Hi all, I am looking for some advice regarding the storage of highly flammable and flammable liquids, mostly in aerosol form. At the moment we have a reasonably small storage room within a warehouse area. The room is approx 27 cubic metres, built onto the internal gable end of the warehouse, two sides made from breeze block with 2 metal front doors. There are ventilation panels on the external wall and the roof is made from plasterboard. Over the last 12 months we have been progressively expanding and now storage various products with various flashpoints/boiling points but mostly in aerosol variety. I had quick look today and calculated there must be around 1200 litres in the room. I have noted that the standard fluorescent light should be changed to an ATEX approved unit. I also noted that current levels of ventilation are inadequate to provide the number of air changes required. But I was wondering - Is there a statutory limit on quantities which can be stored relative to the size of the storage building? There is another area of concern. Adjacent to the storage room is a gas fired air heater – free standing. This is in very close proximity to the breezeblock wall – approx 300mm. I am concerned about the scenario where a significant quantity of volatile aerosol escapes and is ignited by the starter on the heater unit. The likelihood of any significant release of flammable vapour is low given there are no forklifts or other items likely to burst any aerosols. Storeman also enter the room regularly throughout the day and would notice any release. Would increasing the levels of natural ventilation be adequate to reduce the risk from ignition to a satisfactory level? I have had a look at HSG71 Chemical Warehousing - this was a good help with general advice. Thanks in advance for any advice given.

Good advice above. My tuppence worth.. I would be looking at increasing the natural ventilation, Ensure that the vents outside are sufficiently high up or guarded so that no one having a fly puff can put their fag end in the vent to hide the evidence! (seen it happen!) Ensure the room is completely sealed to the warehouse. With no unsealed openings for wiring etc. Intumescent seals on the doors also. Ensure the doors have self closers, and that no one keeps propping them open! Change the light for intrisically safe like you suggest. I would also put strict limits on the heights of aerosol boxes that can be stacked. (Upper boxes can compress the ones below and operate the valve.) As far as the heating unit goes there is not much you can do as where would you stop? It becomes unreasonable to go changing heating systems/ Ensure it is well maintained and protected from damage by stock movements.