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STORAGE OF CHEMICALS

Chemical storage is the storage of controlled chemicals or hazardous materials in chemical stores,
chemical storage cabinets, or similar devices. Improper chemical storage can result in the creation of
workplace safety hazards including the presence of heat, fire, explosion and leakage of toxic gas.

Chemical storage cabinets are typically used to safely store small amounts of chemical substances
within a workplace or laboratory for regular use. These cabinets are typically made from materials that
are resistant to the chemicals stored in them and occasionally contain a bunded tray to capture spillage.

Chemical stores are warehouses commonly used by chemical or pharmaceutical companies to store
bulk chemicals. In the US, the storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials must be
disclosed to occupants under laws managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA).

Chemical storage devices are usually present where a workplace requires the use of non-hazardous
and/or hazardous chemicals. Proper storage is imperative for the safety of, and access by, laboratory
workers.

Principles

Proper labeling is important to ensure that chemicals are not misidentified, which is key to protecting
health and safety. For example, organizing chemicals alphabetically is not generally recommended,
because it may lead to incompatible chemicals placed near each other, risking a dangerous reaction.

Instead chemicals should be stored according to their reactivity and other properties. For example,
acids and bases are incompatible and should be stored separately, whereas sodium and potassium can
be kept together as they are both water-reactive but do not have any added hazard when placed with
one another. The United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS) is an international system created by the United Nations to classify chemicals. The
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) identifies and classifies the properties
and hazards of chemicals.

Chemicals are usually stored in cool areas, away from direct heat sources, moisture, or light and
should be regularly checked for degradation or damage.

General Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for safe chemical storage:

 Read chemical labels and MSDSs for specific storage instructions.

 Store chemicals in a well-ventilated area; however, do not store chemicals in a fume hood.
 Maintain an inventory of all chemicals in storage.
 Return chemical containers to their proper storage location after use.
 Store glass chemical containers so that they are unlikely to be broken.
 Store all hazardous chemicals below eye level.
 Never store hazardous chemicals in a public area or corridor.
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Separating Hazardous Chemicals

In addition to the guidelines above, there are storage requirements for separating hazardous chemicals.
Because an alphabetical storage system may place incompatible chemicals next to each other, group
chemicals according to their hazard category (i.e., acids, bases, flammables, etc.).

Follow these guidelines to ensure that hazardous chemicals are stored safely:
 Separate acids from bases. Store these chemicals near floor level.
 Isolate perchloric acid from organic materials. Do not store perchloric acid on a wooden shelf.
 Separate highly toxic chemicals and carcinogens from all other chemicals. This storage
location should have a warning label and should be locked.
 Separate acids from flammables.
 Do not keep peroxide-forming chemicals longer than twelve months.
 Do not allow picric acid to dry out.
 If flammables need to be chilled, store them in a laboratory-safe refrigerator, not in a standard
refrigerator.
 Flammables should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet.
 Store reactive materials seperate from corrosives or flammables.
 Store Nitric acid (reactive and corrosive) separately from other acids and flammables.

Chemical Compatibity Chart

Below is a chart adapted from NFPA regulations which demonstrates how chemicals should be stored
by hazard class. This chart is not complete but it will aid in making decisions about storage. For more
complete information please refer to the MSDS for the specific chemical.

Group/ Color Hazard Class Storage Location Special Instructions

Code
G Grey, General On shelves or in Presents no more than moderate hazard in
Green, cabinets any of categories. For general chemical
Orange storage.
B Blue Health Hazard On shelves or in Toxic if inhaled, ingested or absorbed
cabinets through skin. Store in a secure area.
Y Yellow Reactive On shelves or in Reactive & oxidizing reagents. May react
cabinets violently with air, water or other
substances. Store away from flammables
or combustibles.
R Red Flammable In flammable Store in area segregated for flammable
storage cabinet reagents.
W White Corrosive/ *In corrosive May harm skin, eyes, & mucous
storage cabinet membranes. Store away from red, yellow,
Contact Hazard and blue coded reagents.
*Within this storage group you must segregate acids and bases. In addition, nitric acid is
always to be stored alone.

 Storage location should clearly indicate which group/code is stored in that location. Each shelf
or cabinet should indicate the color.
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 Groups should always be separated by a vertical divider not horizontal divider.

 Each chemical container should be clearly labeled by its storage color.
 Ideally liquids should be isolated by secondary containment.

Safe Handling and Storage of Chemicals

By following a few simple guidelines, the risks associated with handling and storage of material within
the laboratory can be reduced considerably.
 Laboratory workers should date containers with the day, month and year they are first opened
and first received. This is required for materials that have potential to form organic peroxides
and recommended for all other materials.
 Laboratories should minimize chemical storage to only those chemicals which will be actively
used. Laboratory doors should remain closed at all times.
 Workers should not use chemicals or equipment if they have not been trained to do so.
 Use the following chemical storage guidelines for work with specific chemical hazards:

General Chemical Safety Guidelines

Acids
 Store large bottles of acids on low shelves or on trays in acid cabinets or a cabinet marked
“corrosives”
 Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammable and combustible materials.
 Segregate acids from bases, active metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other
incompatible materials.
 Use bottle carriers or a cart to transporting acid bottles.
 Have spill control pillows or acid neutralizers available in the event of a spill. Do not use bases
to neutralize acid spill.
Bases
 Segregate bases from acids and other incompatible materials.
 Store large bottles of liquid bases on trays in a cabinet marked “Bases” or “Corrosives”.
 Store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers.
 Have spill control pillows or caustic neutralizers available for caustic spills. Do not use acids to
neutralize base spills.
Flammables
 Only store flammable liquids in a specially equipped flammable-safe refrigerator or
flammables cabinet.
 Keep away from sources of ignition.
 Keep fire extinguishing and spill control equipment readily available.
 For flammable metals, have a Class-D fire extinguisher available. See “fire extinguishers” for
more information.
Oxidizers
 Store in a cool, dry area
 Store away from flammable and combustible materials, such as paper, wood, etc..

Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
 Date the container when received and when opened.
 Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry area.
 Check container for formation of peroxides, as needed, using appropriate indicator strips.
 Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals on or before expiration date or one year after opening,
whichever is first.
Compressed Gases
 Store in a secure and upright position.
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 Chain cylinders individually, 2/3 to 3/4 from the floor.

 Indicate the status of the cylinder: Full or In Use or Empty.
 When not in use, replace the valve cap.
 To transport use a cylinder cart.
 Remove all manifolds and regulators, secure the valve cap, and chain or strap the cylinder to
the cart before moving.

Here are some ground rules that can be useful to have while at work to ensure safe handling of
chemicals:

 Keep track of which chemicals are being used in the business. Keep a list of the substances, the
amounts being used and the risks associated with them. You can read more in Taking
inventory.
 This also applies to gathering information and distributing it to those who need it. Current
safety data sheets are one condition. Read more in Safety data sheets. There may be a need for
special instructions and training to assure safe handling. Read more in responsibility and
training. To understand the risks it is often necessary to carry out an overall risk analysis. In the
introduction risk analysis there is more to read about this.
 Storing and using chemicals in a safe way is a further foundation for working with chemicals.
This introduction deals with this.
 In continuing risk reduction work it is necessary to decide whether a particular chemical is
really needed. In many cases there can be another substance that is less hazardous to health and
the environment, or perhaps a different method, see more under substitution. Purchasing of
chemical substances therefore requires special procedures, read more in purchasing.

Things to remember when storing, labelling, handling and personal hygiene

Storage

 All chemical products must be stored and labelled in accordance with the instructions on the
safety sheet.
 Chemicals must not be stored together with inflammable material and gas cylinders.
 Do not store acids and alkalis together.
 Do not store strong acids and organic substances together.
 Do not store strongly oxidising substances together with oxidisable substances.
 Ethers and other peroxide-building substances must be stored in the dark and cool, in tightly
sealed containers.
 Chemical containers must be stored with closed lids when they are not being used.
 Refrigerators and freezers for storage of chemicals must be of such a type that is specially
made for this purpose. Chemicals and similar items must not be stored in refrigerators or
freezers that are intended to store food.
 Chemical stores must not have open floor drains. If there is a floor drain, it must be equipped
with protection to prevent leakage. This means for example tight fitting lids, a manual opening
and closing function in the drain or other comparable arrangement.
 Equipment for handling and cleaning up spillage must be in readiness and suitable for the
chemicals that are stored. It is suitable to have equipment placed outside the chemical store.
 It is important for the fire classification of storage lockers and rooms to match the types and
amounts of chemicals stored therein.
 Combustible material must be stored in fireproof cupboards or in separate spaces.

Labelling
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 Chemicals must normally be stored in their original packaging. If you need smaller amounts of
a chemical, the new packaging must be suitable for the substance. Labelling must be in
accordance with the original packaging. It must always be possible to know what substance the
packaging contains and what risks there may be.

Handling of chemicals

 Always read the safety data sheet and the text on the packaging carefully when you are about to
use a product with which you are not completely familiar with the risks. Contact the
environmental co-ordinator if you are unsure about handling methods.
 Use personal protection equipment (e.g. gloves, face mask) where necessary.
 Surplus chemicals and hazardous waste must be dealt with in accordance with the information
in the safety data sheet.
 First Aid equipment must be available.
 Workplaces must be cleaned regularly. There must not be chemical spills on the floor.

Personal hygiene

 Smoking is forbidden in the factory area outside specially assigned smoking areas. If you
smoke, remember to wash your hands before lighting up a cigarette. Otherwise chemical
substances can be transferred by skin contact or breathed in.
 Immediately wash off chemical traces from the skin. Read the safety data sheet or ask your
immediate superior if you are not sure what needs to be done.
 Food products must not be stored or eaten in premises where chemicals are handled.
 Work clothes must be kept clean. If you have been in contact with chemicals, take a shower
before you go home.

Handling and Storing Chemicals

First—The right personal protective equipment (PPE)

The focus of this article is safe storage of chemicals. But before we start rounding up bottles of
chemicals and reorganizing our labs, we need to make sure we have the proper PPE. At a minimum,
this should include appropriate chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, closed-toe shoes
(essential for working in the laboratory), and lab coats and/or chemical aprons (used when needed or
when required by your laboratory safety policy).

Once we have collected our PPE, there are just a couple more things to gather before we begin moving
those chemical containers around. Survey your surroundings, and take notice of any potential trip
hazards and locations of work stations where others are busy. Make sure exits, passageways, and
emergency equipment areas (i.e., eyewash and safety showers) are clear and free of stored materials.
Locate and have close at hand a full spill kit with appropriate absorbent materials, neutralizing agents,
cleanup utensils, and waste containers. Finally, check that all chemical containers have complete labels
in good condition and that safety data sheets (SDS) are readily available. Consult OSHA’s Hazard
Communication Standard 1 for guidance. Another good resource for this is the Standard System for the
Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response.2

Next—Safe transport
Here are our pointers for moving chemicals safely:
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 Never move visibly degrading chemicals and containers. Report these to your lab supervisor or
principle investigator.
 Whenever transporting chemicals, place bottles in appropriate, leak-proof secondary containers
to protect against breakage and spillage. A good example is using a special plastic tote for
carrying four-liter glass bottles of corrosives or solvents.
 When moving multiple, large, or heavy containers, use sturdy carts. Ensure cart wheels are
large enough to roll over uneven surfaces without tipping or stopping suddenly. If carts are
used for secondary containment make sure the trays are liquid-tight and have sufficient lips on
all four sides.
 Do not transport chemicals during busy times such as break times or (for those academic
laboratories) lunch periods or class changes.
 Use freight elevators for moving hazardous chemicals whenever possible to avoid potential
incidents on crowded passenger elevators. Remember to remove gloves when pushing elevator
buttons or opening doors.
 Never leave chemicals unattended.

Rules for chemical storage

Safely storing chemicals in a laboratory or stockroom requires diligence and careful consideration.
Correct use of containers and common lab equipment is critical. To store chemicals safely, DO the
following;
 Label all chemical containers fully. We recommend including the owner’s or user’s name along
with the date received.
 Provide a specific storage space for each chemical, and ensure return after each use.
 Store volatile toxics and odoriferous chemicals in ventilated cabinets. Please check with your
environmental health and safety personnel for specific guidance.
 Store flammable liquids in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets. Small amounts of
flammable liquids may be stored in the open room. Check with your local authority (e.g., fire
marshal, EH&S personnel) for allowable limits.
 Separate all chemicals, especially liquids, according to compatible groups. Follow all
precautions regarding storage of incompatible materials. Post a chemical compatibility chart for
reference, both in the lab and next to chemical storage rooms.
 Use appropriate resistant secondary containers for corrosive materials. This protects the
cabinets and will catch any leaks or spills due to breakage.
 Seal containers tightly to prevent the escape of vapors.
 Use designated refrigerators for storing chemicals. Label these refrigerators CHEMICAL
STORAGE ONLY—NO FOOD. Never store flammable liquids in a refrigerator unless it is
specifically designed and approved for such storage. Use only explosion-proof (spark-free)
refrigerators for storing flammables.

And AVOID doing the following:

 Storing large, heavy containers or liquids on high shelves or in high cabinets. Instead store
these at shoulder level or below.
 Storing bottles on the floor unless they are in some type of secondary containment. • Storing
chemicals near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
 Storing chemicals in fume hoods. Excessive containers interfere with air flow and hood
performance. Only chemicals in actual use should be in the hood.
 Storing anything on top of cabinets. Ensure at least 18 inches of clearance around all sprinkler
heads to avoid interference with the fire suppression system.
 Using bench tops for storage. These work spaces should contain only chemicals currently in
use.
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 Storing chemicals indefinitely. Humidity causes powders to cake or harden. Liquid chemicals
evaporate. We strongly recommend all containers be dated when they arrive in the lab. Ensure
all manufacturers’ expiration dates are strictly followed. Pay special attention to reactive or
dangerous compounds. Dispose of all outdated, hardened, evaporated, or degraded materials
promptly.

9 Tips for Safely Storing Chemicals

1. Develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifies certain elements that must be
included in a plant's chemical hygiene plan. These requirements are spelled out in the details of 29
CFR 1910.1450.

2. Never Skimp on Training

Industrial accidents cost industry millions of dollars every year, but safety is much more than a
budgetary line item. It is an important responsibility to workers and their communities. To ensure the
safest possible operations, provide regular training to every employee who comes in contact with
chemicals. The training should cover how to handle and package the material, the required safety gear,
and emergency and evacuation procedures in the event of a spill. Training should be repeated at
frequent intervals so that it is fresh in the minds of all employees.

3. Standardize Procedures
While every chemical has some unique aspects for safe handling, there also are many steps that apply
for all chemicals. To make it easy for your team to follow safe handling procedures, start with the
common steps, such as always wearing safety equipment and inspecting containers before putting
chemicals in them. This helps reinforce the basics and makes it easier to follow the unique
requirements of specific chemicals.

4. Practice Good Housekeeping Techniques

Neatness counts when it comes to safety. Keeping aisles clean and clear will prevent trips and falls,
and putting tools or equipment away after use will help to avoid incidents such as dropping or
knocking containers of chemicals off benches and tables.

5. Provide High-quality Safety Gear

Doing everything you can to keep your employees safe includes providing the right high-quality
protective clothing and gear to protect them while handling chemicals. OSHA specifies the equipment
that should be provided and requires that it meet the quality standards established by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). Provide training and instruction on the usage of the safety gear,
and ensure that people use it at all times.

6. Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Many chemicals are volatile and can cause issues even at low concentrations. To prevent problems,
verify that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in place are operating
effectively and that they are adequate for the space. Consider adding additional fans if necessary to
meet OSHA indoor air quality guidelines.
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7. Use Tools and Containment

Using containment trays when handling volatile or dangerous chemicals is a good practice that can
limit the damage from accidental spills. In addition, before transferring chemicals from one container
to another, it should be a standard operating procedure to inspect all containers to confirm they are
clean and free from chips or cracks.

Some chemicals require storage in air-tight containers; others need to be stored in a specific
temperature range or in containers made of certain materials. Your team should know where to find the
documentation for safe handling of every chemical you use. You must also have the right containers
available for every chemical on your premises.

8. Segregate Incompatible Chemicals

Some chemicals ignite, explode or burn when combined, so keep them segregated unless your process
requires them to be mixed. To prevent accidental combinations due to spills or vapors, store these
incompatible substances at a safe distance from each other. Designate different areas of the stockroom
for each chemical and make sure material handlers understand the importance of keeping them
segregated.

9. Practice Spill Response

Accidents happen, so your team must know what to do in the event of a chemical spill. As is the case
with fire drills and other emergency procedures, you should have spill-response drills and well-
documented procedures. Take the time to train people on the correct procedures. These drills should be
taken seriously and occur at intervals that are frequent enough so people will know what to do.