Chemical Warehousing: A Guide

Chemical warehousing needs specialist buildings, approvals and trained people, because the cost of getting it wrong is counted in fires, spills and harm to people. This guide explains how to evaluate a provider anywhere in India. We want to be upfront: Farbe Enterprise does not currently offer chemical or hazardous goods storage.

Start with the safety data sheets

Every product you plan to store should have a current safety data sheet. It sets out the hazard class, storage conditions, incompatible materials and emergency measures, and it is the basis for every question you will ask a provider. Build a simple register before you shortlist:

Approvals to ask about

Requirements depend on what you store and how much, and they can differ between states, so treat this as a starting list and confirm it with your safety adviser:

• A current fire safety certificate or no-objection certificate for the building
• Licences from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) where petroleum products, compressed gases or other controlled classes are involved
• Consent from the state pollution control board, where applicable
• Any approvals linked to the quantity of hazardous chemicals held on site

Ask for copies, check that they name the exact premises and cover your classes and quantities, and note the expiry dates.

Checklist for chemical warehousing providers

Segregation and building design

• Are incompatible classes kept in separate compartments or at safe distances?
• Is there secondary containment, such as bunds or sumps, around liquid storage?
• Does ventilation suit the vapours your products may release?
• Are electrical fittings suitable for flammable atmospheres where needed?

Fire and emergency readiness

• What detection and suppression systems are installed, and when were they last tested?
• Is there a written emergency plan, and when was the last drill?
• Are spill kits and protective equipment on hand and actually used?
• How quickly will you be told about an incident or near miss?

Monsoon and site risks

• Has the site flooded before, and are water-reactive materials stored well clear of any water?
• Where does run-off from the yard, or from firefighting, drain to?

Transport and liability

• Can the provider coordinate vehicles and drivers that meet hazardous goods rules, with emergency information travelling with each load?
• What insurance covers your stock, and who is liable for incidents?

Warning signs on a site visit

• Drums of different products stacked together without regard to compatibility
• Stained floors, or no containment around liquids
• Blocked exits or fire equipment
• Staff unable to explain the emergency procedure

What we can help with

Chemical companies also handle material that is not hazardous: new, clean packaging, engineering spares, project material and finished goods that are not classed as dangerous. These may suit general or industrial warehousing, and moving them out of a licensed store can free space for the materials that need it. Talk to us about whether your goods fit through our contact form, or see how our 3PL services work.

Frequently asked questions