage cabinet is the best way to store chemicals because they are specifically designed for the correct class of hazardous goods. Australian Standards provide guidelines about how best to store different volumes of chemical classes. Chemical classes also determine the design of the cabinet. To be compliant with Australian Standards, some cabinets are equipped with safety features such as in-built bunding, ventilation systems and ground straps.
Class 3 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet – 100L- Designed for the storage of class 3 flammable liquids such as paints, varnishes and liquids which emit a flammable vapour.
- Manufactured to be fully compliant with Australian Standards.
- High capacity liquid tight sump to contain spills
- Reliable smooth gentle hydraulic self-closing doors with adjustable closure rate
- Weight: 65KG
- Ext Size: 800 x 920 x 615 (mm)
- Int Size: 553 x 838 x 535 (mm)
- Max Capacity: 100L
- Shelves: 2 (Including base)
- Stainless steel pin continuous hinging for strength and reliability
- Strong fully adjustable shelving perforated for free air movement, 100mm adjustment increments
- State of the art powder coat finish for high durability and performance
- Built in flash arrestors and vent openings (for mechanical ventilation systems)
- Clear safety signs and directors
Class 3 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet – 250L- Designed for the storage of class 3 flammable liquids such as paints, varnishes and liquids which emit a flammable vapour.
- Manufactured to be fully compliant with Australian Standards.
- High capacity liquid tight sump to contain spills
- Reliable smooth gentle hydraulic self-closing doors with adjustable closure rate
- Stainless steel pin continuous hinging for strength and reliability
- Strong fully adjustable shelving perforated for free air movement, 100mm adjustment increments
- State of the art powder coat finish for high durability and performance
- Built in flash arrestors and vent openings (for mechanical ventilation systems)
- Clear safety signs and directors
- Weight: 123KG
- Ext Size: 1750H x 1100W x 500D (mm)
- Int Size: 1503H x 1018W x 420D (mm)
- Max Capacity: 250L
- Shelves: 3 (including base level)
Class 8 Corrosive Substance Storage Cabinet – 100L- Designed for the safe and secure storage of all corrosive substances which are present in almost every workplace. Class 8 substances can cause great damage to metal so all Class 8 cabinets come with polyethylene sump liners ensuring corrosion will not occur in the event of a spill.
- Manufactured to be fully compliant with Australian Standards.
- High capacity liquid tight sump to contain spills
- Reliable smooth gentle hydraulic self-closing doors with adjustable closure rate
- Stainless steel pin continuous hinging for strength and reliability
- Strong fully adjustable shelving perforated for free air movement, 100mm adjustment increments
- State of the art powder coat finish for high durability and performance
- Built in flash arrestors and vent openings (for mechanical ventilation systems)
- Clear safety signs and directors
- Most cabinet types available in sizes from 30L-250L in capacity
Class 8 Corrosive Substance Storage Cabinet – 250L- Designed for the safe and secure storage of all corrosive substances which are present in almost every workplace. Class 8 substances can cause great damage to metal so all Class 8 cabinets come with polyethylene sump liners ensuring corrosion will not occur in the event of a spill.
- Manufactured to be fully compliant with Australian Standards.
- High capacity liquid tight sump to contain spills
- Reliable smooth gentle hydraulic self-closing doors with adjustable closure rate
- Stainless steel pin continuous hinging for strength and reliability
- Strong fully adjustable shelving perforated for free air movement, 100mm adjustment increments
- State of the art powder coat finish for high durability and performance
- Built in flash arrestors and vent openings (for mechanical ventilation systems)
- Clear safety signs and directors
- Most cabinet types available in sizes from 30L-250L in capacity
There are also safety guidelines on how close certain chemicals should be stored to one another. Some chemicals are extremely volatile in isolation or when in close proximity to others. A chemical segregation chart is a useful tool to help determine which chemicals are compatible (and can be stored together) and which must be kept apart.
In Australia two of the most popular type of hazardous chemical storage are flammable liquid cabinets and corrosive substance cabinets. Flammable liquid cabinets are yellow and used for liquids such as fuels, solvents, paints and adhesives. Corrosive substance cabinets are usually blue or grey and used for storing various acids and alkalis. Having the correct colour hazardous storage cabinet is important because emergency services use these to instantly identify what chemicals are in storage.
Chemical Bunds
The next step to support the safe storage of chemicals is to have a bunded area around them. Bunding is a secondary containment area which is designed to capture and prevent any spilled liquid from escaping. Bunds come in various forms, including spill pallets, floor bunding, portable containment bunding, and permanent structures like bund walls. Each type serves a specific purpose.
Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet, 1100L Sump (1600W x 1600L x 700H mm)The Stratex Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet provides a safe and efficient storage solution for hazardous liquids. A low 700mm working height helps to reduce risks during loading and unloading. It also features handy fork pockets for manoeuvrability. Stratex bunded spill pallets are constructed from high quality, durable and lightweight polyethylene. This bund offers superior chemical resistance and has a safe working load rating of 1350kg.
- This bund features a low height for ease of use (700mm)
- Stackable, space saving, innovative, protected design guarantees ultra-low delivery costs for multiple bunding units
- Generous working area (2.5m2) for one IBC or multiple small containers
- Fork pockets for easy movement (Remove IBC and empty spill pallet before moving)
- Optional clip-on dispensing units direct any spills while decanting into the sump, meaning liquids can be retrieved and reused saving time and money.
- All-weather covers for outdoor storage and sump plugs for drainage and spilled liquid recovery available.
- Dimensions: 700H x 1600W x 1600L mm. 1100L Sump.
4 Drum Bunded Spill Pallet, 240L SumpDrum bunded spill pallets are designed to fit four 205 litre drums for safe and practical storage of hazardous liquids, oils, chemicals, batteries and more.
Features:
- 240 litre sump capacity complies with Australian regulations
- Forklift spaces compatible with most fork lifts and pallet trucks for easy manoeuvring.
- Lightweight, tough and durable polyethylene construction
- Superior chemical resistance
- Low bund working height provides ease of access
- Dimensions: 1300 x 1300 x 300mm
- 1250kg safe working load
Megabund Floor Bunding, Per Metre (w/ Dynabolts) 25mmH x 150mmWMegaBund Floor Bunding is a premium polyurethane extruded floor bunding for the safe containment of hazardous liquids. With excellent chemical resistance, MegaBund is a versatile chemical storage solution which can be used in a range of different applications.
Flexible and low profile, this highly visible floor bunding is designed to reduce trip hazards and improve workplace safety, while being easily traversible by vehicles and forklifts. Stay compliant with Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3833:2007 and avoid EPA fines. The floor bunding can be cut into desired lengths to create a custom sized storage area, reducing cost and wastage.
MegaBund is easy and stress free to install; it is manufactured with pre-moulded points for dynabolts and only basic tools are required. 10 Dynabolts are included in the purchase of each floor bunding length. When purchasing tubes of Fulaprene Adhesive, we recommend using approximately 1 tube of adhesive to 3 lengths of Megabund. Watch the video for a step-by-step guide.
- Premium polyurethane extruded floor bunding with excellent resistance against acids, alkalis, fuels and oils.
- Heavy duty rigid floor bunding, suitable for high traffic areas including heavy vehicles and machinery.
- Low profile design is easily traversable by forklifts and vehicles.
- Available with corner units to complete the bunded area.
- Size: 25mmH x 150mmW x 1mL
Collapsible Sidewall Portable Bunding – 1700LStratex Collapsible or Drive-over Portable Bunds are ideal for the safe and compliant storage of drums, plant and equipment while containing any hazardous liquid leaks and spills. The bund wall supports are extremely strong and lightweight to ensure it can contain large volumes of spilled liquid. The compact design and flexible use means it is easy to store and transport, making it perfect for mobile or permanent operations. The collapsible sidewall is quick and easy to access for vehicles, forklifts and trolleys. It is engineered to withstand tough conditions and made from long lasting heavy duty 900gsm PVC material. Available to upgrade to extra tough 1020gsm XR5 geomembrane, with resistance to punctures, tears, abrasions, UV radiation, temperature extremes, hydrocarbons, oils, methane & alkalis. Increase bunding longevity by adding ground mats and vehicle track mats to prevent punctures and tears from rough surfaces. Available in both 300mm and 500mm wall heights to help meet sump capacity compliance with AS1940-2004. Portable Collapsible Sidewall Bunding is perfect for applications such as: Servicing heavy vehicles & machinery, Storage of drums and IBCs, Spill containment for plant & equipment, Wash bays
- Spill Pallets are compact and mobile units designed to catch leaks and spills from drums and containers. They are suitable as compliant storage for IBCs and drum bunds. Most spill pallets are made from polyethylene a durable material that is resistant to most chemicals.
- Floor bunding is installed directly onto flooring to create a raised barrier at doorways and around liquid storage areas. Floor bunding is best suited to wide areas such as warehouses and workshops. For floor bunding with superior chemical resistance, we would recommend either Megabund (polyurethane) or aluminium floor bunding.
- Portable Containment Bunding is ideal as temporary or semi-permanent liquid storage. This type of bunding can be used for maintenance work, wash areas and emergencies. Portable bunding is ideal for use outdoors and in remote locations. Our collapsible sidewall bunds are made from 900gsm heavy duty PVC that is highly resistant to chemicals including acids, hydrocarbons and oils.
- Bund walls are permanent structures built around tanks or storage areas. They are commonly made from brick, stone, concrete and are ideal for industrial or high-risk environments. Bund walls are
Each bund type has a specific purpose and in some instances combinations may be required. Ultimately this will be determined based on handling and storage practices, proximity to drains and other environmentally sensitive areas. Current regulations state that bunding should hold at least 110% of the largest container’s volume or 25% of the total volume of all containers stored.
Chemical Spill Kits
While every effort is made to prevent chemical spills, the risk can never be entirely eliminated. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right spill response tools in place. A combination of well-trained staff and the appropriate spill kit is essential for minimising damage, reducing downtime, and avoiding costly cleanups.
240L Wheeled Bin Standard Spill Kit – ChemicalThe Standard Range of Spill Kits are designed for indoor and outdoor spills on both sealed and unsealed surfaces. These can include sealed surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or metal, and also unsealed surfaces such as dirt or gravel. To ensure you can handle any spill incident, they contain a range of absorbents from pads, socks, cushions to granular absorbent.
Stratex Spill Kits are an integral part of compliance with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested.
50L Carry Bag Spill Kit – ChemicalThese spill kits are a compact, all-in-one kit designed especially for protecting your mobile workforce. They provide fast emergency response to any spill situation, and only take up a small space in larger machinery including trucks, excavators, cranes and drilling rigs. The 50 Litre Spill Kit comes packed in a heavy-duty, re-sealable bag and has handles for easy portability from vehicle to spill site.
It contains absorbent socks to encircle spills and protect drains and absorbent pads and cushions to absorb the bulk of spilled liquid. It also contains highly versatile granular absorbent which enables it to absorb spills on both sealed surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, and unsealed surfaces such as gravel and dirt.
Personal protective equipment and contaminated waste disposal bags are included for clean-up and disposal. It includes a laminated instruction card for usage guidance, and a reorder form for easy restocking.
Stratex Spill Kits are an integral part of compliance with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested.
AVAILABLE IN:
Stratex 50 Litre General Purpose Spill Kit | K24-3050
Stratex 50 Litre Oil & Fuel Spill Kit | K24-3250
Stratex 50 Litre Chemical Spill Kit | K24-3450
Acid Neutralising Powder – 4L BottleStratex Acid Neutraliser has a pH of 10.7 (1% Solution) and is designed to absorb and neutralise small acid spills. The Acid Neutraliser is a white powder which is spread over small spills, allowing for safe handling and non-hazardous disposal. Suitable for use with spills of acidic chemicals such as methanoic acid, ethanoic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid or similar. It is not recommended for use with hydrofluoric acid.
Alkali Neutralising Powder – 4L BottleStratex Alkali Neutraliser has a pH of 2.2 (10g/l @ 20°C) and is designed to absorb and neutralise small alkaline spills. The Alkali Neutraliser is a white powder which is spread over small spills, allowing for safe handling and non-hazardous disposal. Suitable for use with spills of alkaline chemicals such as ammonia, calcium carbonate (lime), sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (potash) or similar.
NOTE: Ensure suitable Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when using Stratex Alkali Neutraliser. Ensure the chemical does not come into contact with skin or clothing, and that no fumes emitted during the neutralisation are inhaled.
Stratex chemical spill kits are specifically designed for handling hazardous spills, featuring highly visible yellow absorbents that are easily identifiable in an emergency. These kits absorb aggressive chemicals quickly and efficiently, ensuring a safer work environment. When choosing which size spill kit or how many to get, always consider your largest liquid container size and ease of access within your facility.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) valuable resource for determining how to deal with chemical spills. They provide important details about chemical properties, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and proper disposal methods. For certain chemicals, such as acids or alkalis, neutralisation may be necessary prior to cleanup to ensure safe handling. Stratex’s acid and alkali neutralising powders make this process easy for a fast and safe clean up.
Accidental Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
Emergency shower and eyewash stations play a vital role in delivering immediate first aid during accidental exposure to chemicals or other hazardous substances. These stations can be either a standalone shower, a standalone eyewash station, or a combination of both. Australian Standards refer to two types of emergency eyewash and shower systems; primary and supplemental.
Primary equipment is that which can be operated continuously without hands for a minimum of 15 minutes, whilst meeting minimum flow rates and spray patterns. Supplemental equipment refers to personal eyewash systems, many of which are bottle operated with gravity dispensing. These are designed to support primary systems and intended for interim use until a primary system can be reached.
Emergency Eyewash SignStratex offers a range of emergency signage to ensure your business stays safe and compliant.
Stainless Steel Safety Shower & EyewashThe combination safety shower & eyewash unit saves space and fits easily into any work environment, allowing workers to flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury. The shower valve operates quickly by a pull rod with a round handle. Shower provides a superior washdown with a more even spray pattern. Eyewash operated by a large, attractive push handle. Safe, steady water flow under varying water supply conditions from 0.2-0.8 Mpa is assured by integral flow control valve assembly.
Technical Details
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Shower Head: 10 inch 304 Stainless Steel Shower Head
- Eyewash Bow: 11-1/2 inch 304 Stainless Steel Eyewash Bowl
- Spray Head: ABS plastic in safety yellow colour
- Valve: Shower valve is made of 1 inch SS ball valve
- Eyewasher valve is made of 1/2 inch SS ball valve
- Pedestal: 304 Stainless Steel Pedestal
- Foot treadle: 304 Stainless Steel
- Flow Valve build in to avoid secondary hurt
- Water working pressure: 0.2MPA-0.8MPA
- Flow control: 76L/Min
- Standard: EN 15154-1&2, AS 4775:2007, ANSI Z358.1-2014
- Gross Weight: 18.8KGS
- Net Weight: 17.5KGS
- Dimension: 91cmx41cmx30cm
Applications:
- Medical laboratories
- Dangerous and corrosive materials
- Chemical manufacturing
- Decontamination
Wall Mounted Safety ShowerProduct Features
- Basic wall mounted style safety shower
- 304 Stainless Steel construction
- Hand operated, SST pull rod
- Dimensions: 84cm x 21.5cm x 11.5cm
- Complies to AS4775:2007
- Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z358.158.1
- Water working pressure: 0.2MPA – 0.8MPA
- Flow control: 76L/Min
Applications- Medical laboratories
- Schools and Universities
- Dangerous and corrosive materials
- Chemical manufacturing
- Decontamination
- Petrochemical
Product Features- Basic wall mounted style safety shower
- 304 Stainless Steel construction
- Hand operated, SST pull rod
- Dimensions: 84cm x 21.5cm x 11.5cm
- Complies to AS4775:2007
- Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z358.158.1
- Water working pressure: 0.2MPA – 0.8MPA
- Flow control: 76L/Min
Applications- Medical laboratories
- Schools and Universities
- Dangerous and corrosive materials
- Chemical manufacturing
- Decontamination
- Petrochemical
Wall Mounted EyewashProduct Features
- 304 Stainless steel construction
- Wall-mounted design for tight settings
- Eye wash sprays with integral flip dust covers
- Balanced water supply inlets ensure optimum wash pattern
- Hand operated
- SST valves, fittings and handle
- Certified to Australian Standards AS 4775-2007
- Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, EN15154-1&2
Applications
- Chemical plants
- Fuel Depots
- Construction Sites
- Laboratories
The Ongoing Nature of Chemical Safety
Whilst the above isn’t an exhaustive list, it highlights the key foundations to improve chemical safety in the workplace. By investing in proper storage, spill response, and emergency equipment, organisations can ensure that they are meeting their general environmental duty (GED) whilst protecting workers and the environment. Chemical safety is not a one-off solution – it requires an ongoing commitment to 1policies, processes and training. There are safety risks in every workplace, and whilst they can’t always be eliminated, they can be managed for a safer and more productive workplace.