5 Overlooked Risks of Poor Hazardous Material Storage (and How to Stay Compliant)

Compiled by: Schalk w Lubbe

The Silent Threat in Your Storeroom

From industrial chemicals to everyday cleaning products, hazardous materials are present in more workplaces than many business owners realise. Unfortunately, improper storage is one of the most common — and overlooked — risks in South African workplaces.

The Hazardous Substances Act and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act set strict requirements for how these materials must be stored. But too often, compliance is only taken seriously after an inspection, incident, or accident exposes the gaps.

Here are five overlooked risks of poor hazardous material storage — and what you can do to stay compliant.

1.⁠ ⁠Legal Breaches

Regulatory non-compliance: Hazardous substances are subject to specific storage rules, including container standards, labelling, and segregation requirements.

Serious penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines, confiscation of materials, and even temporary closure of your business.

How to stay compliant: Conduct regular audits to ensure all hazardous materials are clearly labelled, properly stored, and documented according to South African legislation.

2.⁠ ⁠Increased Fire and Explosion Risk

Incompatible storage: Placing flammable liquids next to oxidisers can trigger highly dangerous chemical reactions.

Poor ventilation: Without sufficient airflow, vapours and fumes can accumulate and become a fire hazard.

How to stay compliant: Store incompatible materials separately, use flameproof cabinets where required, and ensure adequate ventilation in all storerooms.

3.⁠ ⁠Health Hazards for Staff

Toxic exposure: Incorrectly labelled or unprotected storage can cause burns, respiratory damage, or poisoning.

Accidental mixing: Unmarked or repurposed containers can lead to dangerous chemical combinations.

How to stay compliant: Train staff in hazardous material handling, enforce the use of PPE, and ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible.

4.⁠ ⁠Insurance Complications

Claim refusals: Insurers may decline claims if it is proven hazardous substances were not stored correctly.

Increased premiums: Poor risk management can raise your insurance profile and costs over time.

How to stay compliant: Align your storage practices with insurer requirements and keep updated compliance records.

5.⁠ ⁠Environmental Damage

Soil and water contamination: Leaks, spills, or improper waste disposal can damage ecosystems and affect surrounding communities.

Costly clean-ups: Environmental remediation often costs far more than the original value of the stock lost.

How to stay compliant: Use spill containment measures, inspect storage areas regularly, and implement a clear spill response plan.

The Bottom Line

Hazardous materials need more than a locked cupboard — they demand proper classification, segregation, and storage in line with South African safety standards.

A proactive audit today can protect your staff, safeguard your business, and prevent a costly disaster tomorrow.