Storing hazardous substances under TRGS 510: basic rules, storage classes and mixed storage

What TRGS 510 covers

The Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances 510 “Storage of hazardous substances in non-stationary containers” specifies the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) for everything stored in containers: bottles, canisters, drums, sacks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans and intermediate bulk containers (IBC). Storing means keeping for later use or for supply to others.

Anyone who complies with TRGS 510 can assume they meet the requirements of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. Building law, water law – such as the AwSV ordinance for substances hazardous to water – and the fire safety concept may impose further requirements.

Basic rules for all storage

• only store in containers that withstand the contents, are tightly closed and labelled under the CLP Regulation
• never in containers that could be mistaken for food – no drinks bottles
• store clearly so that substances can be removed safely and leaks are noticed
• not in traffic routes, corridors, stairwells, break rooms, sanitary or standby rooms
• not together with food, medicines or animal feed
• drip trays for liquids so that leaks do not reach the ground or drains
• access only for competent and instructed employees; toxic and carcinogenic substances kept locked away
• operating instructions for the store and instruction of employees

Small quantities and stores

TRGS 510 distinguishes between small quantities, which may be kept outside a store if the basic rules are followed, and larger quantities, which require a store with additional protective measures. The quantity thresholds depend on the hazardous properties and are set out in TRGS 510 – for acutely toxic substances they are much lower than for substances with lower hazards.

Above the thresholds, requirements for structural fire protection, ventilation, access restrictions and signage of the store are added. For flammable liquids in work rooms, safety cabinets with 90 minutes of fire resistance (type 90 according to EN 14470-1) have proven effective; gas cylinders belong in gas cylinder cabinets or protected outdoors.

Storage classes and mixed storage

Each hazardous substance is assigned a storage class (Lagerklasse, LGK). It follows from the hazardous properties and is usually stated in the safety data sheet. The mixed storage table in TRGS 510 then shows which storage classes may be stored together, which apart – for example separated by distance or a barrier – and which only separately in their own storage sections.

• Storage class 1

  Examplesexplosive substances

• Storage class 2A

  Examplesgases in pressure receptacles, such as gas cylinders

• Storage class 2B

  Examplesaerosol dispensers such as spray cans and gas cartridges

• Storage class 3

  Examplesflammable liquids such as solvents, petrol and many paints

• Storage class 4.1A, 4.1B

  Examplesother explosive substances, flammable solids

• Storage class 5.1A–5.1C

  Examplesoxidising substances

• Storage class 6.1A–6.1D

  Examplesacutely toxic substances

• Storage class 8A, 8B

  Examplescorrosive substances, combustible or non-combustible

• Storage class 10–13

  Examplescombustible and non-combustible liquids and solids without another storage class

A common mistake: oxidising substances of class 5.1 next to combustible liquids. If they meet during a leak, a fire can start or spread rapidly.

Setting up a hazardous substances store in 6 steps

1. 1

   Record your inventory

   Enter all hazardous substances with quantity, storage location and storage class in the hazardous substances register.

2. 2

   Assess quantities

   Check which substances count as small quantities and where the TRGS 510 thresholds are exceeded.

3. 3

   Check mixed storage

   Use the mixed storage table to decide which substances are stored together, apart or separately.

4. 4

   Define equipment

   Provide drip trays of sufficient size, safety cabinets, ventilation, fire extinguishers and absorbents.

5. 5

   Label and secure

   Mark the store with warning signs, restrict access and post the operating instructions.

6. 6

   Check regularly

   During inspections, look at tidiness, leaks, the condition of containers and quantities.

Common mistakes in hazardous substances stores

• decanted substances in unlabelled bottles or old drinks bottles
• leftovers and old stock nobody needs any more – they still count towards the quantity
• aerosol cans next to radiators or in the sun
• drip trays filled with rainwater or rubbish
• gas cylinders not secured against falling over
• acids next to alkalis or oxidising substances next to solvents

Checklist: storing hazardous substances

• All stored hazardous substances in the register with quantity, location and storage class
• Stored quantities compared with the TRGS 510 thresholds
• Mixed storage checked by storage class
• Original containers, tightly closed and labelled
• No storage in corridors, stairwells or break rooms
• Drip trays available for liquids
• Flammable liquids in a safety cabinet or in the store
• Access restricted, toxic substances locked away
• Operating instructions posted, employees instructed
• Old stock disposed of regularly

Free templates for this guide

As PDF and Excel, no sign-up – free to use in your own company.

• Hazardous substances

  Hazardous substances register template (Excel and PDF)

  PDF + ExcelFree download
• Operating instructions

  Operating instructions for hazardous substances template (PDF) under TRGS 555

  PDFFree download

Frequently asked questions