No matter if it’s a small collection of household cleaning agents or large-scale barrels containing corrosive substances, handling and storing hazardous materials (hazmat) is a high-stakes responsibility.
Every product classified as a “dangerous good” carries risks that require strict compliance and specialized logistics.
Whether you’re a chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer, understanding the do’s and don’ts of dangerous goods storage is critical to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
At Porter Logistics, we’ve built our hazmat warehousing operation in Savannah, Atlanta, and Tampa to meet these exact challenges. In Savannah specifically, our secure and certified facility is strategically located near major chemical manufacturing hubs and the Port of Savannah.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a dangerous good (also known as hazardous material or hazmat) is “any substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.”
Hazardous goods can include, but are not limited to:
Each of these requires unique handling protocols, storage conditions, and compliance documentation. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) define strict guidelines for how hazardous materials must be labeled, stored, and transported.
According to OSHA chemical storage requirements, employers must store hazardous materials in a way that:
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is the cornerstone of these requirements, mandating that employees understand the risks associated with the chemicals they handle and how to respond safely.
In addition, NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides additional guidance for the safe storage of flammable materials.
All warehousing operations must adhere to these guidelines. Understandably, most companies choose to outsource their dangerous goods storage to a chemical 3PL—where the warehouse is specially designed to accommodate these substances—to ensure that these guidelines are being met.
Always keep incompatible materials separate. For instance, oxidizers should never be stored with organic materials or flammables, and acids should be kept away from bases. Refer to the hazardous materials segregation table to ensure the safe storage and transportation of hazardous materials.
If your primary storage container (i.e. a drum, barrel, or storage tank) fails, a secondary container is a precautionary system to prevent a spill from spreading. Containment pallets, berms, and spill trays prevent small leaks from becoming disasters. It’s important to keep up with regular inspections to ensure that these systems are clean and functional.
Looks can be deceiving. Just because a chemical storage warehouse appears organized doesn’t mean that the boots-on-the-ground personnel are following proper protocol at all times. Employees must be trained in both OSHA/DOT hazmat handling as well as the specific facility’s emergency procedures and storage layout.
Keeping detailed records of what’s stored, where it’s located, and its condition helps minimize errors and ensures compliance. At Porter Logistics, we use an all-in-one warehouse management system (WMS) from Extensiv to scale our operations without compromising safety or visibility. From receipt to outbound transfer, our WMS tracks lot codes, expiration dates, and regulatory data.
Locating storage near ports, highways, and rail lines reduces handling steps and transit risk. That’s one reason our Savannah hazmat warehouse is strategically positioned near the Port of Savannah, which is one of the busiest container ports in the country.
As mentioned earlier, combining certain chemicals can cause violent reactions, fires, or toxic gas releases. Always consult the SDS (as well as the hazardous materials segregation table) before placing products in shared storage.
Improper temperature control can lead to pressure build-up or degradation of chemicals. Facilities should have active ventilation and climate management systems. At Porter, we take temperature-sensitive storage seriously. One way we do so is by implementing continuous temperature and humidity monitoring to stay on top of any potential fluctuations.
Unlabeled containers or missing SDS documentation are among the most common (and preventable!) compliance violations. Remember that it’s always better to over-document than to under-document. When in doubt, write or type it out.
It’s never acceptable to use improvised or damaged drums, totes, or tanks for dangerous goods storage. All containers must meet DOT specifications and be routinely inspected for corrosion or wear.
The DOT rating system uses a set of codes to determine whether a container meets the required safety parameters for use in transportation. Approved containers are specifically designed to sustain extreme forces such as vibration, impact, and high pressure.
Hazmat warehouses must have fire suppression systems tailored to chemical risks, such as foam suppression for flammable liquids or inert gas systems for volatile vapors. There should also be well-documented emergency protocols that all employees are trained and regularly refreshed on.
The Savannah region is a hotspot for chemical manufacturing and logistics. It’s one of the most strategic locations in the Southeast for hazardous goods storage and distribution.
Notable players in the area include:
Proximity to these manufacturers, coupled with direct access to the Port of Savannah, positions the region as a hub for bulk transloading, import/export of raw materials, and domestic chemical distribution.
Our port-proximate warehouse reduces short-distance transportation, lowers inland shipping costs, and improves lead times for importers/exporters.
Our certified Savannah hazmat warehouse is built for safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Key features include:
We provide dangerous goods storage solutions for manufacturers, importers, and distributors who need secure, compliant, and strategically located warehousing for hazardous materials. From small-batch chemicals to bulk containers, we’ll help you handle it all with confidence.
Learn more about Porter’s HAZMAT certified warehousing in Savannah and submit a form so we can set up a custom solution fitted to your needs.
