While this may be a prudent decision from a business perspective, stockpiling is not simply a matter of finding additional storage space.
There are broader factors that businesses need to consider.
Workplace health and safety regulators have observed incidents can escalate or intensify due to the accumulation of flammable or combustible substances in the workplace.
This risk is recognised in the Model WHS Regulation, which includes a specific requirement stating: “A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that, if flammable or combustible substances are kept at the workplace, the substances are kept at the lowest practicable quantity for the workplace” (section 53 (1)).
Section 53 (2) further clarifies that this requirement applies to containers whether empty or full, as well as to waste.
From a practical perspective, the risks associated with additional storage should be assessed, either as part of a management of change process or through a dedicated risk assessment.
This assessment needs to take into account several key considerations.
Environmental protection is an important consideration in any stockpiling arrangement.
This is supported by ensuring that suitable storage conditions are provided for all items.
For more valuable or hazardous materials, this typically includes storage indoors or undercover, protected from weather exposure, within appropriately bunded areas, and in locations that are well ventilated and appropriately separated from environmentally sensitive areas.
All substances, including those not classified as hazardous such as plant nutrient solutions, should be assessed to ensure their storage supports sound environmental management practices.
Health risks must also be addressed to protect both workers and the surrounding community.
This involves ensuring chemicals are stored in suitable containment systems, are correctly labelled for identification, and are managed in accordance with appropriate storage conditions.
Consideration must also be given to chemical incompatibilities and how substances may interact if stored together.
Regulatory compliance is another critical factor.
Holding additional stock may alter requirements related to hazardous chemical registers, placarding, manifests, or licensing thresholds. Where these thresholds are exceeded, appropriate updates and adjustments must be made to remain compliant.
Financial liabilities should not be overlooked.
Stockpiled items with expiry dates require careful monitoring to ensure proper stock rotation. Without this, there is a risk that materials may become unusable and ultimately require disposal as waste, creating additional costs.
Emergency preparedness must also be reviewed. Introducing additional substances into the workplace requires confirming that existing emergency response plans remain adequate.
This includes assessing whether fire protection systems, firefighting capabilities, and spill containment and clean-up arrangements are still suitable for the increased or altered risk profile.
Good management of change underpins all these considerations.
Beyond emergency preparedness, additional stock may affect other aspects of the workplace, such as traffic management, site layout, and ergonomics.
It may also necessitate the development of new procedures or updates to existing ones to ensure safe and effective operations.
The most effective starting point is a comprehensive risk assessment, supported by ongoing review to ensure that emerging issues are identified and that implemented controls remain effective.
While many of these actions focus on planning for the future, the goal is clear – to ensure that future is a safe one.
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