The news often runs stories about accidents caused by improper storage of hazardous materials. While most people encounter harmful chemicals, you can’t avoid them when you operate a hardware store, lumberyard, home center, or farm-and-ranch business. Handling hazardous materials comes with the territory. Selling paints, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, fuels, adhesives, aerosols, cleaners, and batteries poses potential safety, health, and environmental risks. Although these products generate profits, they place significant responsibilities upon store owners.

More than a Compliance Issue
A strong chemical safety program protects people, property, and the environment. When everything goes according to plan, accidents decrease, liability exposure drops, and operational efficiency improves. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established strict guidelines employers must follow to ensure proper classification and communication related to hazardous materials—centered on labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and employee training.

Keep Employees Informed
Hardware retailers should recognize the importance of following OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). It requires employers to inform staff about hazardous materials they may come in contact with on the job. The rules recognize that workers have the right to know and understand their situation. To comply, your store’s hazard communication program should include:

• A written plan that is readily available.
• An inventory list of hazardous chemicals.
• Containers properly labeled.
• Easily accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Continuous employee training.

Store owners or managers should review their program every year to ensure chemical inventories, SDS files, and training records are up to date.

Train Employees about Chemical Safety
Any program will fail if employees are not properly trained. Whenever an employee is assigned to work with hazardous chemicals, they should get a refresher course.
Training should cover:

• Hazard recognition
• Label interpretation
• SDS usage
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Spill response procedures
• Emergency reporting processes
• Safe handling and storage practices

Good housekeeping Measures
Manufacturers typically provide precautions to retailers and consumers to ensure their products are handled with utmost care. But store owners can take practical steps to protect their business and employees.

• If possible, keep chemicals in the original containers.

• Ensure there is adequate ventilation.
• Store flammables in approved cabinets when required.
• Avoid exposing products to extreme temperatures.
• Limit customer access to high-risk materials.
• Conduct regular inspections for leaks and damaged containers.

Maintaining Proper Safety Data Sheets
Every hazardous chemical should have a Safety Data Sheet with specific product details. The standard 16-section format is designed to make it easier to locate information during an emergency. Important SDS sections include:

• Product identification
• Hazard identification
• First-aid measures
• Fire-fighting measures
• Accidental release procedures
• Handling and storage requirements
• Exposure controls and personal protective equipment
• Disposal methods

Every employee should know how to quickly access the sheets, whether they are maintained digitally or in physical binders in the store. Owners should explain how employees can access the information and make sure they understand what they are reading before putting the data sheets away.

Prepare for Spills and Emergencies
Staff should know how to handle hazardous materials and the written procedure to follow in a chemical spill. Spill kits should be placed in areas where chemicals are being used or stored. Employees must stay within the scope of their training and not exceed their capabilities.

• How to identify a spill.
• When to evacuate.
• Who to notify.
• What cleanup materials are available.
• When outside emergency services are required.

If spills are too dangerous for employees to handle, be prepared to coordinate with the local fire department or emergency responders.

Build a Culture of Safety
When a workplace is committed to safe practices, following rules and regulations becomes second nature. Understanding the risks associated with handling hazardous products and how they should be stored is critical information. Owners can reduce risk by following best practices that adhere to government regulations and consider the well-being of their employees and the community in which they reside.

• Conduct regular safety inspections.
• Audit chemical inventories.
• Review incident reports.
• Encourage near-miss reporting.
• Recognize employees who demonstrate safe practices.
• Make safety discussions part of routine meetings.

A store’s best assets are well-trained employees who understand their roles and responsibilities. Doing what’s necessary to create a safe environment benefits everyone. Hazardous materials management is a high priority for government agencies like OSHA and the EPA; they monitor businesses and help them comply. Working with retailers reduces the likelihood of a spill and strengthens the organization.