Storage

Inside a chemical storage shed

Storing agricultural chemicals correctly will help prolong their shelf life and protect the health of people, animals and the environment. Chemical product labels and MSDS contain storage directions that should be followed.

Chemicals should be safely locked away from children, unauthorised people and animals. Chemicals should be stored according to ‘The Storage and Handling of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals’ (Australian Standard 2507-1998), which can be purchased from SAI Global, www.saiglobal.com.

If storing chemicals in small quantities, you should:

• maintain a list of all chemicals kept in storage
  
• store chemicals in a cool, well-ventilated area that is away from direct sunlight (e.g. shed), lockable, has an impervious floor and shelving and is bunded to contain spills
  
• avoid stockpiling chemicals by purchasing them when the need arises
  
• store chemicals in their original labelled containers (if labels come off, re-label the container)
  
• keep all MSDS in a register nearby for easy access
  
• never store chemicals in food or drink containers
  
• separate incompatible/different chemical types to avoid cross-contamination
  
• never store chemicals with seeds, fertilizers, protective clothing or stockfeed
  
• ensure running water, first aid and other facilities as required by the MSDS are available.

Further information

• On Farm Pesticide Storage (minor storage)
• Farm Chemical Storage Sites affected by Flooding