Safe Storage of Chemicals

The safe storage of chemicals is essential in order to provide for the effective management of chemicals, lesson the risk of fire, prevent accidental mixing in emergencies and to minimise exposure to corrosive and toxic chemicals.

Safe storage begins with identification of the chemicals to be stored and their intrinsic hazardous properties. Since many chemicals have several hazards, which may vary in degree of severity, depending on quantity and concentration, it is often difficult to determine what protection is needed for safe storage and where best to store a particular chemical.

Separation, segregation or isolation is recommended depending upon the severity of hazard, total quantities stored, and the size and break resistance of individual containers. It is important to note that chemical compatibility must take preference when storing chemicals.

Material and size of storage containers will also affect the need for special storage practices and safety procedures.

Ventilation is needed for chemicals and containers that may release dangerous or damaging quantities of vapours or gases that are flammable, corrosive, irritating or toxic. Ventilation may also be needed for containers and chemicals that may produce annoying odours.

For every storage area there should be evacuation and emergency procedures to be followed in case of a leak, spill or fire within the room.

The location of frequently used chemical storage areas should be based on consideration of safety in travel to the storage area and transport of chemicals to and from storage.

Chemicals stored at the bench or other work areas should be those that are used frequently. Quantities should be limited to only the minimum amount that is required for the days work.

Chemical Compatibility

Many organic and inorganic materials are combustible. Some have such a high degree of combustibility that they are designated flammable.

Organic acids are combustible materials and many of them are combustible liquids. Organic acids can safely be stored with flammable and combustible liquids, but they should generally not be stored with mineral acids, which are oxidising and could react more or less violently with organic acids.

Oxidisers must be stored to avoid contact with incompatible materials such as flammable and combustible liquids, greases, ordinary combustibles and other materials that could react with the oxidiser or catalyse its decomposition, including other oxidisers.

Mineral acids, including those recognised as strong oxidisers, such as nitric acid, perchloric acid and sulphuric acid, should be separated from flammable and combustible materials.

In addition to the oxidisers that are corrosive or irritating, alkalis / bases are corrosive or irritating. Those that are liquid in large glass containers, such as ammonium hydroxide, should be stored in a separate cabinet or area.

Toxic chemicals that are acid-sensitive, such as cyanides and sulphides, should be stored in a separate location from acids or protected from contact with acids.

Dry chemicals can be stored together but organic and inorganic chemicals should be kept separately.