Outdoor storage is a great way for homeowners and businesses to keep items like hazardous materials or dangerous machinery out of harm’s way.
However, while doing this might free up valuable indoor space and keep your property more organised, you will need to ensure that your setup adheres to safety regulations.
Between them, federal and state governments have mandated specific legislation that is designed to protect both humans and your property, as well as the surrounding buildings, public spaces and the environment overall.
If you don’t comply with them, it can lead to increased safety risks such as fires, chemical spills, or structural damage, and in worst case scenarios, you copping a costly fine and severe legal penalties due to negligence.
Overall, understanding and following outdoor storage safety regulations can be confusing, especially since the rules can vary depending on where you are based and the types of materials you are storing.
But while you should always consult with a lawyer to ascertain the correct procedures for you to follow, this guide on how to stay compliant with outdoor storage safety regulations, hopefully will make the picture a little clearer for you.
1. Understand local regulations
As mentioned, safety regulations for outdoor storage vary depending on what state you are based in. For this reason, it is important to know what rules and legislation apply in your case.
Local authorities or environmental agencies typically outline these rules, so you should consult with a lawyer to make sure you fully understand what you are mandated to do.
However, one requirement may include gaining permits for certain types of outdoor storage, especially larger structures like sheds. Additionally, zoning laws may be in place that outline where you can place storage units and what restrictions there are on how close they can be to property lines, sidewalks, or public spaces.
2. Choose the right storage materials
You should be aware that not all materials are suitable for outdoor storage, particularly if they are exposed to the elements. Therefore, it is important to choose materials that are durable, safe and fit for purpose.
For example, gas bottle storage containers are perfect for keeping oxygen and medical gas cylinders, forklift gas bottles, acetylene cylinders and aerosol cans. Additionally, there are other containers that are more appropriate for storing chemicals or hazardous materials, such as paints, petrol or fertilisers.
Whatever storage solution you use, make sure they are up to code on Australian Standards. This could require them to be UV-resistant and leak-proof, among other things.
3. Properly secure the stored items
It is important to properly secure the items you keep in your storage shed, not just to protect them from the potential of theft but also to minimise the risk of injury occurring.
You should always lock storage units and containers to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing them. At the same time, be sure to place heavier items on lower shelves and avoid stacking them too high to prevent them from tipping onto people.
Depending on the structure you use, you might need to secure it to the ground to prevent it from toppling or shifting in high winds or other extreme weather conditions.
4. Fire Safety
Often, fire regulations play a significant role when it comes to the safety of outdoor storage.
Depending on what materials you are storing, you might need to adhere to specific fire prevention measures. This might include ensuring that outdoor storage units are placed at a safe distance from homes or other structures to minimise the risk of fire and keeping flammable materials like petrol and propane placed in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight.
5. Environmental considerations
If it is not done correctly, storing items outdoors can have a significant negative impact on the environment. This is particularly true if you are storing chemicals or industrial materials.
For this reason, you should ensure that any hazardous materials are stored within spill-proof containment systems that prevent leaks from contaminating the soil or water supply.
It is imperative also to follow ethical and responsible procedures for disposing of items that can be harmful to the environment.
If in doubt, engage the services of a specialist, professional company who can remove and get rid of unused or expired chemicals and other potentially toxic materials at the most appropriate designated facility.
6. Routine inspections
Setting up outdoor storage solutions is one thing, but you should always routinely inspect them to make sure they remain compliant with state and federal regulations.
It is good practice to inspect your storage units for signs of wear and tear on a daily and weekly basis as appropriate. This should involve looking for signs of rust, cracks, or structural weakness that could compromise their effectiveness.
Additionally, you should ensure that all items have appropriate signs around them warning of their potential risks and correctly label every chemical and material you store in a clear and highly visible way.
On a periodic basis, it is worth keeping track of the current status of any permits or inspections that are required for your storage units and updating them as required.
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