General Storage Information
- Chemicals should be stored by hazard class (i.e., flammables with flammables, oxidizers
with oxidizers, etc.)
- Incompatible chemicals should be physically segregated from each other during storage.
- Chemicals should not be exposed to direct sunlight or localized heat.
- Containers of corrosive chemicals (acids and bases) should be stored in trays large
enough to contain spillage or leakage.
- Chemicals should be properly labeled, dated upon receipt, and dated upon opening of
the container.
- All containers must be labeled as to contents. Liquids must be labeled by name and
percent of each constituent.
- Hazardous chemicals should not be stored above the shoulder height of the shortest
person working in the lab.
- Shelves should be painted or covered with chemical resistant paint or other chemical
resistant coating.
- Shelves should be strong enough to hold chemicals being stored on them. Do not overload
shelves.
- All chemical shelving should have at least a 1/2" containment lip on the outer edge
or should have doors covering the shelves.
- Personnel should be aware of the hazards associated with all hazardous materials.
- All solids should be separated from liquids.
- All chemicals should be properly contained with secondary containment when required.
- Chemicals should not be stored under sinks or in fume hoods.
- Ordinary domestic refrigerators and walk-in coolers must not be used for the storage
of flammable liquids because they contain certain built-in ignition sources such as
electrical contacts.
- Explosives should be stored in approved explosion-proof refrigeration
Storage of Acids
- Large bottles of acids should be stored on lower shelves or in acid cabinets.
- Oxidizing acids should be segregated from organic acids, flammables, and combustible
materials.
- Acids should be segregated from bases and active metals such as sodium, magnesium
and potassium.
- Acids should be segregated from chemicals that can generate toxic gases on contact,
such as sodium cyanide and iron sulfide
- Acids should be stored in chemical resistant trays that are capable of containing
any spillage or leakage from their container.
- Make sure that all acids are stored by compatibility.
Storage of Bases
- Bases should be stored away from acids.
- Large bottles of bases should be stored on lower shelves or in a corrosive cabinet.
- Bases should be stored in chemical resistant trays that are capable of containing
any spillage or leakage from their container.
- Make sure that all bases are stored by compatibility.
Storage of Flammables
- According to NFPA (national fire protection association) 30 & 45, for each area with
flammable liquids, you may store10gal/100 sq. Ft in an unsprinkled lab or 20gal/100sq
ft in a sprinkled lab.
- The maximum allowable quantity for flammable liquid storage in any size lab is not
to exceed 120 gallons.
- Regarding flammable liquid storage outside of approved flammable storage cabinets;
there may be a maximum of 10 gallons of flammable liquids in original containers and
an additional 25 gallons in approved safety cans not to exceed 2-gallon size. Nfpa
45.
- NFPA specified safety cabinets should be used for storage of flammable liquids.
- Only explosion-proof or intrinsically safe refrigerators and freezers should be used
for storing flammable liquids.
- Bonding and grounding wires should be used where flammable liquids > 5 gallons are
dispensed or where flammable liquids are being transferred from one metal container
to another metal container.
- Make sure that all flammables are stored by compatibility.
- Our guidelines for flammable storage follow NFPA 30 & 45 standard
Storage of Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
- Peroxide-forming chemicals should be stored in airtight containers away from light,
heat, and air.
- Do not store liquid or solutions of peroxides at a temperature below that at which
the peroxide freezes or precipitates. Peroxides in this form are extremely shock
and heat sensitive.
- Refrigerated storage of peroxides or other flammable chemicals must be in a "lab-safe"
or explosion proof unit only.
- Peroxide-forming chemicals should be properly disposed of before the date of expected
peroxide formation (six months after opening).
- Make sure that all peroxide-forming chemicals are stored by compatibility.
- Shock sensitive and detonable materials are to be stored in secondary containers large
enough to hold the container contents in case of breakage; i.E., Picric and perchloric
acids.
- Picric, if dry, must remain dry; if wet, must remain wet. Crystal formation on caps,
etc., Poses an imminent danger. Containers should be routinely inspected for peroxide
formation. Chemicals should be labeled with date received, date opened, and disposal/expiration
date.
- Suspicion of peroxide contamination should be immediately investigated. Contact chemical
safety (1-2663) for procedures.
Storage of Water-Reactive Chemicals
- Water-reactive chemicals should be stored in a cool and dry place.
- In case of fire, a class ABC (all-purpose) fire extinguisher, or class D fire extinguisher
for the specific water-reactive chemical, should be used. MCG has a policy of using
the ABC extinguishers for all fires. In the event you are unable to extinguish the
fire without risk of personal injury, leave the room closing the door behind you and
call 1-2911 from a safe location.
- Make sure that all water reactive chemicals are stored by compatibility.
Storage of Oxidizers
- Oxidizers should be stored away from flammables, combustibles, and reducing agents
(e.G. Zinc, alkaline metals, etc.)
- Make sure that all oxidizers are stored by compatibility.
Storage of Toxic Compounds
- Toxic compounds should be stored according to the nature of the chemical, with appropriate
security employed when necessary.
- A "poison control network" telephone number should be posted in the laboratory. (Poison
control center 724-5050 and CDC 404-639-3235)
- Make sure that all toxins are stored by compatibility
- If you have an understanding of how your chemicals should be segregated and stored,
but you're having difficulty fitting the standard practices into the space you have
allotted, or you're not totally sure how to segregate or store your chemicals, we
would be happy to make a site visit to assist. For more information or assistance
with chemical storage and proper segregation, contact the Chemical Safety Office.
