Shipping Containers for Chemical Storage

What Is A COSHH Store?

A COSHH store refers to a specialised storage area designed chemical storage of hazardous substances safely in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. These regulations are part of UK health and safety laws and aim at controlling exposure to harmful substances at work. Including chemicals, biological agents and fumes to protect employees’ health.

Our range of Chemical stores can be seen here;

A COSHH store typically:

Safely contains hazardous substances – Whether it’s chemicals, solvents, cleaning agents, or gases, the COSHH store ensures that these substances are kept in secure containers to prevent spills or accidents.
Prevents unauthorized access – The store is usually locked and only authorized personnel are allowed to access it, reducing the risk of accidental exposure or misuse.
Has proper ventilation and temperature control – Some hazardous substances may release toxic fumes or require specific conditions for storage, so the store is often designed with ventilation or climate control to mitigate risks.

Advantages of Using Shipping Containers for COSHH Storage

Security: Shipping containers are made from Corten steel, making them sturdy and secure. They can be locked using Squire Container Padlocks , providing a safe environment for storing hazardous materials and preventing unauthorised access.
Portability: If a business needs to relocate or if the hazardous substances need to be stored in different locations, shipping containers can be easily moved.
Cost-Effectiveness: Shipping containers are often more affordable than custom-built storage facilities. They provide an economical solution for businesses that need secure chemical storage without the need for extensive construction.
Durability: Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions while being transported across the world. They are weather-resistant, which helps in protecting the substances inside from environmental factors.
Space and Flexibility: Containers come in various sizes (e.g. 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft) and can be used to create sufficient space for storing hazardous materials, with the option to customize the interior with shelving, ventilation, or specific flooring requirements.
Compliance with Regulations: With the proper modifications (such as proper ventilation, temperature control, and fire safety measures), a shipping container can meet COSHH storage requirements and health and safety regulations.
Keep your distance: A shipping container can be situated away from your main building, so if the worst happens your more protected.

Factory Built Chemical Storage Container

One option for Chemical Storage Containers are our range of factory made COSHH stores. These have been specifically designed for the purpose of storing hazardous materials / chemicals. As these are containers specifically designed and manufactured as chemical stores, they have a shorter lead time than custom built ones. We generally have them in stock and ready to go right away. We also have a range of 20ft side opening chemical stores ready to go, giving you access to a the entire length of the container, expanding the potential for storing larger goods and giving you more access to make the most out of the space you have.

Flatpack Chemical Stores

Our flat pack chemical stores are a practical solution for safely housing hazardous materials on-site, with all the benefits of a regular flatpack container. Designed with flexibility and ease of use in mind, these units are constructed from galvanised steel and are available in both insulated and non-insulated options.

The insulated models feature 40mm polyurethane panels, providing excellent resistance to frost and condensation—ideal for environments where temperature control is important.

Each store includes a fully bunded floor to contain spills, high and low-level vents for airflow and double doors with dual locking systems for secure access. Forklift pockets allow for easy relocation, and flat pack delivery ensures efficient transportation and storage until installation. Assembly requires only basic tools and can typically be completed in under three hours. We have a video on our YouTube showing the construction of a similar unit.

Converting a Shipping Container into a Chemical Store

These are a great option for someone looking for something more specialised or custom. They will have a slightly longer lead time than our factory made units, but is often less expensive. These are our most popular units, and are the best fit for most projects.

Choosing your container:

Chemical stores can be made from a wide range of different container types and lengths. The most common choice are our 10ft Shipping containers, but anywhere up-to 40ft units and anything in between is suitable.

Flooring Options :

There’s a few options in terms of flooring, each with its own advantages. If you’d like to keep the cost low, the standard ply wood flooring is an option

although its not recommended for storing hazardous chemicals that can be spilled.

Another option is the chequer plate bunded flooring. Our basic bunded floor is made by overlaying the original plywood floor with chequer plate steel. It’s then seam welded to give a

watertight seal against the walls of the container. A door lip is then fitted, with a drain plug (to release safely any spillages). This method leaves a good floor for placing shelving etc on, but does mean that there’ll be a lip across the door to step over when going in/out of the container.

Finally, the most popular option is a raised mesh grate bunded floor. This means any spillages will be caught under the mesh floor for drainage and lessen the chances of slipping. The mesh floor is at the same height as the door lip so removes this as a potential trip hazard.

Vents

Depending on what you are storing inside you may need some additional ventilation. As some fumes are lighter than air and some heavier these Louvre vents are split with half near the floor . The other half are fitted to the top of the sides nearest the roof, for complete coverage. This allows any escaped gasses to vent and not smother the user when they open up the storage container.

The number and size of vents needed will vary according to your storage plans, so we work to your specification. We can supply vents in almost any size, and these are protected against rodent/insect ingress with wire mesh.

An Important Disclaimer

There are thousands of different chemicals that can be stored in these containers, each needing different specifications. It is important that you make sure the container supplied meets these needs.