Chemical Storage Guide

Always refer to the SDS. This guide is not intended to cover all possible scenarios.

Flammable liquids

Do not store with acids or oxidizers
Only store in refrigerators rated for flammables
Keep quantities to a minimum (no 5 gallon cans permitted)
Amounts over two(2) gallons: Store in an approved flammable cabinet

Examples

Acetone
Methanol
Ether
Hexane

Special circumstances

Combustible liquids (i.e. toluene) can be stored in the flammable cabinet if there is room.

Acids

Do not store with bases, flammables, or cyanides
Do not store under the sink

Examples

Sulfuric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Nitric acid
Acetic acid

Special circumstances

Some acids are flammable (i.e. Acetic acid), but can still be stored with other acids. Please segregate using secondary containment tote/bin or bottle jacket.

Bases

Do not store with acids
May be kept with flammable liquids if in secondary containment

Examples

Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Bleach

Special circumstances

Special circumstances Some bases are flammable (i.e. ethanol amine), but can still be stored with the bases.

Oxidizers

Do not store with flammable liquids or solids
Do not store under the sink
Avoid storage on wooden shelves

Examples

Silver nitrate
Ammonium persulfate
Sodium periodate

Special circumstances

Some acids are oxidizers (i.e. nitric acid), but can still be stored with other inorganic acids; please segregate using dedicated secondary containment tote/bin.

Toxics

Store on sturdy shelves below eye level or in secured cabinets
Store separate from other hazard classes

Example

Sodium cyanide
Sodium azide
Aniline
Ethidium bromide

Special circumstances

Inspect containers regularly.

Compressed Gases

Secure at all times even when empty
Store away from heat sources
Store with cap when regulator is removed
Incompatible gases must be separated by a 30 minute fire barrier or 20 feet or line of sight

Examples