Chemical store inspection checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Control and information

A named competent person is in charge of the store. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 41(1)
A current safety data sheet for every chemical, where users can reach it. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 43
Inventory matches what is on the shelves.
Warning notices at each entrance, in languages the workers understand. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 41(2)

02Labels and containers

Every container carries a GHS label, decanted ones included. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 42
Containers closed, undamaged and not leaking. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5
No food or drink bottles reused for chemicals.

03Storage layout

Incompatibles kept apart, such as oxidisers away from flammables. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5
Flammables in fire-rated cabinets or on spill pallets, away from ignition sources. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 37(1)
Liquids on low shelves. Nothing heavy above shoulder height.
Store cool, dry and well ventilated. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5
Nothing in the store blocks an exit or escape route. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 38(1)
Stored quantity within any SCDF P&FM storage licence that applies. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5

04Emergency equipment

Spill kit stocked and suited to the chemicals stored. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5
Suitable extinguisher at the door. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 37(2)
Eye wash or safety shower working where corrosives are handled.
Hazard placards and a No Smoking sign at the entrance. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5.2

05Access and waste

Only trained, authorised people enter the store. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 5
Chemical waste labelled and collected by a toxic industrial waste collector. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 7
Waste register updated with each disposal. WSHC flammable materials guidelines, 7

Legal requirement

Singapore's WSH (General Provisions) Regulations require hazardous substances to be under the control of a competent person, warning notices in languages workers understand, GHS-conforming labels on containers, and a safety data sheet obtained, assessed and made available for every hazardous substance. Ignition sources must be kept away from flammable materials. SCDF may require a licence to store petroleum and flammable materials.

Sources and further reading

Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, Singapore Statutes Online.
WSH Guidelines on Flammable Materials, WSH Council.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Chemical store inspection checklist

01Control and information

02Labels and containers

03Storage layout

04Emergency equipment

05Access and waste

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Chemical safety, SDS and labels: what supervisors need to know

Chemical safety, SDS and labelling checklist

Toolbox talk: chemical labels and safety data sheets