The storage recommendations apply to farmers and other professional users. Pesticide suppliers, including contractors supplying pesticides, need separate supplier-storage guidance.
Chemical storage cabinet, COSHH store and container for pesticides
A COSHH store for pesticides is the pesticide store itself: pesticides may be hazardous substances under the COSHH Regulations. Store all pesticides in their original containers with the approved product labels, and secure the store against unauthorised access.
The same requirements apply to a COSHH storage cabinet, box or container and to chemical storage solutions of any size: a store can be a purpose-built building, a conversion, a room within another building, a shipping container or a cabinet, and each type needs fire separation, an enclosure in good condition and containment.
A chemical storage cabinet for pesticides can be a purpose-built proprietary cabinet; a metal cabinet needs an internal bund or must stand within a bunded area. The cabinet must be secure, or sit in a secure area. Do not place it in a domestic dwelling, retail area, staffroom, office or any area where human or animal food is stored or processed.
Calculate the storage requirement
The store has to hold peak pesticide purchases, partly used containers, carry-over caused by unsuitable spraying weather and empty packaging awaiting disposal, including deliveries made before existing containers are exhausted.
A product label gives the trade name, MAPP registration reference, active ingredients and use precautions.
Each container's handling and storage instructions apply to a chemical storage cabinet or converted building as much as to a new store.
Where to site the store
Check nearby watercourses, drains and flood risks. Fire hazards, neighbouring activities and access for emergency services matter as well. Position the pesticide store so a leak or firefighting water can be contained without spreading contamination into the surroundings.
Bunded COSHH store and bunded chemical storage
For fixed stores, provide capacity to retain 110% of the total quantity likely to be stored, rising to 185% in an environmentally sensitive area. The bund should surround the whole store. Entrances, exits and service penetrations must preserve that containment.
Use sound, non-fragile materials resistant to liquid penetration. Masonry, concrete and joints may need rendering or sealing. Examine cracks, wall-to-floor joints and openings near floor level.
Purpose-built, converted and indoor stores
A store can be a purpose-built building, detached conversion, room within another building, shipping container or cabinet; fire separation, enclosure condition and containment apply to each type.
In a converted shipping container, floor-to-wall joints and low-level ventilation openings can let a spill escape.
Keep your spray records in one place. Free to start.
A small chemical storage cabinet still needs a suitable location and containment.
Shelves, labels and working conditions
Provide warning signs, adequate lighting and protection from frost where required.
Keep personal protective equipment and clean materials in the separate facilities specified for them.
Keep an up-to-date stock record away from the store.
Mobile pesticide storage
Keep pesticides outside the tractor or vehicle cab. Use secure containment or an external cabinet appropriate to the vehicle, and lock the vehicle or cabinet when it is out of sight.
Check cabinet fastenings and pack support before travel.
Pesticide stock inventory: reconcile purchases, stock and use
Keep an up-to-date stock record. The store needs an up-to-date stock record that is easily available, with a copy kept away from the store for emergencies.
Enter each delivery on the day it arrives: product name, the MAPP number printed on the label, pack size and quantity.
Use the oldest stock first, and take out any product that is unapproved or unwanted, because the store should not hold either. The HSE register guide shows whether a product is still approved.
Fire resistance, separation and spill equipment
The store's walls and doors should resist fire for at least 30 minutes; the roof is excluded from that construction recommendation. Keep the location at least four metres from combustible materials, dwellings and ignition sources such as grain dryers or welding.
Cabinets should be outside domestic accommodation, retail areas, staffrooms, offices and food storage or processing areas. Access to a store inside a larger building should also avoid those areas. Keep lids, doors and windows locked or otherwise secure when unused.
Store powders above liquids. Protect plastic packs from direct sunlight and shade windows where necessary. Exposed-element electrical heaters, oil heaters and gas heaters are unsuitable for frost protection. Remove waste cardboard and keep pallets from obstructing walking routes or reducing bund capacity.
Provide a brush, shovel, absorbent granules or sand and an impermeable container for spill materials. Mark the exterior with the danger warning and smoking prohibition signs. Keep emergency telephone numbers with the inventory outside the enclosure.
Check the delivery vehicle after unloading
Inspect the mobile store for projections that could puncture a pack. Before the return journey, secure part-used container caps, collect empty packaging and return unused pesticides to the fixed store.
Next step
See the SDS folder guide and the disposal guide.