Proper chemical storage is critical for safety, efficiency, and compliance. Regardless of the type of chemical you’re storing, certain best practices should always apply. Below, we outline the ideal practices for storing chemicals to ensure that the area is safe, functional, and up to code.
Never Store Chemicals on the Floor
Regardless of the chemical, storing chemicals on the floor should be strictly avoided — even temporarily. The floor is not a suitable storage area due to the risk of contamination, spills, and difficulty accessing the containers. Instead, storage should begin at eye level, ensuring easy access without reaching too high or low. Avoid placing chemicals higher than eye level, as this can pose a risk of falling or handling improperly.
Shelves and Cabinets for Chemical Storage
The ideal place to store chemicals is on shelves or in enclosed cabinets. Shelves should be securely fastened to the wall to prevent tipping over, and anti-roll lips should be installed to ensure that containers stay in place. For large or customized containers, a thermal sprayed application can be applied to prevent corrosive chemicals from eating through the container. The surface or container material should be resilient to chemical properties and environmental stressors.
Regular Inspections of Storage Areas
To ensure the safety of stored chemicals, inspections should be scheduled regularly. Even chemicals that are not used frequently should undergo periodic checks. Look for the following issues during inspections:
- Missing, broken, or blocked fire equipment
- Open matches, lights, or smoking
- Accumulation of trash
- Lack of security
- Blocked doors, aisles, or exits
- Poor lighting conditions
- Extreme temperature conditions
- Chemical spills or leaks
- Deteriorating or leaking containers
Additionally, it’s essential that warning signs such as “Chemical Storage,” “Poisons,” “Corrosive Acids,” and “No Smoking” are displayed prominently to alert personnel of potential hazards.
Expired Chemical Removal
Expired chemicals should be removed from storage immediately. Left unnoticed, expired substances can pose a significant safety risk and may lead to regulatory fines if not properly disposed of. Always ensure that chemicals are regularly checked for expiration dates and safely removed when no longer viable.
Proper Labeling with MSDS
Each chemical should be clearly labeled, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be readily available. The label should include key information about the chemical’s properties, safety precautions, and expiration dates, ensuring anyone who handles the chemicals can take necessary precautions.
Avoid Shelves That Rock or Tip
Stability is crucial when storing chemicals. Shelves must be secured properly to prevent them from tipping over. Avoid using island shelves that lack support, and ensure shelves have anti-roll lips to prevent containers from falling off.
Liquids and Containers
When storing liquids, use double-contained packaging or unbreakable containers to minimize the risk of spills. Additionally, ensure that your storage cabinet has the capacity to hold any liquid in case of a container break. For flammable chemicals, always store them in appropriately rated cabinets designed to prevent fires and minimize risks.
Segregating Chemicals by Hazardous Class
Certain chemicals should never be stored together, as they may react dangerously if mixed. Chemicals should be segregated based on their hazardous class code. Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately to prevent any harmful reactions. Store similar chemicals together to ensure safe handling and compliance.
