Hazardous Material Storage - the TRGS 510 Basics

What does TRGS 510 cover and when does it apply?

The Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances TRGS 510 describes how hazardous materials in portable containers such as jerrycans, drums or IBCs are stored safely. It carries a presumption of conformity: follow it and you meet the storage requirements of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

The starting point is always the risk assessment. From it follow the quantity, the segregation rules and the technical measures such as spill sumps, safety cabinets or ventilation. Fixed tanks and process vessels are outside the scope of TRGS 510.

• Create and document the risk assessment before storing.
• Review the safety data sheet (sections 7 and 10).
• Define storage quantity, storage class and segregation.
• Provide operating instructions and train the staff.

Which quantity thresholds and segregation bans apply?

TRGS 510 uses small-quantity thresholds below which simplified rules apply. Only above them do the full requirements for separate stores, fire compartments and segregation kick in. For flammable liquids the threshold is around 200 kg, for very toxic substances much lower.

Not all substances may be stored together. TRGS 510 assigns each substance a storage class (LGK) and a segregation table defines which combinations are allowed, only separated or forbidden. Classic example: oxidising substances (LGK 5.1) must not sit next to flammable liquids (LGK 3).

How are spill containment sumps sized correctly?

Water-polluting and liquid hazardous materials must be stored so that any leak is retained. The retention volume of the sump must be at least the volume of the largest single container, and in protected zones the entire stored volume.

• Retention volume at least 10 % of the total quantity or 100 % of the largest container - the larger value counts.
• In water protection zones the entire stored volume is the retention requirement.
• Steel sumps for flammables, PE sumps for acids and alkalis.
• Inspect sumps regularly for leaks and corrosion and remove any spill at once.

Grating keeps the containers dry above the collected liquid and makes visual checks easier. Position the sump so that a leak stays visible without moving containers around.

Which fire resistance class does the cabinet need?

Safety cabinets for flammable liquids are classified to DIN EN 14470‑1. The type designation states the time in minutes for which the cabinet interior stays below the critical temperature in a fire: Type 15, 30, 60 or 90.

In practice Type 90 is the standard because it gives 90 minutes for safe evacuation and firefighting. The cabinet closes doors and vent flaps automatically in a fire. Compressed gas cylinders, by contrast, need cabinets to DIN EN 14470‑2.

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