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Laboratory Safety - Chemical Hygiene Program

OSHA Required Training

MSDS Information

Printable files are available in three parts with Adobe Acrobat Reader:

• PDF Version of Chemical Hygiene Program
• PDF Version of Appendices 1 through 11
• PDF Version of Appendix 12 - Standard Operating Procedures

Precautions for Chemical Storage

Follow these general guidelines for the storage of laboratory chemicals:

1. Read the label carefully before storing a chemical.  Storage information is usually provided by the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
   
   
2. Incompatible chemicals are to be stored separately.  Separate the following types of chemicals from each other using the scheme in Appendix5.  Note that some chemicals of the same category may be incompatible.
   
   
3. Store no more than 10 gallons of Flammable liquids outside an approved flammable storage cabinet.  Use National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved storage cabinets for flammable liquids.
   
   
4. Flammable chemicals requiring refrigeration should not be stored in a standard refrigerator. Rather, use a “flammable storage” or an "explosion proof" refrigerator.
   
   
5. Use spill trays under containers of corrosive reagents (includes acids pH <3 and bases pH >10).
   
   
6. Do not store hazardous liquids or large objects on shelves above eye level.
   
   
7. Secure the lids of the bottles and containers.

Unstable Chemicals

Some chemicals decompose, resulting in the formation of explosive products.  For example, ethers and olefins form peroxides on exposure to air and light.  Peroxides can form even if the containers have not been opened.  These chemicals should be dated when received and unopened containers should be discarded after one year through the Hazardous Waste Unit.  See the Peroxizable Compounds, Appendix4, for additional information.

Explosive Chemicals

Some chemicals may rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated, agitated or heated. Some become shock sensitive with age.  Refer to the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine if a chemical has this property.  Precautions include:

1. Write the date received/opened on all containers of explosive/shock-sensitive chemicals.
   
   
2. Discard opened containers after six months, and closed containers after one year.
   
   
3. Work with small quantities and always wear the appropriate PPE.
   
   
4. Examples of explosive chemicals include:
   
   

5. The following are materials known to be shock-sensitive and explosive:
   
   

Suggested Segregation for Chemical Storage

1. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS & SOLIDS:  Store in flammable liquid storage cabinet or in cabinets under fume hoods.  Separate from oxidizing materials.  Examples:  Acetone, Ehanol, Xylene.
   
   
2. NON-FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS:  Store in cabinet. Can be stored with flammable liquids. Separate from oxidizing materials.  Examples:  Carbon tetrachloride, Ethylene glycol.
   
   
3. POISONS:  Separate from all other chemicals.  Examples:  Sodium Cyanide, Methyl mercury.
   
   
4. CARCINOGENS:  Separate from all other chemicals.  Examples:  Diazobenzidine.
   
   
5. ORGANIC ACIDS:  Separate from mineral (inorganic) acids.  Store in non-combustible cabinet.  Separate from caustics, cyanides, sulfides.  Examples:  Acetic acid, Formic acid.
   
   
6. INORGANIC ACIDS:  Separate from organic acids.  Store in non-combustible cabinet.  Separate from caustics, cyanides, sulfides.  Examples:  Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid.
   
   
7. OXIDIZING ACIDS:  Separate from other acids.  Separate from flammables.  Examples: Nitric acid, Perchloric acid (a special hood “approved for use with perchloric” must be used).
   
   
8. BASES:  Store in dry area.  Separate from acids  Examples:  Ammonium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide, Amines.
   
   
9. WATER REACTIVE CHEMICALS:  Store in cool, dry location. Separate from aqueous solutions. Protect from fire quenching water. Examples: Sodium, Calcium hydride, Lithium.
   
   
10. OXIDIZERS:  Store in non-combustible cabinet.  Separate from flammable and combustible materials.  Examples:  Potassium permanganate, Sodium nitrate, Sodium hypochlorite.
    
    
11. COMPRESSED GASES (Non-Oxidizing): Store upright in well ventilated area. Separate from oxidizing compressed gases. Examples: Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide.
    
    
12. COMPRESSED GASES (Oxidizing): Store upright in a well ventilated area. Separate physically from flammable compressed gases. Examples: Oxygen, Chlorine, Nitrous oxide.
    
    
13. NON-VOLATILE, NON-REACTIVE SOLIDS:  Store in cabinets or open shelves.  Examples:  Agar, Sodium Chloride, Sodium bicarbonate.
    
    
14. PEROXIDIZABLE MATERIALS:  Store in a cool and dry location.  Keep away from sunlight.
    
    
15. PYROPHORIC MATERIALS:  Ignites spontaneously in air.  Store separately from flammable materials.  Examples:  Phosphorus, tributylaluminum, sodium.
    
    
16. THERMALLY UNSTABLE MATERIALS:  Sore in flammable storage or explosion-proof refrigerators.
    
    
17. TOXIC SUBSTANCES:  Store in a cool, well ventilated area in an unbreakable secondary container.  Keep away from light, heat, oxidizing agents, and moisture.  Only a limited quantity should be present in a work location.

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 2/17/2006. Disclaimer