Shipping Container Storage Safety

storage safety

A shipping container can be dangerous if it’s not handled and cared for properly. While they are great, sturdy vessels for many projects, from shipping goods across the world to setting up an on-site office, there are factors you need to consider when it comes to shipping containers and storage safety. From initial delivery to completing the intended purpose, you need to make sure that you’re conscious of safety concerns when you use a storage container. Below, Porta-Stor will go over a few things to remember for storage safety.

Storage Safety Tips

Here are a few basic safety tips to consider when you're using a shipping container for storage:

Make sure your container stays locked at all times when not actively in use. This is important for a few reasons:

  1. It keeps the things you’re storing safe from theft.
  2. It prevents people from accidentally getting locked inside without your knowledge.
  3. It ensures that your belongings stay clean and dry during bad weather.

Never stack things on top of your container. Unless it’s another shipping container placed by someone who knows what they're doing, extra weight on top of a container can start to weaken it and compromise its strength and ability to keep your belongings safe.

If you’re planning on stacking these containers on top of each other, it’s best to use the shipping container company to get this done. It takes special equipment to stack them safely, and you want to make sure that they are secure on top of each other to avoid accidents that hurt a person or the contents inside. For stacking containers, it’s also important to make sure the ground they are sitting on is solid and not uneven and that there is enough overhead clearance to support the stack. No overhead wires or power lines should be in the way.

Make sure you stack heavier things at the bottom. This helps keep you as well as your belongings safe. This formation keeps the stacks of items stable and less likely to topple over.

If your container becomes the target of vandalism, make sure to get it cleaned up and painted over as quickly as you can. Doing this conveys that you want your community to stay clean and welcoming, and sends a clear message to vandals that it wont be tolerated, and someone is watching. It also keeps the paint in good condition to protect the metal underneath.

Place your container away from sidewalks and roadways. This keeps line of sight clear for drivers and pedestrians. Whoever delivers your container can help you choose a safe location to place it, and you can find more info on container placement here.

Choose the right lock. There are so many to choose from, and you want to get one that’s sturdy and not easy to compromise. Your shipping container company should be able to help you pick a lock that's right for you and your container.

Based on what you’re storing, you might need to have a good ventilation system. This helps keep the air circulating and prevents your items from smelling of stagnant air. This is also an important factor to consider if you’re storing any kind of chemicals or fuel. In this case, you may need to get a storage container that has more than the usual two vents. Keep in mind that some storage facilities have restrictions on the kinds of materials that can be kept on the premises, and some substances are simply too dangerous to be kept in such a container. If in doubt, ask the company what can be stored.

Basic safety measures are an important aspect of shipping container storage. Not only will they keep you from getting hurt, but they will also help keep your belongings in top shape. Once you have all of your safety precautions in place, you’ll be ready to get your storage container and start putting it to good use!