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How to store chemicals safely
by Kin Yu, CIH
Some common types of stored chemicals Organic solvents: Inorganic acids: Organic peroxides: Inorganic peroxides: Hyrdogen peroxide |
It is not uncommon to find chemicals improperly stored in workplaces where there are laboratories, painting areas, plating rooms and warehouses.
Improperly stored chemicals can react and cause fire, explosion and employee exposure when containers leak or break.
Storage of organic solvents and flammable liquids
Flammable liquids include organic solvents, such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, toluene and xylene.
Paint thinners, reducers and some paint strippers are organic solvent mixtures that may contain flammable liquids.
Some organic solvents, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, are not flammable.
Common organic solvents and flammable liquids should be stored in vented metal cabinets specifically designed for this purpose.
All flammable liquids should be stored in a cool place.
Many oil-based paints also contain flammable liquid mixtures and should be stored in flammable liquid storage cabinets.
To prevent reactivity and/or explosion hazards, no corrosive substances, including acids, caustics and oxidizing agents, should be stored in the same cabinet as flammable liquids.
Storage of inorganic acids
Inorganic acids, such as sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids, should be stored in specifically designed acid-storage cabinets that are corrosion-resistant, cushioned and unbreakable.
No other class of chemicals, especially flammable liquids, should be stored in acid-storage cabinets due to reactivity concerns. Acids should not be stored with caustics in the same cabinet.
Inorganic acids that are corrosive should be stored below eye level to minimize the potential for injuries due to leaking or breakage.
Storage of organic peroxides
Organic peroxides should be stored strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Organic peroxides may explode when subject to heat and shock.
Chemicals such as peracetic acid and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide are organic peroxides.
Storage of inorganic peroxides
Inorganic peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Separate them from most metals such as copper, chromium and metal salts, flammable liquids and combustible materials because they are incompatible.
Other safety practices
All chemical-storage cabinets should be inventoried at least annually, and a list of chemicals in each cabinet should be made and posted on the door of the cabinet.
Original labels on containers should never be removed. Each chemical container should be labeled with the name of its content and hazard warnings.
Fire extinguishers, and safety eyewash and shower stations should be provided in areas where hazardous chemicals are stored.
Mechanical ventilation and adequate lighting should be provided for chemical storage areas.
If chemicals are properly stored and safe handling practices are followed, the potential for fires, explosions and employee injuries can be easily minimized.
For assistance or more information on this topic, please contact:
Jeff Milosch ,CIH
NATLSCO Risk and Safety Services
Phone: 888-576-7522, ext. 3725
Fax: 847-726-3349
E-mail: jmilosch@us.bureauveritas.com
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