First, identify any specific requirements regarding the storage of chemicals from:
- local, state, and federal regulations
- insurance carriers
To help facilitate safe chemical storage, many Carolina chemical bottles have color-coded caps . The cap color indicates the appropriate storage setting making it easy to visually spot a misplaced chemical and to locate the chemical group needed.
Green: non-hazard or low hazard. Store in general chemical storage.
Red: flammable. Store in flammable storage cabinet or segregated area approved for flammable storage.
White: corrosive, may harm skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Store on corrosion resistant shelves or corrosive storage cabinet.
Yellow: oxidizers/reactives, may react violently with air, water, or other substances. Store away from combustible materials.
Blue: poison/toxin, toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Store in secure area.
Post the cap color-coded guide close to chemical storage for a safer and more efficient lab experience.
Criteria for Storage Area
- Store chemicals inside a closeable cabinet or on a sturdy shelf with a front-edge lip to prevent accidents and chemical spills.
- Secure shelving to the wall or floor.
- Ensure that all storage areas have doors with locks.
- Keep chemical storage areas off limits to all students.
- Ventilate storage areas adequately.
Chemical Organization
- Organize chemicals first by compatibility–not alphabetic succession.
- If using Carolina purchased chemicals, check chemical bottle cap color to help determine compatibility. See color-coding above. Editor: addition to article.
- Store alphabetically within compatible groups.
Chemical Segregation
- Store acids in a dedicated acid cabinet. Nitric acid should be stored alone unless the cabinet provides a separate compartment for it.
- Store highly toxic chemicals in a dedicated, lockable poison cabinet that has been labeled with a highly visible sign.
- Store volatile and odoriferous chemicals in a ventilated cabinet.
- Store flammables in an approved flammable liquid storage cabinet.
- Store water sensitive chemicals in a watertight cabinet in a cool, dry location away from all other chemicals in the laboratory.
Storage Don’ts
- Do not place heavy materials, liquid chemicals, and large containers on high shelves.
- Do not store chemicals on tops of cabinets.
- Do not store chemicals on the floor, even temporarily.
- Do not store items on bench tops and in laboratory chemical hoods, except when in use.
- Do not store chemicals on shelves above eye level.
- Do not store chemicals with food and drink.
- Do not store chemicals in personal refrigerators, even temporarily.
- Do not expose stored chemicals to direct heat or sunlight, or highly variable temperatures.
Proper use of Chemical Storage Containers
- Never use food containers for chemical storage.
- Make sure all containers are properly closed.
- After each use, carefully wipe down the outside of the container with a paper towel before returning it to the storage area. Properly dispose of the paper towel after use.
This information is from the School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide created by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Lab Safety Equipment from Carolina
Carolina offers an extensive line of chemicals, chemistry sets, lab safety products, and equipment.
