Warehouse staff training for hazardous material handling

Whether you’re storing flammable adhesives, treated wood, or industrial cleaners, proper handling of hazardous materials is essential—not just for safety, but for compliance. One small mistake in your yard or warehouse can lead to injury, fines, or even shutdowns.

Here’s what your warehouse team needs to know—and how to build a solid training program around it.

• Understand What’s Hazardous

Train your team to identify common hazardous materials found in building supply yards, such as:

Flammable liquids (solvents, sealers, adhesives)

Corrosive cleaners or degreasers

Pressure-treated wood

Gasoline or propane tanks for equipment

Aerosols and pressurized containers

Use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to identify risks and required precautions.

• Safe Handling Procedures

Employees should be trained on:

Reading and following SDS guidelines

Using proper PPE (gloves, masks, goggles)

Avoiding spills and splash zones

Transferring liquids safely using approved pumps or containers

Never mixing chemicals or using unmarked containers

Make this part of your standard onboarding and refresher training every 6–12 months.

• Proper Storage Practices

Key rules to cover:

Keep incompatible materials (e.g., flammables and oxidizers) separated

Use flame-proof cabinets for liquids

Clearly label all containers

Store heavier containers at waist level to reduce risk of drops or spills

Keep SDSs accessible near storage areas

Consider using color-coded zones or signs for quick hazard identification.

• Emergency Response Training

Your team should know:

How to use a fire extinguisher

Where spill kits are located—and how to use them

How to shut down machinery in an emergency

Evacuation routes and muster points

When to call 911 vs. internal supervisors

Run drills regularly to reinforce response procedures.

• Documentation and Compliance

Maintain clear records of:

Completed training sessions

PPE issuance and checks

SDS availability and updates

Incident reports and follow-up actions

A good ERP system can track this by employee and alert you when refreshers are due.

Final Tip: Hazardous materials are part of the job in construction supply. With strong training, clear processes, and ongoing refreshers, you can keep your staff safe and your operation compliant.