Chemical and Compressed Gas Storage and Segregation Guidelines

 

The purpose of this page is to define a set of guidelines for the safe storage of chemicals and compressed gasses.

General Storage Requirements

  • Restrict lab and chemical access to authorized lab personnel only.
  • Keep your chemical inventory updated in SciSure.
  • Review safe chemical storage procedures on the SDS (Safety Data Sheets).
  • Chemical storage areas should be well lit, appropriately ventilated and kept away from aisles, exits, heat producing devices, and electrical panels.
  • Minimize storage on lab benches, in fume hoods, and other work areas.
  • Use first-in, first-out system (oldest chemicals first); to avoid degradation of older chemicals and their containers.
  • Inspect stored chemicals often for expiration, chemical integrity, and deterioration of the container or labeling. Never use compromised or off-spec reagents.
  • If a chemical is expired, has lost its chemical integrity, or in instances where the container or label is compromised, submit a waste pickup request through SciSure.

Shelving and Cabinetry

  • Chemical storage shelves should be securely fastened to the wall. If installing new shelves, please contact facilities and EHSLO to ensure this is done properly.
  • Hazardous chemicals, or glass containers should only be stored at or below eye level. Take extra care with large containers (1 gal or larger), liquids, corrosive and flammable materials.
  • Do not overcrowd shelves.
  • Store flammables in a flammable storage cabinet or another appropriate location.
  • Consider the total amount of hazardous, specifically flammable gases and liquids, that are stored or used in a particular area. Ask EHSLO for specific restrictions.
  • Large quantities of hazardous chemicals can be stored in designated “H” rooms or “Hazard” rooms.
  • Label chemical storage cabinets according to the type of chemical family or hazard classification found there (Acid Storage, Flammable Storage, etc.).

Storage in Refrigerators and Freezers

  • Never store chemicals in office, domestic, or personal refrigerators; food and chemicals should never be stored together.
  • When storing flammables in the refrigerator, use an approved flammable storage refrigerator only.
  • Do not store peroxide forming solvents in a refrigerator.
  • Label all refrigerator/freezers as to intended use.
  • Routinely inventory materials stored in refrigerator/freezers.
  • Defrost freezers periodically to prevent chemicals from becoming trapped in ice.

Secondary Containment

  • Use secondary containment, such as polyethylene or stainless steel trays, to separate incompatible chemicals stored in the same area or on the same shelf. These containers provide segregation, organization, and spill containment.
  • Hazardous chemicals or glass containers stored on the floor should be stored in secondary containers.

Storage of Hazardous Waste

  • Store hazardous waste using the same guidelines for storage of chemicals; use secondary containment, ensure the container is closed when not in use, ensure the waste is appropriately labeled.
  • Minimize the quantity of hazardous waste stored at satellite accumulation areas as much as possible.
  • Waste should not be stored in sinks or near floor drains.
  • For point of use waste collection, empty the container as soon as you are finished.
  • As soon as a hazardous waste container is filled (e.g. 5 gal. carboy or hazardous waste bucket), put in a waste pickup request in SciSure.
  • When accumulating hazardous waste, use the 5 gal. carboys and hazardous waste buckets provided from EHSLO. If you have to use another container, contact EHSLO for guidance.   
  • If you no longer need a chemical, rather than keeping it stored, dispose of it properly by placing a waste pickup request in SciSure. Please keep them in their original bottles or packaging.
  • Maximum storage times:
    • When storing untreated chemicals that degrade to unstable forms (e.g. peroxide formers such as ethyl ether), limit maximum storage time to one year from purchase or six months from first use. Note date received/date opened on such materials.
    • For other hazardous chemicals, use manufacturer’s recommended storage time (if there is one) or other indications of degradation (e.g. discoloring of liquids).
  • Expired chemicals should not be stored or used in laboratories. Place a waste pickup request in SciSure for disposal. Please keep them in their original bottles or packaging.
  • Never combine waste streams unless you have consulted with and received permission from EHSLO. Do not bulk your waste.