Whether you’re storing paints, oils, fuels, cleaning chemicals or other hazardous substances, choosing the right COSHH store is far more important than simply buying a steel container.
A properly designed COSHH storage unit protects your workforce, reduces environmental risk, helps you comply with current legislation and safeguards valuable products from theft and weather damage.
Unfortunately, many businesses purchase the cheapest available container only to discover later that it lacks adequate bund capacity, ventilation, shelving or security.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what makes a high-quality COSHH store, what features to look for and why investing in a purpose-built unit can save both time and money.
COSHH Store Manufacturers UK. Buy or Hire COSHH Containers
What Is a COSHH Store?
A professionally manufactured COSHH store built from a one-trip shipping container.
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
Any business storing hazardous substances has a responsibility to manage those materials safely, reducing risks to employees, visitors and the environment.
Purpose-built COSHH stores are commonly used by:
- Construction companies
- Civil engineering contractors
- Utility companies
- Local authorities
- Manufacturing businesses
- Agricultural businesses
- Highway maintenance contractors
- Rail contractors
- Plant hire companies
- Facilities management companies
Unlike a standard shipping container, a purpose-built COSHH store incorporates specialist features designed specifically for hazardous substance storage.
Why Is a Purpose-Built COSHH Store Important?
Storing hazardous chemicals incorrectly can lead to:
- Environmental contamination
- Fire risks
- Chemical spills
- Water pollution
- Expensive clean-up costs
- HSE enforcement action
- Damage to expensive equipment and stock
A professionally manufactured COSHH store helps minimise these risks whilst providing a secure, organised working environment.
Five Essential Features Every COSHH Store Should Include
Bunded Spill Containment
The bund is arguably the single most important component of any COSHH store.
A bunded floor is designed to contain accidental spillages, preventing hazardous liquids escaping into surrounding land or drainage systems.
The capacity of the bund should always be suitable for the products being stored.
Our featured unit incorporates an 1800-litre bund capacity, providing substantial spill containment should an accident occur.
The raised galvanised floor allows liquids to drain safely into the bund below while keeping stored products above any collected liquid.
Effective Ventilation
Many hazardous products release vapours.
Without adequate airflow these vapours can accumulate, creating an unpleasant working environment and, in some cases, increasing fire or health risks.
Purpose-designed ventilation helps provide continuous airflow through the store while maintaining security.
External louvred vents also help reduce condensation, improving long-term storage conditions.
Ventilation should never be overlooked when purchasing a COSHH store.
Heavy Duty Steel Construction
One of the greatest advantages of using shipping containers as the basis for COSHH stores is their exceptional strength.
Manufactured from heavy-duty corten steel, they are designed to withstand demanding environments whilst providing excellent protection against theft and vandalism.
A quality COSHH store should include:
- Heavy-duty steel doors
- Locking bars
- Secure locking points
- Durable paint system
- Weatherproof construction
This combination provides excellent security whilst protecting valuable chemicals from the elements.
Practical Shelving
Good storage isn’t simply about creating space.
It should also improve safety and organisation.
Purpose-built galvanised shelving allows products to be stored neatly whilst providing clear access for inspections, stock management and safe handling.
Well-designed shelving also reduces the likelihood of containers being damaged through poor stacking
Safe Electrical Installation
Some COSHH stores require lighting and electrical equipment.
Electrical installations should always be carefully designed for the intended application and installed to appropriate standards.
Depending upon the products being stored, customers may also require:
- Internal lighting
- External lighting
- Emergency lighting
- ATEX rated equipment where appropriate
- Power supplies for monitoring equipment
Every application is different, making bespoke design an important consideration.
Choosing the Right Size
COSHH stores are available in numerous sizes.
Typical options include:
8ft COSHH Stores
Ideal for smaller contractors or businesses storing limited quantities of hazardous materials.
10ft COSHH Stores
Suitable where additional shelving or greater storage flexibility is required.
20ft COSHH Stores
One of the most popular sizes, offering excellent storage capacity whilst remaining easy to transport.
40ft COSHH Stores
Designed for larger industrial operations requiring significant hazardous substance storage.
The correct size depends not only upon today’s requirements but also future expansion.
Buying slightly larger often proves more economical than replacing an undersized unit a few years later.
Standard or Bespoke?
Many off-the-shelf COSHH stores provide only basic storage.
However, every business has different operational requirements.
A bespoke COSHH store can incorporate:
- Additional shelving
- Increased bund capacity
- Personnel access doors
- Internal partitions
- Generator storage
- Battery storage
- Fire-rated linings where required
- Different ventilation arrangements
- Bespoke paint finishes
- Corporate branding
Designing the unit around the customer’s operation often improves efficiency whilst reducing handling time.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
When purchasing a COSHH store, avoid these common mistakes:
Buying purely on price
The cheapest unit may lack important safety features.
Choosing insufficient bund capacity
Always ensure the bund is appropriate for the products being stored.
Ignoring ventilation
Poor airflow increases condensation and can allow vapours to accumulate.
Underestimating future storage requirements
Businesses grow.
Buying a slightly larger unit often proves more cost-effective.
Overlooking access
Consider forklift access, loading arrangements and shelving layout before ordering.
Why Shipping Containers Make Excellent COSHH Stores
Shipping containers provide an ideal platform because they offer:
- Exceptional structural strength
- Long service life
- Excellent security
- Easy transportation
- Weather resistance
- Bespoke conversion possibilities
- Excellent value for money
With professional conversion, they become purpose-built hazardous storage facilities suitable for many industries.
High Quality Shipping Containers for Sale. IT Williams Co. Ltd.
Designed and Manufactured by I T Williams
At I T Williams Company Ltd, we manufacture bespoke COSHH stores from our North Wales facility.
Every project is built around the customer’s operational requirements rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our COSHH stores can incorporate:
- Heavy-duty bunded floors
- Galvanised shelving
- Natural ventilation
- Electrical installations
- Bespoke paint finishes
- Corporate branding
- Forklift pockets
- Crane lifting points
- Secure locking systems
Whether you require a compact 8ft unit or a fully bespoke industrial storage solution, we can manufacture a COSHH store designed specifically for your business.
Conclusion
Choosing the right COSHH store isn’t simply about buying a container.
It’s about protecting people, safeguarding the environment and ensuring hazardous substances are stored safely, securely and efficiently.
A professionally designed COSHH store provides long-term value through improved safety, better organisation and increased durability.
By considering bund capacity, ventilation, shelving, construction quality and future requirements before purchasing, you’ll invest in a solution that serves your business for many years.
Contact I T Williams
If you’re looking for a bespoke COSHH store manufactured to your exact requirements, our experienced team would be pleased to help.
Whether you require a standard unit or a fully customised hazardous chemical storage solution, we can design, manufacture and deliver throughout the UK.
Call: 01824 707070
Visit: www.itwilliams.co.uk
Enquire today to discuss your COSHH storage requirements with our team.
High Quality Shipping Containers for Sale. IT Williams Co. Ltd.