Chemical Storage

The inherent safety and health hazards of laboratory chemicals must be a high priority consideration for chemical storage. Practice the following general storage requirements in order to minimize these dangers.

General Requirements

Keep chemical storage to a minimum. Large quantities must not be ordered unless frequency of use warrants it and appropriate storage facilities are available.

Keep chemicals stored in the open in the lab work area to the minimum necessary for current work procedures.

Clearly label containers with the complete chemical name, including precautionary information. Labeling with chemical formula or structure is not acceptable. Chemical mixtures must be identified by percent or volume composition.

Label containers with the date received. Chemicals with shelf-life limitations must have the date opened and disposal date clearly displayed on the container.

Keep all containers well-sealed to avoid vaporization and spills. Caps constructed of aluminum foil, corks, corks wrapped with foil, and glass stoppers are not adequate. Glass-stoppered bottles may be used for short-term storage of working solutions.

Rotate chemical stock. Before opening a new container check to be sure that another container of the same chemical is not already open.

Audit chemicals quarterly for shelf-life expiration dates. In particular, closely monitor peroxidizable materials.

Store chemicals by arrangement in alphabetical order ONLY within individual compatible classifications.

Mark chemical storage areas prominently with chemical storage classifications.

Store glass bottles of chemicals on low shelves below eye level to minimize the potential for spills and accidents.

Do not store containers, particularly 5 gallon bottles and metal cans of liquid chemicals, both full and empty, on the floor, in aisles, or under lab furniture.

Do not use laboratory hoods for long-term storage of chemicals.

Do not expose storage areas to temperature extremes which may damage chemical containers or initiate adverse reactions.

Store chemicals away from heat sources such as heaters and hot water pipes and sources of ignition such as flames.

Store chemicals, particularly acids and water-reactives, in areas free from water leaks and flooding. Water damage can deteriorate chemicals and or/their containers and initiate hazardous reactions.

Discourage storage under sinks particularly for chemicals that are vulnerable to water damage.