COSHH & Spill Control
Storing and handling hazardous chemicals requires compliant cabinets, bunded storage, and spill control equipment under COSHH Regulations 2002. Cocus stocks chemical storage cabinets, flammable liquid cupboards, drum handling equipment, and spill kits for safe, compliant workplaces.
COSHH Cabinets
Compliant storage cabinets for pesticides, acids, corrosives, and general COSHH controlled substances.
Shop Now
Flammable Liquid Cabinets
FM-approved cupboards for the safe storage of flammable and combustible liquids under DSEAR.
Shop Now
Pesticide & Agrochemical Cabinets
Dedicated secure storage cupboards for agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers.
Shop Now
Drum Handling & Storage
Mobile drum trolleys, stackers, and dispensing equipment for safe handling of chemical drums and IBCs.
Shop Now
Spill Control & Absorbents
Spill trays, bunded pallets, spill kits, drip trays, and chemical absorbents for fast containment.
Shop NowRegulatory Requirements
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances, including appropriate secure storage where required under Regulation 7.
- Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) apply to the storage of flammable liquids. FM-approved flammable liquid cabinets help demonstrate compliance.
- The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 require secondary containment for oil and chemical storage to prevent watercourse contamination.
Choosing the right COSHH storage cabinet
COSHH cabinets are not all the same. Different substances require different storage: general COSHH cabinets suit acids, corrosives, and non-flammable chemicals; FM-approved flammable cabinets are required for solvents, paints, and fuels; and dedicated agrochemical cabinets are needed for pesticides to comply with the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985. Browse our full COSHH Cabinets range to find the right unit for your substances, or call 0161 531 0948 for product advice.
Storing flammable liquids safely under DSEAR
DSEAR requires a risk assessment for any workplace using or storing flammable liquids. Where storage quantities exceed domestic thresholds, FM-approved bunded flammable liquid cupboards provide the required containment and fire resistance. Bunded bases capture any spills or leaks, preventing floor-level accumulation of vapour. Our Flammable Liquid Cabinets are available from compact desktop units to full-height multi-shelf cupboards.
Spill response: absorbents, bunds, and containment
A chemical spill without containment can quickly escalate from a safety incident to an environmental liability. Bunded pallets and drip trays provide primary containment under stored drums and IBCs. Spill kits with appropriate absorbent materials should be positioned close to storage areas for immediate response. Our Spill Control & Absorbents range covers oil-only, chemical, and universal kits in various sizes, plus loose granular absorbents and roll materials for larger incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum quantity of flammable liquids I can store without a licence?
In most workplaces, up to 50 litres of flammable liquids can be stored in a suitable cabinet without additional HSE notification. Above 50 litres, you may need to notify your local licensing authority. Quantities above 50 litres in a single fire compartment should always be stored in a FM-approved flammable liquid cabinet with adequate ventilation.
Do COSHH cabinets need to be ventilated?
It depends on the substances stored. Cabinets used for volatile or flammable substances should be ventilated to prevent vapour accumulation. Many flammable liquid cabinets have ventilation ports fitted with mesh flame arrestors. If in doubt, check the safety data sheet (SDS) for the substance and seek advice from a competent person.
What type of spill kit do I need for chemical spills?
For general chemical spills (acids, alkalis, solvents), use a chemical or universal spill kit with chemically resistant absorbent pads and a neutralisation agent if appropriate. For oil and hydrocarbon spills, an oil-only spill kit with hydrophobic absorbents is more effective. For sites storing multiple substance types, a universal kit is the most versatile choice.
How often should COSHH storage be inspected?
COSHH Regulations require regular inspection of storage arrangements as part of your overall COSHH assessment review. Most safety advisers recommend at least annual formal inspection, with monthly visual checks. Any damaged cabinet, missing bung, or leaking drum should be addressed immediately.