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.
