Chemical Segregation

Chemicals should be segregated by hazard class. Once segregated by hazard class, chemicals may be stored alphabetically. Avoid storing chemical containers in hard to reach areas. Containers larger that one gallon should not be stored above shoulder height. EHS recommends the following as a minimum:

• Store flammable solvents in a flammable storage cabinet; non-flammable solvents may be stored in the same cabinet.
• Store acids in a separate storage cabinet.
• Keep oxidizers away from organic materials.
• Keep acids away from bases.
• Keep cyanides and sulfides away from acids.

Laboratories with a large number of hazard classes may choose to further segregate chemicals.

Volatile chemicals may be stored temporarily in fume hoods when flammable storage cabinets are unavailable. If volatile substances are stored in a hood, other uses of the hood should be restricted to activities compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the stored or used chemicals. When volatiles must be stored in a cooled atmosphere, flammable materials refrigerators, explosion proof refrigerators, or cold rooms designed specifically for this purpose must be used.

For more information on Chemical Storage please refer to Chapter 5 of the Hazardous Materials Management Manual (PDF).

Other information on Chemical Storage and Segregation may be found though the following links.

• Chemical Segregation - Hazard Classification (PDF)
• Chemical Storage Flow Chart (PDF)
• Safety Rules for Refrigerated Storage (PDF)
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids Storage Regulations (PDF)