A chemical store self-assessment checklist

A monthly self-assessment catches most store problems before an inspector or an incident does. Walk the store with this checklist, tick yes or no, and record an action and an owner for every "no".

The store

Is the store away from production areas, and not next to the canteen or food storage?
Are large quantities of chemicals all kept in the store, not scattered around the site?
Are there warning signs at the store, including a no-smoking sign?
Is access restricted and the store locked?
Is the lighting adequate?
Is the ventilation adequate?

Arrangement of chemicals

Does each chemical have a fixed storage place?
Are aisles and walkways clear of chemicals?
Where shelves are needed, are they provided and sturdy enough?
Is there an up-to-date chemical inventory?
Are chemicals segregated by hazard class and compatibility (acids from bases, oxidisers from flammables)?
Are corrosives stored on the lowest shelf?
Is secondary containment provided, with enough capacity (at least 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total, whichever is greater)?

Containers

Does every container carry the GHS label elements (product identifier, pictograms, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, supplier), in a language workers understand?
Are containers in good condition, with no leaks, corrosion or bulging?
Are food and drink containers never used as secondary containers?
Do containers have proper, tight-fitting caps?

Information

Is a current 16-section SDS available for every chemical, in a language workers understand?

PPE and emergency equipment

Are people entering the store or decanting chemicals wearing the PPE required by SDS Section 8?
Where the SDS requires one, is there a working, unobstructed eyewash station?
Is a stocked spill kit available, with inert absorbent and any material named in SDS Section 6?

Flammables, explosives and gases

Are flammables and gas cylinders kept away from ignition sources such as electrical equipment?
Are they kept away from other combustible material such as cardboard?
Are there enough fire extinguishers, in good condition and unobstructed?
Are there enough smoke detectors, connected to an alarm?
Are gas cylinders chained or otherwise secured against falling?

Scoring and follow-up. Count the "yes" answers to get a simple compliance score out of 26, and track it month by month. Treat any "no" on questions 11, 13, 14, 18, 20 or 26 as high priority, because these are the gaps most likely to turn a leak into an injury or a fire.

What to do

Print the checklist and keep each completed copy as an inspection record.
Use it as a baseline before training and again 2–6 weeks afterwards, to show improvement.

How INRC can help

If the checklist turns up more “no” answers than you can close internally, INRC can carry out an independent store inspection as part of our occupational health and safety or environmental audits services, and use it as a baseline for training. Contact us to discuss your site.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Check current legislation and regulations for your specific project.