Retail hardware stores will store and handle significant quantities of hazardous substances. Careful management of these substances is important in order to protect people and the environment.
Hazardous substances that may be present in retail stores include:
- Oil based paint and varnish
- solvents and thinners, such as methylated spirits and mineral turpentine
- fillers and adhesives
- aerosols and gas cartridges
- gardening products that may be toxic or ecotoxic
- cleaning agents that may be corrosive.
We have produced guidance on the safe handling of hazardous substances in the retail stores.
Guide to certification for retail stores
This guide gives advice on how to safely manage the risks of holding hazardous substances in your retail store and how to obtain the compliance certificates required under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.
While this guidance has not been updated to reflect current work health and safety legislation (the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and regulations), it may still contain relevant information and practices to keep workers and others healthy and safe.
Please read this guidance in conjunction with all relevant industry standards that apply to you as a PCBU. This guidance will be progressively reviewed and either updated, replaced with other guidance, or revoked.
Compliance certification requirements
Depending on the type and quantity of chemicals held at your site, you may require one or more of the following compliance certificates:
- location compliance certificate
- certified handler compliance certificate
- stationary container compliance certificate
If you are unsure about your compliance certification requirements, contact a compliance certifier for advice.
Find a compliance certifier(external link)
As a general rule, you should keep the quantities of hazardous substances stored on your site to a minimum. In this way the risks may be reduced and the need for compliance certification reduced.
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