Storing Dangerous Goods in Retail Settings: Key Compliance, Risks, and Controls

Do dangerous goods regulations apply to retail settings? Yes they do.

An incident can occur in a retail setting, just as it would any workplace with dangerous goods. Whether it's a toxic gas cloud or exploding aerosols, there are controls required for retailers carrying dangerous goods. 

For the safety of employees, customers, general public, property and stock — as well as insurance implications, regulatory compliance and reputational issues — retailers must adhere to the specific regulations set by each Australian state for storing and handling dangerous goods.

Retailers must also follow the regulations set by their state or territory.

These regulations, which can fall under WHS laws or dangerous goods laws, depending on the jurisdiction, establish the legal requirements that must be met to prevent accidents and ensure safe environments.

There are some exemptions and allowances for retail environments, but retailers still need to consider quantity limits, and be aware of incompatible materials, and apply risk-based controls.

Understanding State Regulations and Compliance Obligations

Retailers need to be aware of the regulations in their specific state, as these dictate the mandatory requirements for the storage and handling of dangerous goods. While Australian Standards, such as AS 3833:2024, provide best practice guidelines to manage risks, compliance with state regulations is non-negotiable.

It’s important for retailers to identify the types and quantities of dangerous goods they store, as different quantities may trigger different compliance obligations under state laws. Even if minimum quantities are stored, risks must still be managed effectively.

Australian Standards as Best Practice Controls

Australian Standards, like AS 3833:2024, outline best practices for the safe storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods in various settings, including retail. These standards offer guidelines on how to minimise risks but do not replace the need for compliance with state regulations.

Retailers should use these standards as a benchmark to enhance safety measures and ensure that their practices go beyond minimum regulatory requirements to protect both employees and customers.

Key Risk Controls for Dangerous Goods in Retail

To manage the risks associated with dangerous goods, retailers should implement a range of control measures that align with both state regulations and best practice standards.

Considerations including spill control and segregation are vital for retailers managing dangerous goods risks.

Here are some key ones to consider in a retail setting:

Spill Control Measures

Retail environments must be equipped with appropriate spill control equipment and trained staff to handle spills promptly and effectively. Spill kits should be readily available, and employees should know how to use them to prevent the spread of hazardous materials.

Segregation of Incompatible Items

Proper segregation of dangerous goods is crucial to preventing chemical reactions and ensuring safety. Incompatible substances, such as acids and bases or flammable and oxidizing materials, should be stored separately according to best practice guidelines and state regulations.

Storage and Handling Controls

Retailers should use appropriate storage solutions, such as fire-resistant cabinets and secure shelving, to store dangerous goods safely. Handling procedures should be clearly defined to minimise the risk of accidents during the movement or restocking of goods.

Fire Protection Systems

Effective fire protection systems are essential in retail settings, especially where lithium batteries and other high-risk items are stored. Traditional firefighting methods may not be effective against lithium battery fires, so specialised suppression systems should be considered.

Lithium Battery Concerns in Retail

Lithium batteries are common in retail but pose unique risks due to their potential to ignite and the difficulty of extinguishing such fires. Retailers should take extra precautions when storing and handling lithium batteries, including using battery storage and having specialised fire extinguishing equipment on hand.

Conclusion

By understanding the compliance requirements, risks, and controls associated with dangerous goods, retailers can better protect their business and customers. Adopting best practices, conducting regular training, and adhering to state regulations are key to maintaining a safe and compliant retail environment.

About Dangerous Goods Network

At Dangerous Goods Network, our purpose is to empower businesses to navigate the complex landscape of dangerous goods compliance with confidence. Leveraging our deep understanding of the inherent risks and complexities associated with storing and handling dangerous goods, we offer consulting packages tailored to your specific needs. All packages include access to our dangerous goods support service and are focussed on improving compliance and safety, while preserving operational efficiencies.