Management of Hazardous Substances in Warehouses: Four Areas of Requirement for Industrial Construction

Management of Hazardous Substances in Warehouses: The Four Areas of Requirement

Today, companies handle numerous materials classified as hazardous substances. Ensuring their safe and sustainable use is a top priority – both for employee health and environmental protection.

Florian Alexander, Head of Logistics at IE Munich, summarises it clearly: modern and safe hazardous‑substance management must be well thought out, carefully planned and extremely reliable.

1. Construction Requirements

Storing hazardous substances requires specially designed storage areas or buildings with pressure‑compensation openings as well as dedicated fire‑protection and safety standards. Floors must comply with groundwater‑protection regulations and include floor drains and collection systems.

2. Building Services (MEP: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)

Fire‑alarm and extinguishing systems, along with gas‑detection systems, ensure early hazard identification. Appropriate ventilation systems prevent vapours or gases from spreading. Air‑conditioning systems regulate temperature and humidity to stabilise sensitive hazardous substances.

The exact MEP requirements vary depending on the type and quantity of hazardous materials, local regulations and specific building conditions.

3. Storage Requirements in Accordance With TRGS 510

The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS 510) comprehensively regulate storage. Important: any storage of hazardous substances – regardless of duration — is considered storage and is subject to the applicable regulations.

TRGS 510 provides requirements and recommendations for storing different types of hazardous substances, including liquids and gases, in containers, storage rooms and storage facilities.

4. Property Insurance Requirements

FM Global and VdS standards often define additional requirements that may deviate from TRGS 510 – for example in fire‑protection measures, TGA specifications, consolidation options and labelling obligations.

Involving a hazardous‑substance and risk‑management expert as well as the property insurer early in the planning process is highly recommended.

Why Integrated Planning Is Crucial

For expansion and new‑build projects in industrial construction, all four areas of requirement must be addressed simultaneously. IE Group plans, designs and builds industrial facilities that integrate hazardous‑substance management from the outset – rather than adding it later.

Download the White Paper

The complete white paper provides a detailed overview of all regulatory requirements and proven solutions for the safe storage of hazardous substances in industrial buildings.

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