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Chemical Storage
Tips for Chemical Storage:
Many laboratories find it convenient to store their chemicals
alphabetically. This may seem like good lab organization, but it
can lead to incompatible hazardous chemicals being stored together.
For example, say we store all the chemicals starting with "S" together.
What usually happens in this situation is Sulfuric Acid (Strong Acid)
gets stored on the same shelf or in the same cabinet as Sodium Nitrite (Strong Oxidizer).
If one of these containers leaked (or the shelf falls), an acid gas
could result as a reaction between the two chemicals. Consult
the chemical's MSDS for identifying hazards and compatibility issues. See below
for tips on chemical storage. Click
here for Chemical Segregation Tree and the Chemical Segregation Tip Sheet.
- Separate Solids from Liquids
(preferably Organic from Inorganic). Note: Within the solids
group, separate metals from non-metals. Keep metals away from
water and moisture to prevent corrosion or reaction.
- Separate Non-hazardous from Hazardous
- Separate Toxic from Irritants (Non-hazardous). Note:
Irritants are usually denoted by a black "X" on the bottle. Toxic are
labeled with a skull and crossbones symbol. Toxic chemicals
should be stored away from sink and sanitary areas.
- Separate Flammable liquids (or
solids) from all other Hazardous Chemicals. Note: If you have more
than 10 gallons of flammable liquid in your lab they must be store in
flammable storage cabinet. Flammable liquids can also be stored
in cabinets underneath fume hoods.
- Separate Corrosives from remaining
hazardous chemicals including flammables. Note: Among the
corrosives, separate acids from bases. Acids and bases can be
stored in the same cabinet as long as they are stored in secondary
containment separate from each other. Corrosives can be stored
in cabinets underneath fume hoods (usually in the cabinet provided on
the right).
- Separate Reactive/Oxidizers from
remaining hazardous chemicals. Note: Oxidizers can be
stored on shelves, preferably below eye level. Some oxidizers
can be stored in explosion-proof refrigerators to prevent peroxide
formation. Water reactive chemicals should be stored clear of
sink or any areas of moisture
Audit Findings:
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