U.S. Chemical Storage designs and manufactures customizable pesticide storage buildings for agrichemicals and other hazmats. Pesticides must be properly stored to avoid hazards to human health and the environment. Agricultural pesticides are used in many applications, including protecting crops, controlling weeds, insects, and fungi. They are also used for altering the life cycle of harmful pests. Agricultural pesticides are widely used to control threats to agricultural production that can impact the food supply.
Safe Storage Solutions for Pesticides
Always store pesticides in cool, dry, areas that are well-ventilated and protected from unauthorized access. Extreme temperatures can change the chemical components of some pesticides, rendering them ineffective. In certain cases, it causes the chemicals to be more harmful to plants, animals, water sources, and people. Temperature-controlled storage helps maintain a compliant storage atmosphere for your inventory. Mechanical ventilation can decrease internal temperatures and help eliminate toxic fumes or dusts that pesticides or other chemicals can give off while being stored or handled.
Good housekeeping practices are important for safely storing pesticides. A dry and completely enclosed pesticide storage building is necessary. Large quantities of pesticide storage can be very dangerous to handle and store, therefore proper containment and maintenance are required.
U.S. Chemical Storage TurfLoc™ and DrumLoc™ pesticide storage buildings can significantly reduce your risk of contaminating the environment or ground water surrounding your building. Our leak-tested secondary containment sumps offer increased protection in case of a spill or leak. All buildings are completely customizable* to keep your pesticides safe, dry, and secure. Fire-rated construction and modular options also available, along with optional accessories such as temperature controls, shelving and more.
*Pesticide storage regulations vary by state, so be sure to consult with all federal, state and local regulatory agencies to ensure you understand the requirements for your pesticide storage building. Contacting your state’s Department of Agriculture is also advised.
First consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine the type of chemical you’re storing and any storage requirements listed. There are two main classifications of buildings to consider: fire-rated and non-fire-rated steel buildings. There are three main questions you should answer before engineering or design can begin on your building: what is to be stored, how much of it is being stored, and where is the location it will be stored? You will also need to consult with your local “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) or local code expert to determine your area’s specific storage building requirements. Our team at U.S. Chemical Storage has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to help analyze your storage needs, but the final approval is made by the local AHJ, so you will need to ultimately ask them about your requirements early in the planning process.
The definition of a “sump” is a pit or reservoir providing containment for spilled liquids. U.S. Chemical Storage offers leak-proof spill containment sumps in each standard model. All our sumps are tested for leaks for a 24-hour period prior to finishing. The sump is then covered by a steel or fiberglass floor grating and can even be equipped with a resistant plastic sump liner to protect against corrosive chemical accidental spills. The size of the sump is dictated by code based on the volume of liquid being stored within the building.
Shelves are used to help keep smaller containers of chemicals organized. U.S. Chemical Storage offers a variety of shelving for your specific application. Most commonly used is a galvanized steel shelf with a 2-inch wall around the perimeter. The leak-proof containment sump lip around the edge will prevent small spills from reaching the floor.