Chemical Storage

We give you four basic rules and some general information to guide you to safely organize your chemical storage and to comply with legal requirements.

• Separate liquid from solid chemicals

• Organize your storage according to the GHS pictograms

• Respect the GHS incompatibilities: check SDS section 7 and 10 and compare with the chemical incompatibilities table

• Control the stock with rotation of material:

  • e.g. marking with ‘use by’ or ‘date opened’

  • periodic clear-outs

  • inventory updates once a year

• Limit the amount of chemicals stored

• Keep chemicals in their original containers

• Keep bottles in the upright position

• Ensure the caps and lids are tightly closed

• All containers within the lab must be labelled

• Make sure all labels are legible and in good condition

• Repair or replace damaged or missing labels

• Label chemicals properly according to the guidelines below

• Storage locations can be marked on containers

• Do not store chemicals in alphabetical order except within the “Chemical Storage Groups”. Alphabetical arrangement of randomly collected chemicals often increases the likelihood of dangerous reactions by bringing incompatible materials into close proximity

• Physically separate acids and bases

• Specific information of the storage conditions of each chemical can be found in section 7 and 10 of the SDS

• Store liquid chemicals below eye level

• Avoid exposure of chemicals to direct sunlight or heat

• Do not store flammables in cold rooms which are neither vented nor explosion proof

• Peroxide formers must be stored in cabinets for flammable chemicals and must be inventoried regularly to track their age

• Each container of a chemical should be returned to its storage location after each use

• Discard chemicals that are no longer used/needed or that have expired

• Do not store stock supplies of chemicals on benchtops where they are unprotected from ignition sources and more easily knocked over

• Only chemicals in use should be on the benchtops

• Storage rooms, cupboards and bins should be labelled to indicate their content

• Do not store chemicals in the fume hood: they may interfere with air flow in the hood

It is policy that original and/or secondary containers of hazardous substances be properly labeled. Ensure that all containers have either the original manufacturer's label or a generic label that includes the following:

1. Product identity (trade, product, or chemical name)

2. Appropriate hazard warnings (health and physical hazards)

Labeling requirements do not apply for chemicals transferred from a labeled container into another container (i.e. measuring cups, mixing jugs, etc.) that is intended for the immediate use of the person who performed the transfer. Note that immediate use implies the chemical will be used during the work shift. Secondary containers must be labeled if the material is to remain in the container for any length of time after the work shift. All label information must be in English.

No label shall be defaced or removed when material is received or in use. Employees should ensure that all containers are labeled and report to their supervisors all deficiencies.