As winter sets in, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to how you store your chemicals. Beyond basic safety considerations, cold weather poses unique challenges that can affect the quality and usability of your chemicals. Ensuring your chemicals are not exposed to extreme temperatures or allowed to freeze is key to maintaining smooth operations.

Why Proper Chemical Storage Matters
Many industrial and cleaning chemicals are water-based, which makes them highly susceptible to freezing. If you store chemicals improperly, especially in large containers such as IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), they can freeze solid during cold spells. This can create significant problems, such as:

Operational Delays: Frozen chemicals cannot be pumped, decanted, or used until they thaw.

Irreversible Damage: Freezing can damage chemical formulations, making them unusable even after they have thawed.

Disruption to Production: If cleaning chemicals cannot be used, you may face downtime, food contamination risks, and production shutdowns.
Improper storage could leave you unable to clean your facilities, potentially leading to health hazards, failed audits, and costly production delays.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
One common issue we observe is IBCs or drums being left outside, unprotected, due to limited indoor storage space. This should be avoided at all costs. Chemicals left exposed to winter conditions can freeze, leaving you with unusable products and operational downtime.

If indoor space is limited, consider alternative storage solutions to protect your chemicals.

Here are some key steps to ensure your chemicals remain in optimal condition during the colder months:

1. 1. Use Insulated Storage Buildings
      If chemicals must be stored outdoors, place them in an insulated storage building. This could be as simple as a:
      • Bunded shed
      • Shipping container
      • Similar secure, insulated space

      Proper insulation will help maintain a stable temperature and prevent freezing.

   2. Insulated Jackets for IBCs and Drums
      If an insulated building is not an option, invest in insulated jackets for your IBCs and drums. These are widely available, cost-effective, and provide a practical solution for cold-weather storage. Electrically heated jackets are also an excellent option to keep chemicals at the optimum temperature, regardless of external conditions.
   3. Compliance with Industry Standards
      Proper storage of chemicals isn’t just about protecting your operations; it’s also a regulatory requirement. For example, the BRCGS standards (Section 4.9.1.1) outline expectations for safe chemical storage. Failing to meet these standards could result in non-compliance, which may impact your audits and overall business reputation.
   4. Be Prepared for Extremes
      Winter weather can be unpredictable, so plan ahead. Review your storage facilities and address any weaknesses before temperatures drop. Investing in proper storage solutions now can save you from costly problems later.

Failing to store your chemicals properly in winter can lead to significant consequences:

• Inability to Clean: Frozen chemicals prevent essential cleaning tasks, leading to food safety risks and contamination.
• Production Downtime: If cleaning chemicals are unavailable, production may need to stop until the issue is resolved.
• Financial Losses: Repairing the damage, restocking chemicals, and dealing with production delays can result in a hefty bill.

Avoid These Risks with Proper Planning
Correctly storing chemicals in winter is a small investment compared to the potential fallout of getting it wrong. Take proactive steps to ensure your chemicals are protected from freezing temperatures, and you’ll avoid unnecessary downtime, failed audits, and unexpected costs.

Stay ahead of the cold and keep your business running efficiently this winter by safeguarding your chemicals today!