Chemical Storage Guide

Chemical Storage Guide

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

Flammable Liquids Logo

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 Logo

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 Logo

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 Logo

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 Logo

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 logo

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

  • Helium
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Hydrogen

Special circumstances

Container volumes less than 5 liters (i.e. lecture bottles) can be stored lying down

Poison Inhalation Logo

Poison inhalation

  • Store in a vented gas cabinet or a chemical fume hood
  • Secure at all times
  • Store with cap or plug in place

Examples

  • Carbon monoxide
  • Chlorine gas
  • Ethylene oxide
  • Ammonia gas

Special circumstances

Consult with EOHS when storing or using these materials.

Water Reactive Logo

Water reactive

  • Do not store under the sink
  • Store away from aqueous solutions
  • Keep separate from other hazard classes

Examples

  • Sodium borohydride
  • Hydrazine
  • Sodium metal
  • Phosphorus

Special circumstances

There may be enough moisture in the air to react these materials. Use caution.

Liquid Nitrogen Logo

Liquid nitrogen

  • Store in a well ventilated area
  • Consult EOHS before storing 240L tanks

Examples

  • LN2

Special circumstances

Liquid nitrogen tanks vent loudly periodically; do not be concerned, as this indicates normal operation.

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