The demand for chemical storage facilities is increasing globally due to rising chemical production and expanding international trade. According to an Allied Market Research report, the chemical warehousing market reached USD 15.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to touch USD 22.4 billion by 2032.
Due to high demand and strict regulatory compliance, finding the right chemical warehouses is difficult. So, how do you choose the best storage facility for your business?
In this guide, we will dive into the key features to evaluate, outline common mistakes to avoid, and explain how to select a facility based on location, flexibility, and rental terms.
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Chemical warehouses are different from standard storage facilities. You must check the following key features before renting them
1. Compliance with Safety Standards
When looking for chemical warehouses for rent, the first thing to check is whether they comply with safety regulations. Why is this so important? Think back to the 2020 Beirut Explosion due to the ignition of 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse that left 135 people dead and about 5,000 injured.
If you rent a chemical warehouse that does not follow occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations and guidelines, you are putting your goods and business at serious risk. Not only that, non-compliance can result in heavy fines and even a disastrous accident.
2. Special Handling Requirements
Unlike standard storage facilities, chemical warehouses must be designed to store corrosive, inflammable, and toxic goods safely. But what exactly makes a warehouse safe for chemicals? Follow these best practices to minimize risks in a chemical warehouse.
- Dedicated areas to store chemicals in a secure location away from direct sunlight, heat, and emergency exits.
- Proper labeling and safe placement of hazardous chemicals below eye level for safe access.
- Facilities to keep all chemical containers tightly closed when not in use and clearly labeled with contents and hazards.
- Availability of secondary containment, like trays or pans, to catch leaks or spills, especially for liquid chemicals.
- Compatible storage containers to prevent reactions or damage over time.
- Facilities to clean up spills and leaks immediately to prevent hazards.
3. Robust Security
- Incidents like theft, unauthorized access, and sabotage can pose the risks of fire, explosion, and toxic exposure. That's why evaluating the security is essential when choosing chemical warehouses for rent.
- Check for advanced security systems like access control and CCTV monitoring, alarm systems, and 24/7 surveillance by security personnel. Besides that, assess warehouse fencing, storage areas, and emergency response plans to protect your chemicals.
- Suggested read: 7 Measures to Boost Warehouse Security
4. Fire Protection and Prevention Systems
Fire prevention is one of the essential features to look for when choosing chemical warehouses for rent. The reason? According to a Sphera report, the chemicals industry is the most affected by fires and explosions, accounting for 27% of the total fire incidents.
Moreover, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report shows that chemical fires cause property damage of $2.1 billion and over 600 deaths each year in the USA alone. That is why you should look for a storage facility with robust fire protection and prevention systems like heat detection sensors, fire alarms, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant construction materials.
5. Ventilation and Air Quality Control
Chemical warehouses store goods that release toxic fumes or vapors, which must be removed properly to avoid the risks of ignition and explosion. The fumes can also irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems for your workers. That is why proper ventilation is essential in a chemical warehouse.
Highly toxic chemicals require advanced filtration and ventilation systems to quickly and efficiently remove hazardous vapors and foul odours. For example, Sulfur dioxide has a pungent and irritating odour and requires filtration to prevent damage and health hazards.
6. Spill Containment and Drainage Systems
Spills and leaks are common in warehouses. Ideally, this should not be a major problem, but when you are storing hazardous chemicals, it can turn into a serious incident. Chemical leaks and spills can damage your stock and pose serious risks to the workers, the storage facility, and the surrounding environment.
A well-designed spill containment system can prevent hazardous substances from spreading quickly, limiting contamination and simplifying cleanup. It also reduces the risks of chemical reaction and fire. So, when choosing a warehouse for rent, ensure it has an excellent spill containment and drainage system.
7. Temperature and Humidity Control
What happens when chemicals are exposed to the wrong temperature or humidity level? Chemicals behave differently in different temperature and humidity conditions. They can lose their properties, become unstable, react vigorously, and even turn into serious safety hazards. Some chemicals emit hazardous vapours while others ignite and catch fire at high temperatures.
Maintaining the right temperature and humidity can prevent ignition and accidents. It also reduces the risks of spoilage, damage, or loss, leading to cost savings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Chemical Warehouse
When selecting chemical warehouses for rent, you can’t afford to make mistakes because it can have serious repercussions. Here are the mistakes to avoid.
Ignoring Compliance for Lower Rent
Are you thinking about saving costs by choosing a cheaper warehouse? If so, you should be careful. When renting chemical storage spaces, compromising safety and compliance can have serious consequences. It might lead to fines, legal trouble, and even dangerous accidents. So, be ready to pay a little more and ensure the warehouse meets all the safety and regulatory standards. This will help you avoid complexities later.
Overlooking Insurance Requirements
Chemical warehouses involve storing, handling, and distributing explosives, flammable liquids, acids, compressed gases, and hazardous substances, which involve risks of spill, damage, explosion, and theft. Such incidents may cause massive financial loss. But you can significantly minimize these losses if your warehouse has adequate insurance coverage that covers potential risks.
Suggested Read: Different Types of Insurance for Warehouses
Lack of Staff Development & Training
Well-trained staff is a must when looking for chemical warehouses for rent because a minor mishandling can turn into a serious incident. Check if they know the safety protocols. Can they handle an emergency? Are they aware of how different chemicals react in various conditions? Get answers to these questions when selecting a chemical warehouse. This will help you reduce risks and prevent costly mistakes.
Underestimating Future Expansion
When choosing chemical warehouses for rent, you should assess your current and future requirements. This is because moving your goods to a new facility involves significant transportation costs, operational delays, and risks of spill and damage.
Moreover, overcrowded shelves and tight storage areas can cause safety hazards. So, select a chemical warehouse that offers flexibility and seamless expansion. A warehouse marketplace such as Cargoz provides chemical storage facilities in Dubai and the UAE, helping businesses accommodate future growth.
4 Steps to Find the Right Chemical Warehouse
If you want to rent a chemical warehouse but are not sure where to start, don’t worry. These four steps will help you find the perfect chemical storage for your business.
1. Understand Your Chemicals and Their Storage Requirements
This is the first step of renting a chemical warehouse. The more clarity you have about the chemicals, their properties, and risks, the better your chances of finding the right warehouse. Look for compliant facilities equipped with excellent safety standards, especially when storing flammable or hazardous materials. This will ensure safety and compliance with the regulatory requirements.
2. Choose the Right Location
Selecting the right location is important to ensure safety and operational efficiency. A strategically located warehouse can minimize risks, ensure availability of transportation facilities, and reduce logistics costs.
3. Determine Your Storage Volumes and Weight
The quantity of your chemicals helps you assess the storage requirements and potential risks, which are very important when storing chemicals. It also helps choose appropriate containers and prevents spills or accidents.
4. Explore and Compare Warehouses Smartly
Now that you are aware of the requirements, it’s time to look for warehouses. The best way is to explore a platform like Cargoz that allows you to check multiple options and choose the best one according to your business needs. You can also rent an on-demand warehouse for a short or long period and adjust requirements according to the evolving business demands
Final Thought
Storing chemicals safely is not only essential for smooth logistics but also to avoid penalties and financial losses. By understanding the key features, such as regulatory compliance and avoiding common mistakes, you can find ideal chemical warehouses for rent.
However, checking different options online and contacting each of them is time-consuming. Cargoz simplifies the process by providing a wide range of options across Dubai and the UAE. You can choose the perfect chemical storage area tailored to your business needs and contact us to complete the rental process.