Establishing a Storage Area

1 . Know what you have: create & maintain a chemical inventory

2. Identify chemical storage groups based upon compatibility (see following slides)

3. Identify available storage space & limitations. Assign space for different storage groups.

4. Get rid of unneeded chemicals and those that can’t be stored properly: call hazardous materials management (422- 61 56)

5. Store chemicals in proper location

THE MOST IMPORTANT STORAGE CRITERION IS COMPATIBILITY

www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/lab/chemstorage.pdf

Some manufacturers have established their own color code system to identify chemical storage groups.

Caution - the coding systems from different manufacturers sometimes vary

Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label for proper storage recommendations.

Note: If the SDS from

the manufacturer can’t be found then try finding another one from a different manufacturer for the same chemical composition.

NOTE: MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) ARE BEING REPLACED WITH SDS.

1 . Store chemicals away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources.

2. Store chemicals at or below shoulder level.

3. Store according to environmental limitations (i. e. anaerobic environment).

Store flammable liquids in a flammable liquids cabinet.

Store corrosive liquids in a corrosive liquids cabinet.

Store toxic chemicals on a plastic photo tray. Note: plastic photo trays can also be used to separate

incompatible chemicals when appropriate.

Flammable materials that must be stored in a refrigerator or freezer must be done so in an appliance that

is “flammable safe” or explosion proof in accordance with current fire

codes & OSHA standards.

Don’t store chemicals in excess of the cabinet’s capacity (see manufacturer

recommendations).

Storage cabinets can be vented. The need to vent a cabinet is based upon the toxicity and volatility of the chemical(s) being stored. If a cabinet is vented then proper metal

piping must be used.

Contact the college Health & Safety Officer (422-6589) if you have questions

Store solids separate from liquids.

Shelving used for chemical storage must have a lip or equivalent.

Oxidizers should not be stored on combustible shelving.

Note: Without a lip, rail, cable, … chemicals will fall off of the shelving during an earthquake.

-End-

Please share this presentation with your co-workers.