We’ve seen it far too many times. Trusted and reputable companies have paid the ultimate price for improper chemical storage because they wanted to save a few dollars. Instead of investing in heavy gauge steel storage lockers, they have sought the cheaper shipping container storage option. The results? Well, if they were fortunate enough to avoid a catastrophic explosion or environmental contamination, they were saddled with thousands of dollars in civil penalties from the EPA and OSHA. In some situations, these fines eventually bankrupted once solvent and successful enterprises. Such dire straits could’ve easily been avoided by investing in an economical container storage from U.S. Hazmat Storage.
Invest in four-hour fire rated protection to remain compliant and avoid improper chemical storage
Most businesses and commercial enterprises operate under razor-thin profit margins. We live and do business in a capitalist market where consumers can compare similar products before making a purchase. For better or for worse, consumers will likely choose the cheaper product without the due diligence of research. This is a sad reality of an open market that favors quantity over quality. As a result, many companies are forced to carry on with shoestring budgets. If you’re manufacturer or contractor that routinely handles dangerous chemicals, you’re profit margins are far slimmer than you might realize.
Most companies view proper chemical storage as a cost instead of what it really is: insurance and risk mitigation. Proper chemical storage sort of works like damage control. Chances are, you’re worksite or factory will never experience a chemical mishap or incident. But knowing that you are protected against a spill or fire can give you peace of mind, which is an immeasurable feeling. This type of vetted steel insurance can keep your company solvent for years to come.
Don’t become another statistic due to improper chemical storage
Every year, non-compliant companies are caught off-guard by overzealous EPA inspectors. At the end of their government sanctioned tours, EPA and other authorities having jurisdiction will leave hefty civil fines and penalties as parting gifts. Earlier this year, a Glendale, Calif. metals company was fined nearly $50,000 by the EPA for improperly storing hazardous waste. Invariably, situations such as these could’ve been avoided by properly labeling dangerous chemicals, which comes with the territory of proper chemical storage. If you’re taking inventory or performing an audit of dangerous chemicals within your storage locker, chances are good that you’re labeling these items and putting them in their right place.
Fire suppression system and chemical sump can stop and mitigate risks of fire or spills
Each highly engineered fire-rated and non fire-rated chemical storage locker is outfitted with a continuous steel grated sump system. If a spill was to occur, the toxic chemicals will simply fall through the grated floor system and will be collected by a sump. The chemicals will remain there until safely removed. This prevents further contamination to your workforce and surrounding environment. Select units are also equipped with a unique fire suppression system so flames are quickly extinguished if errant sparks create a fire within your storage locker.
