Storage of hazardous substances

Whether in logistics or the chemical industry: as soon as hazardous substances are present in a company, many questions often arise, especially at the interfaces between hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

We advise you on safe co-storage, clarify when your warehouse requires an approval and which other environmental requirements, such as the AwSV, play a role in warehouse planning.

Benefit from our expertise. Our storage experts identify potential problems during the inventory and work with you to develop safe concepts for hazardous substance storage.

Large warehouse with stacked green and blue barrels on pallets.

Our storage services at a glance

Creating storage concepts

Compilation of all storage classes, quantities and structural/technical requirements to be considered
Explanation of the distinction between hazardous substances/dangerous goods, storage section/storage area, etc. (definition of terms)
Description of the storage situation/storage planning with statements regarding the substances to be stored
Presentation of the storage structure (actual storage concept) and the possibilities for combined storage
Explanations of measures for existing/planned storage classes in accordance with TRGS 509/TRGS 510
Explanations of further legal requirements from BImSchG, 4. BImSchV, 12. BImSchV, BetrSichV, AwSV, LöRüRL

Joint storage, TRGS 510

Determination and verification of storage classes
Assessment of co-storage possibilities
Determination of further material-specific storage requirements

Requirement for approval under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)

Checking whether approval is required and what type of approval/notification is likely to be necessary
Checking the quantity thresholds of the 12th BImSchV (Major Accidents Ordinance)
Preparation of permit applications or notifications in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)

operating instructions

Preparation of operating
instructions/hazardous substance operating instructions

Water protection in accordance with AwSV

Review of existing systems and assessment/classification of hazard levels
Preparation of plant documentation, operating instructions/information sheets in accordance with AwSV
Calculation of leak retention
Preparation of a notification in accordance with AwSV

Fire and explosion protection

Determination of potentially explosive areas (zone classification)
Hazard identification/assessment
Ignition source analysis
Preparation of explosion protection documents
Fire protection measures
Preparation of an alarm, escape and rescue plan

Training/instruction

Training courses for employees responsible for storage in accordance with their duties and responsibilities
On request, training courses on specific topics, such as the storage of hazardous substances in accordance with TRGS 510, the creation of operating instructions, the handling of water-polluting substances or explosion protection
Any specific operational requirements are clarified in advance and taken into account in the training

helpline

Quick access to UMCO's expertise
Enquiries are received and processed by telephone or email
Advice on legal requirements in the areas of health, safety and the environment
Advice on chemical law requirements

That is why we are the right choice for you

"Many of our customers are surprised at how many legal requirements apply to the storage of hazardous substances and how closely these are interlinked. It is often precisely at these interfaces that uncertainties arise, for example, when it comes to the question of whether a warehouse requires a permit or how substances and mixtures may be stored together correctly. We then provide clarity and work together to develop viable operational solutions."

Stephanie Vogt | Environmental protection expert and emissions control officer

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Interesting facts about storage at a glance

Hazardous substances are substances, mixtures or products with dangerous properties. According to GefStoffV:

hazardous substances and mixtures are classified into hazard classes,
substances or mixtures that are hazardous to the environment beyond the hazard class of water pollution
substances, mixtures and products that are explosive,
substances, mixtures and products from which substances according to number 1 or number 2 are produced or released during manufacture or use,
substances and mixtures that do not meet the criteria in numbers 1 to 3 but which, due to their physical-chemical, chemical or toxic properties and the way in which they are present or used in the workplace, may endanger the health and safety of employees,
all substances to which an occupational exposure limit value has been assigned.

According to TRGS 510, storage facilities are buildings, areas, rooms in buildings or outdoor areas intended for the storage of hazardous substances. This also includes containers and cabinets.

A storage section as defined in TRGS 510 is part of a storage facility that is separated in buildings by walls and ceilings, or outdoors by distances or walls that meet the requirements of this TRGS. Safety cabinets with a fire resistance of at least 90 minutes are considered storage sections.

When storing hazardous substances, it is important to consider the types of hazardous substances being stored and the quantities involved. Measures relating to emission control, water protection, fire protection, occupational safety, explosion protection and plant safety must be taken into account.

Not all hazardous substances may be stored together in one warehouse. In order to avoid possible reactions between hazardous substances and thus keep the potential risk as low as possible, separate storage is sometimes necessary. A table of compatible substances is provided in TRGS 510.