Hazardous goods are substances and items that can catch fire, explode, poison, corrode, leak or give off fumes, and so put people or property at risk. Everyday examples include petrol, paint, solvents, gas bottles, aerosols, garden chemicals and strong cleaning products.
At Wigwam
Furniture, boxes, household goods, business stock and tools are all welcome. To keep everyone’s belongings safe, hazardous goods stay out of every unit, and the rule is the same for every customer, so the unit next to yours is held to the same standard as your own. That means:
- anything flammable or combustible, such as petrol, oil, paint, solvents, gas bottles and other compressed gas;
- aerosols of every kind, whatever the label says;
- cleaning products such as bleach, disinfectant and spray cleaners;
- firearms, explosives, weapons, ammunition and fireworks;
- chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents, toxic waste and asbestos;
- anything that gives off fumes or smells, or could harm the environment or other people’s property.
Batteries have their own sensible limits rather than an outright ban: see lithium-ion batteries.
How to tell
Start with the label. Hazardous products carry GB hazard pictograms: diamonds with a red border and a white background, showing symbols such as a flame, corrosion, a skull and crossbones or a gas cylinder. A product with the flame symbol stays out, and if it shows any of the others, ask us before it goes in. No symbol doesn’t always mean safe, so if you’re unsure, just ask.
Machines are welcome once the hazard has gone. A petrol mower or strimmer can come in once it’s been run completely dry: the fuel tank emptied, the carburettor run until the engine stops and the engine oil drained. Keep the fuel at home, and fuel cans too, even empty ones, because they still hold vapour. A gas barbecue is fine with its bottle taken off.
Not sure about something, such as a loose car or mower battery? Email a photo of the label to hello@wigwamstorage.co.uk or call us on 0800 2545585, and we’ll let you know before moving day.
Related terms
Related questions
- What goods are prohibited from being stored at Wigwam?
- Can I store a lawnmower, petrol tools, gas bottles or a barbecue?
- Can I store aerosols, candles or other flammable stock for my business?
Further reading
- Health and Safety Executive: Hazard pictograms (symbols)