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.
At Wigwam
You can't store them. Clause 18 of our terms lists what "You must not store (or allow any other person to store)" in a unit. The hazard entries are:
- (c) "combustible or flammable substances including but not limited to gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents or compressed gases";
- (d) "firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition";
- (e) "chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents, toxic waste, asbestos or other potentially hazardous substances";
- (f) "any item that emits fumes, or odours";
- (h) "goods which are environmentally harmful or that are a risk to the property of any person".
Clause 20 adds battery rules: you must not store "(a) any Lithium ion batteries exceeding a watt-hour (Wh) rating of 160 Wh unless they are built-in and cannot be removed from the otherwise permitted Goods; (b) portable battery chargers, power banks or any similar portable power source". It also limits e-bikes, e-scooters and items with built-in batteries; see lithium-ion batteries. Clause 20(a) is the only limit that names a battery type, lithium-ion; 20(b) bars "any similar portable power source" whatever the battery. For a loose lead-acid battery, such as a ride-on mower's, ask us.
How to tell
- Named in the clause. Gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents and compressed gases stay out whether or not the label shows a warning symbol.
- The label. A product showing the flame symbol stays out. The flame is one of nine GB hazard pictograms, red-bordered diamonds that include corrosion, skull and crossbones, and gas cylinder; if a label shows any of them, ask us before it goes in. No symbol doesn't rule an item in: 18(c) also covers combustible substances and 18(e) "other potentially hazardous substances", so if it isn't named, ask us on 0800 2545585.
Aerosols can't be stored, flame symbol or not: they come under "compressed gases", and spray paint is doubly out because clause 18(c) names paint. Gas bottles (even empty), weedkiller and creosote are out. Cleaning products get a default no, everyday ones included: see can I store cleaning products?
Clearing a garage or a relative's home? A mower or strimmer with fuel or oil in it can't come in. It can go in once it's been run completely dry: the fuel tank emptied, the carburettor run until the engine stops, and the engine oil drained. If it still smells of fuel, leave it out (clause 18(f)). Fuel cans can't be stored, even empty.
Already stored something? Take it out on your next visit. Clause 27 lets us "require You to remove Goods if in Our opinion storage of such Goods creates a risk to the safety of any person or property", and under clause 32 you compensate us for claims incurred by us or third parties that result from storing it.
Hazardous goods vs flammable liquids
Flammable liquids are one kind of hazardous goods. A liquid that won't burn can still be barred under 18(e) or 18(f).
Related terms: Flammable liquids · Lithium-ion batteries · Storage agreement
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 flammable stock for my business?