Best Practices for Chemical Storage
- Review the Chemical Storage SOP (certificate required)
- Store in compatible containers that are in good condition with lids tightly closed.
- Make sure all containers are labeled with contents and are oriented so label is visible.
- Date chemicals such as peroxide formers or chemicals that degrade over time when received and when opened.
- Date and include researcher’s initials on chemicals generated by research that will be stored in the lab.
- Store in groups based on compatibility.
- Compatibility guidance is linked in SOP. You can also review the “Stability Reactivity” section of the SDS for a chemical for incompatibility information.
- Where possible, use separate cabinets for separate groups. Note: Most fume hoods have a flammable cabinet and a vented corrosive cabinet under them.
- If incompatible materials must be stored in the same cabinet, provide secondary containment and segregation.
- Store acids in vented acid cabinets to reduce corrosion.
- Separate oxidizing acids (e.g. nitric acid) from organic acids (e.g. acetic acid) by use of secondary containers if there is insufficient space to store separately.
- Flammable liquid storage
- Store bulk quantities in flammable storage cabinets
- UL approved Flammable Storage Refrigerators are required for cold storage
- Provide secondary containment for floor storage.
- Do not store hazardous liquids above eye level.
- On shelves, separate solids from liquids and store solids above liquids.
- Do not stack chemicals on top of each other.
- Do not store items in the working space of fume hoods. Minimize chemical storage in fume hoods.
- Do not store flammable, volatile toxic, or corrosive chemicals in cold rooms.
Best Practices for Chemical Storage
- Review the Chemical Storage SOP (certificate required)
- Store in compatible containers that are in good condition with lids tightly closed.
- Make sure all containers are labeled with contents and are oriented so label is visible.
- Date chemicals such as peroxide formers or chemicals that degrade over time when received and when opened.
- Date and include researcher’s initials on chemicals generated by research that will be stored in the lab.
- Store in groups based on compatibility.
- Compatibility guidance is linked in SOP. You can also review the “Stability Reactivity” section of the SDS for a chemical for incompatibility information.
- Where possible, use separate cabinets for separate groups. Note: Most fume hoods have a flammable cabinet and a vented corrosive cabinet under them.
- If incompatible materials must be stored in the same cabinet, provide secondary containment and segregation.
- Store acids in vented acid cabinets to reduce corrosion.
- Separate oxidizing acids (e.g. nitric acid) from organic acids (e.g. acetic acid) by use of secondary containers if there is insufficient space to store separately.
- Flammable liquid storage
- Store bulk quantities in flammable storage cabinets
- UL approved Flammable Storage Refrigerators are required for cold storage
- Provide secondary containment for floor storage.
- Do not store hazardous liquids above eye level.
- On shelves, separate solids from liquids and store solids above liquids.
- Do not stack chemicals on top of each other.
- Do not store items in the working space of fume hoods. Minimize chemical storage in fume hoods.
- Do not store flammable, volatile toxic, or corrosive chemicals in cold rooms.
