Correct Methods of Chemical Storage

Improper handling of chemical compounds in labs can pose serious health hazards hence it is of utmost importance to store them using correct procedure. In this article I have mentioned different chemical compounds and their respective ideal storage methods:

Flammable liquids: Flammable liquids need to be stored in flammable cabinets or in refrigerators for containers less than 1 liter. Flammable liquids are to be protected from ignition because they catch fire easily at normal working temperatures.

Volatile poisons: Inhaling volatile poisons can cause serious fatalities hence they should be stored in such a way that it is not exposed for inhalation. Chemical manufacturers suggest that volatile poisons should be stored in a flammable cabinet or in a container of less than 1 liter in a refrigerator.

Oxidizing acids: Oxidizing acids should be stored in such a manner that the contact and reaction between oxidizing acids and other substances is prevented and corrosive action on surfaces is avoided. To achieve this, store oxidizing acids in safety cabinets. In the storage compartment each oxidizing acid should be double contained and segregated.

Organic and mineral acids: Store organic and mineral acids in safety cabinets to prevent contact and reaction between bases and oxidizing acids and to avoid corrosive action on surfaces.

Liquid bases: Liquid bases can be stored in a safety cabinets or in tubs in normal cabinet. Chemical manufacturer in Mumbai recommends proper storage of liquid bases to prevent its contact and reaction with acids.

Liquid oxidizers: Chemical manufacturers in India suggest to isolate liquid oxidizers from other substances because they react with everything causing explosions or corrosion of surfaces. The ideal storage methods can be storing more than three litres of quantity in a cabinet housing

Non-volatile poisons: This category includes highly toxic chemicals, carcinogens and mutagens. They need to be stored such that it prevents contact and reaction between these non-volatile liquid poisons and other substances. To achieve this purpose you can store it in a cabinet or refrigerator. Never store them on open shelves in the lab. Liquid poisons in containers larger than one liter should be stored below bench level on shelves closest to the floor. Smaller containers can be stored above bench level only if its behind sliding doors.

Metal hydrides: Many metal hydrides react violently with water while some ignite spontaneously in the air. Hence it is necessary to store them in such a way that their contact and reaction with liquids and with air in some cases is prevented. Chemical manufacturers in Mumbai recommends to store metal hydrides using waterproof and secure double containment.

Dry solids: Dry solids cover all hazardous as well as non-hazardous powders. It is required to prevent their contact and reaction with liquids when stored. They are recommended to be stored in cabinets but open shelves can also be used. Store them above liquids. Carefully inspect warning labels on highly toxic powders and highlight them to make them stand out against less toxic substances.

......................