Proper Chemical Storage in Laboratories

Safe chemical storage is essential to minimize risks like leaks, spills, and chemical reactions. Follow these key guidelines to protect yourself and your lab:

Compressed Gases

• Transport cylinders with appropriate handcarts. Always cap, secure, and handle as if full. Avoid moving highly toxic gases through corridors during business hours.
• Storage: Secure cylinders with straps or chains in ventilated areas, away from heat, ignition sources, and high-traffic areas.
• Segregation: Store gases by compatibility. Keep flammable gases separate from oxidizers, and separate full from empty cylinders. Large quantities must be kept in approved storage areas.

Chemical Containers

• Inspect regularly for deterioration. Transfer chemicals from damaged containers to new, labeled ones.
• Use appropriate materials: For example, do not store hydrofluoric acid in glass, or halogenated solvents in metal cans.

Cryogenic Liquids

• Hazards: Fire, explosion, frostbite, asphyxiation.
• Requirements: Use only purpose-designed containers, work in ventilated spaces, and wear skin and eye protection (face shields recommended).
• Training: First-time users must be directly supervised during liquid transfers.

Safe Chemical Handling

• Use poly-coated bottles or carriers for transporting glass containers.
• Always add acid to water—never the reverse.
• Ground containers when transferring flammable liquids over five gallons.
• Use secondary containment when moving liquids between areas.
• Always wear PPE that is suited for the hazards you are working with.

Chemical Inventory

• Review inventories regularly to catch deteriorating chemicals and prevent overstocking.
• Annual Updates: PIs must submit hazardous material inventories yearly through the EHS Hazardous Material Inventory System, which also allows campus-wide chemical queries.

Labeling Requirements

• All containers must have legible labels showing the chemical name and hazard class. Non-hazardous chemicals require only a name.
• Peroxide Forming and Unstable Compounds:
  • Clearly date upon receipt and opening.
  • Test for peroxide formation per guidelines.
  • Dispose within 12 months or by manufacturer expiration, whichever comes first.
  • See the Peroxide Forming Chemicals page for details.

Storage Best Practices

• Accessibility: Avoid placing containers larger than one gallon above shoulder height.
• Segregate by Hazard:
  • Flammable solvents → Flammable storage cabinet
  • Concentrated acids → Separate acid cabinet
  • Oxidizers → Away from organic materials
  • Acids → Away from bases
  • Cyanides/sulfides → Away from acids
  • Pyrophoric & Water-Reactive Compounds → Away from everything else
• Seal containers well to minimize escape of corrosive, flammable, or toxic vapors.
• Secondary Containment: Use of corrosion-resistant storage trays or tubs as secondary containment for spills, leaks, drips, or weeping. Polypropylene trays are suitable for most purposes.
• Temporary Storage: Volatile chemicals can be kept in fume hoods if cabinets are unavailable (ensure hood use remains compatible).

For cold storage, use flammable-material refrigerators, explosion-proof units, or specialized cold rooms.

Reference:
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory provides further guidance on safe management of chemicals in lab spaces. However, it may differ from current MU EHS protocols. Use it as a general reference only.