SiteShelter
Weather protection on site.
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Sizing, regulations, installation. Our team has been answering these questions for over 25 years.
Ensure the safe and compliant storage of hazardous materials on your site with our specialist range of secure site shelters. These purpose-built units are designed specifically for storing chemicals, fuels, and other dangerous substances and, like our standard site storage and vehicle tool boxes, help you maintain the highest safety standards while keeping hazardous materials close to hand. Your site shelter's primary function is to prevent environmental contamination and maintain strict compliance with regulations for hazardous substance storage. The secure construction protects contents from tampering and weather exposure and complements existing site safety measures, working in conjunction with your auto-tipping skips and other waste management systems to ensure complete control over dangerous materials throughout your operation. Each unit features carefully considered design elements like ventilation systems, chemical-resistant surfaces, and clear hazard signage to maintain safe working conditions. By centralising your hazardous substance storage in a dedicated shelter, you're protecting your workforce, the environment, and your company's compliance record while keeping dangerous materials securely organised and readily accessible when needed.
Site Shelter FAQs
What size site shelter do I need for my hazardous materials storage?
Sizing depends on the volume and type of substances you're storing, plus how many drums, IBCs or containers need to fit inside with safe access for handling. Most sites start by calculating current stock levels and adding capacity for growth, since undersized shelters lead to unsafe overflow storage outside the unit. Our range covers small single-drum stores through to multi-bay units for larger fuel and chemical inventories.
Are site shelters suitable for storing flammable liquids like diesel and petrol?
Yes, provided you select a shelter specifically rated for flammable substances, which will feature appropriate ventilation, spill containment and fire-resistant construction. Flammable liquid storage also has specific separation distance and quantity requirements under DSEAR and the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations. Always check the shelter's stated compatibility before storing fuels rather than assuming any hazardous store will do.
Do site shelters need a concrete base or can they sit on any surface?
Most units require a firm, level, load-bearing surface to remain stable and to ensure spill containment sumps work as intended. Concrete is the preferred base, though compacted hardcore is acceptable for temporary sites provided it's level and well-drained. Avoid soft ground or uneven surfaces, as this can compromise the integrity of bunded containment and create trip hazards.
What ventilation and containment features should a compliant chemical store have?
A compliant shelter should include louvred or mesh ventilation to prevent build-up of fumes, a bunded sump base to contain leaks or spills, and chemical-resistant internal surfaces to prevent corrosion or degradation. Clear hazard signage and lockable doors are also standard requirements for controlling access and identifying contents. These features work together to prevent environmental contamination and keep you compliant with COSHH and environmental permitting conditions.
Can I store different types of hazardous substances in the same shelter?
Generally no — incompatible substances such as flammables, oxidisers and corrosives should be segregated into separate shelters or compartments to avoid dangerous reactions if containers leak. Many operators use multiple smaller shelters or multi-bay units with internal division walls to keep substance classes apart. Check your site's COSHH assessment and supplier's safety data sheets to confirm segregation requirements before centralising storage.
How quickly can a site shelter be delivered and installed on site?
Lead times vary by unit size and specification, but standard shelters are typically held in stock and can be delivered within a matter of days, while bespoke or larger multi-bay units take longer to manufacture. Installation is straightforward as these are pre-built units delivered ready to position, requiring only a suitable level base and, where applicable, connection to bunding or drainage isolation. It's worth confirming delivery access on site, as these units are delivered by crane-offload or hiab vehicle and need adequate clearance.