Compliant chemical sheds are important infrastructure to ensure cropping enterprises, grape growers and winemakers meet safety and sustainability requirements.
So, what makes up a compliant chemical shed design? What are some examples?
In this article, we showcase a recent 50-shuttle compliant chemical shed project.
So, read on to find out why it works well and how we achieved a compliant chemical shed design.
We also provide an overview of chemical storage requirements, a handy checklist for your chemical shed project and some smart design recommendations for you to consider.
First up, learn how this project addresses both safety and sustainability requirements.

Compliant Chemical Shed Project Overview
Configuration: Fully enclosed with concrete apron
Size: 17m (L) x 12m (W) x 5m (H)
Capacity: Approx. 50 shuttles
Build Date: 2024
Location: Ouyen VIC
View more Action shed build in this region, here – Mallee Farm Sheds Brochure
Need storage for 50 shuttles? Researching compliant chemical shed designs?
This project is a textbook example – and we cover the main reasons why the design works so well, below.
7 Reasons This Chemical Shed Design Works
1
Standard Design
Choosing a standard span size is always a great way to create both a cost-effective and functional design.
You can learn about this here – What Are The Standard Spans For Farm Sheds?
This project takes it a step further by using the 50 shuttle design from the Standard Chemical Shed Range.
So, what is the Standard Chemical Shed Range?
The Standard Chemical Shed range was developed by our building consultants to address the lack of information and options available for compliant storage.

You can learn about the range and download designs and pricing, here – Standard Chemical Sheds Brochure (Size & Price Guide)
2
Effective Ventilation
Ventilation and airflow is an important consideration for chemical sheds to help reduce vapour build up. This helps create safe working conditions and also helps to reduce the risk of fire.
Effective ventilation is achieved in this chemical shed by using a combination of wall vents and whirly birds in the roof.
The sliding doors can also be opened to provide additional airflow when working with chemicals in the shed.
3
Safe & Easy Access
Access to your chemical shed needs to be safe and practical.

For example, doorways need to be kept clear so that the shed can be safely exited in the case of an accident, chemical spill or fire.
You will also need to consider the machinery that will be accessing the shed and the clearance heights required.
Here are some of the details that ensure this shed can be safely and easily accessed.
- Lockable personal access door for quick access to the shed and to prevent unauthorised entry.
- Wide sliding door openings and 5m height for sprayer access
- Clear access on each side of the shed site with room for turning circles.
4
Functional Space
If you are investing in a chemical shed, it pays to think about functionality. This ensures you get the best value for your money and makes sure your shed works for your operation.
For example, this compliant chemical shed design includes a drive-through sprayer bay to make filling up more efficient.
You may want to include different features such as a cantilevered canopy. This also provides quick and easy access for your sprayer.
5
Compliant Concrete Slab
Concrete slabs are a must-have inclusions for farm sheds.
For example, a bunded concrete slab that can contain a certain % of the total volume of chemicals stored or 110% of the largest container – whichever is greatest – is usually a requirement.
To be compliant, the slab will also require a drainage point to an evaporation pit outside.
This project ticks both of those boxes.
Plus, this design also includes a concrete apron with a wash down area. The washdown area and concreted access points are a great way to make it easier to keep the site clean and prevent contamination – and provides safe access to the shed.
6
Adequate Lighting
A well lit chemical shed is a requirement for both safety compliance and sustainability certification.
This project capitalises on the available natural light with sheets of skylights in the roof and wide door openings on two sides of the shed.
You could also consider adding hi-bay lights to the inside and outside of the shed. This allows you to safely use the shed in low-light hours – and would also be a good inclusion for larger chemical storage sheds to help you easily find the chemicals you are looking for.
7
Well-Prepared Site
Firstly, the site location allows for a layout with easy access and turning circles. This makes filling up and washing down the sprayer safer and more efficient,
The site is clear and the shed is located well away from other storage facilities, dwellings and waterways which is important for compliance.
This also improves general on-farm safety and reduces the risk of machinery accidents, contamination or fire.
Finally, a well-prepared, level site allows for easy installation and keeps the shed accessible even in wet weather.

Watch the video below for suggestions on how to make sure your shed site is well-prepared.
So, that’s an overview of 7 points that this compliant chemical shed addresses.
To view the project in more detail, browse the gallery below.
Project Gallery
We hope this chemical shed project has provided you with ideas and inspiration!
Looking to get your chemical shed design underway?
Wondering what you need to include in a compliant chemical shed design?
Read on for an overview of requirements and some recommendations from our Building Consultants.
What Are The Requirements For Compliant Chemical Storage?
If you store under 1000 kilograms or 1000 litres of chemicals on-farm, this is classified as ‘Minor Storage’ as per the Australian Standard AS2507 – 1998.
Quantities of chemical greater than 1000 kilograms or 1000 litres are required to comply with the storage requirements of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling Regulations 2012).
We provide an overview of the topic here – What Are The Requirements For Farm Chemical Storage?
Compliant Chemical Shed Checklist
Please note that this is not a complete list and compliance requirements for chemical storage can vary between states. The volume of the bunded slab is one example where requirements can differ.
There may also be additional requirements to address to achieve sustainability certification. For example, chemical storage is just one aspect of the compliance process for Sustainable Grain certification. You can learn about this here – Sustainable Grain Chemical Storage Requirements
- Hi-bay lighting to make reading labels easier and handling chemicals safer.
- Effective ventilation to reduce vapour build-up and ensure safe, comfortable working conditions.
- Lockable doors to prevent unauthorised access.
- Bunded concrete floor slab with drainage as per your state requirements.
- Adequate space to suit the amount of chemicals being stored and to keep access points clear.
- A clear, level site located away from other working areas, storage sheds, waterways and dwellings.
- Install the required signage and eye wash stations.
Chemical Shed Design Recommendations
- Increase the height of your shed as this is a cost-effective way to achieve additional storage space. This also ensures that there is adequate clearance height for machinery.
- Install pallet racking to take full advantage of the shed height. Pallet racking also helps to keep doorways clear and makes it easier to ensure liquids are not stored above granules.
- Allow space for your sprayer. As well as increasing the height of your chemical shed to accommodate your sprayer, consider including a drive-through sprayer bay. This can help create a convenient and efficient sprayer set-up.
- Include a washdown area to ensure a high level of hygiene is maintained and to prevent contamination. A concrete apron with a drainage point under a canopy is one way to achieve this. This area could also include a shower and eyewash station.
- Install high-bay lights outside too. This is a popular option for chemical sheds with a canopy and helps ensure the shed can be safely accessed during lowlight hours.
- Use a canopy for cost-effective coverage. As we have mentioned, canopies are popular additions to chemical sheds as they provide sheltered access to the shed, easily accessible cover for sprayers and a handy working area. A canopy is also more cost-effective than upsizing your shed.