This situation highlights why it is important to inspect not only the immediate work areas, but
also the condition of storage containers. In practice, checking containers often leads to
awkward situations, as employees tend to “sweep” unsightly materials and tools into them.
During the inspection of an industrial storage container, we found several plastic cans
containing flammable liquids with warning labels placed next to each other, various chemical
bottles, and a 9 kW industrial electric radiant heater. The radiant heater is located directly
under the shelf, only 30-40 cm away from the flammable liquids stored above it.
The cans contain flammable and explosive substances, which are exposed to extreme heat in a
closed space without ventilation, close to a heat source. During operation, the radiant heater
emits a significant amount of heat, which can quickly raise the temperature in its immediate
vicinity to over 40°C, resulting in rapid evaporation and the formation of mixture vapors in
these substances.
The evaporation of flammable liquids and the increase in the concentration of explosive
substances increase the risk of ignition, explosion, and the formation of toxic gases. If the heat
source continuously heats the materials during operation, the cans may deform, the caps may
loosen, and the materials may spill, leading to a direct fire or explosion.
Additional hazards in the container include dirt on the floor, hoses placed on the ground, and
other items—in this case, large-diameter industrial rubber hoses—that are stored improperly
and crammed together. These can obstruct escape routes, causing people to trip and fall during
a quick escape, or even blocking the route needed for firefighting.
Leaks, spills, and evaporation of chemicals impair indoor air quality, and inhalation of vapors
can cause acute health problems, respiratory irritation, and even loss of consciousness, as well
as chronic diseases in the long term. Minimal or inadequate ventilation of the container
further exacerbates the situation, as any gases that may be generated remain trapped inside.
The consequences of improper chemical storage can be immediate or long-term:
- Sudden fire or explosion, endangering the lives and health of all those working there.
- Material damage, project shutdown, destruction of equipment and infrastructure.
- Gas leaks and poisoning leading to serious health damage or even death.
- Legal sanctions, penalties, loss of reputation, business consequences.
- Long-term illnesses, respiratory problems, irreversible damage to the health of employees.
The storage of flammable, hazardous liquids and chemicals in containers is regulated by
several Hungarian and international laws and related standards.
Occupational Safety Act (Act XCIII of 1993):
The employer is obliged to eliminate hazards at their source and to store hazardous substances
safely. Preliminary and regular risk assessment, even in the event of any changes.
The task is to provide individual and collective protection, appropriate information transfer,
and training.
Chemical Safety Act (Act XXV of 2000):
Hazardous substances and mixtures must be stored in such a way that they do not endanger or
contaminate employees or the environment. The employer is responsible for storage at the
workplace.
General storage and safety rules:
Chemicals must be stored separately in a ventilated, closed room with non-combustible walls.
There must be a protective distance of at least 1 meter between heat sources and combustible
materials, insulation, and protection against heat stress.
Documented, up-to-date material records and protective equipment must be provided.
Smoking and the use of open flames are prohibited in the warehouse.
The storage situation shown clearly violates basic occupational safety and fire safety
regulations and does not comply with industry best practices. Hazardous materials, especially
flammable liquids, should never be stored directly or even on a shelf near a heat source (e.g.,
radiator). The correct method is to store chemicals in a dedicated, separate storage room with
non-combustible walls or in a standard, grounded hazardous material storage cabinet. Storage
containers must always be standard, leak-proof, closed plastic or metal cans, which are clearly
labeled with up-to-date labels.
Electric heaters operating in the room must be placed at a minimum safety distance of 1-1.5
meters from any combustible or hazardous material, and ideally, such devices should not be
used near hazardous liquids at all. If heating is unavoidable, stored chemicals must be strictly
separated.
Hoses and all loose, movable equipment must be stored in an orderly manner on wall
brackets, easily visible, ensuring escape routes. Keeping the floor clean, regular cleaning, and
removing dirt are also basic requirements.
Regular audits, continuous risk assessment, and immediate checks whenever changes occur
are an integral part of optimal storage practices. This is linked to training: every employee
must know exactly what materials they are working with, what hazards they pose, the correct
handling and storage procedures for flammable materials, what to do in an emergency, and
where to find emergency exits, escape routes, and manual fire extinguishers.
In summary, if regular audits, physical and organizational separation, rapid response
capabilities, and conscious employee presence are part of the occupational safety culture, then
such a high-risk, potentially catastrophic situation could never occur. Good practice is also a
business advantage: it reduces unexpected costs, increases operational safety, and strengthens
corporate responsibility and trust towards partners.
