First, identify any specific requirements regarding the storage of chemicals from (1) local, State, and Federal regulations and (2) insurance carriers.

General Rules for Chemical Storage

Criteria for Storage Area

• Store chemicals inside a closeable cabinet or on a sturdy shelf with a front-edge lip to prevent accidents and chemical spills; a ¾-inch front edge lip is recommended.
• Secure shelving to the wall or floor.
• Ensure that all storage areas have doors with locks.
• Keep chemical storage areas off limits to all students.
• Ventilate storage areas adequately.

Organization

• Organize chemicals first by COMPATIBILITY—not alphabetic succession (refer to section titled Suggested Shelf Storage Pattern—next page).
• Store alphabetically within compatible groups.

Chemical Segregation

• Store acids in a dedicated acid cabinet. Nitric acid should be stored alone unless the cabinet provides a separate compartment for nitric acid storage.
• Store highly toxic chemicals in a dedicated, lockable poison cabinet that has been labeled with a highly visible sign.
• Store volatile and odoriferous chemicals in a ventilated cabinet.
• Store flammables in an approved flammable liquid storage cabinet (refer to section titled Suggested Shelf Storage Pattern).
• Store water sensitive chemicals in a water-tight cabinet in a cool and dry location segregated from all other chemicals in the laboratory.

Storage Don'ts

• Do not place heavy materials, liquid chemicals, and large containers on high shelves
• Do not store chemicals on tops of cabinets.
• Do not store chemicals on the floor, even temporarily.
• Do not store items on bench tops and in laboratory chemical hoods, except when in use.
• Do not store chemicals on shelves above eye level.
• Do not store chemicals with food and drink.
• Do not store chemicals in personal staff refrigerators, even temporarily.
• Do not expose stored chemicals to direct heat or sunlight, or highly variable temperatures.

Proper Use of Chemical Storage Containers

• Never use food containers for chemical storage.
• Make sure all containers are properly closed.
• After each use, carefully wipe down the outside of the container with a paper towel before returning it to the storage area. Properly dispose of the paper towel after use.

Handout 2 —How Should Chemicals Be Stored?