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Chemical storage

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Through Substance (chemistry), Laboratory and Warehouse

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Chemical storage devices are usually present where a workplace requires the use of non-hazardous and/or hazardous chemicals. Proper storage is imperative for the safety of, and access by, laboratory workers. Improper chemical storage can result in the creation of workplace safety hazards, including the presence of heat, fire, explosion and leakage of toxic gas.

Chemical storage cabinets are typically used to safely store small amounts of chemical substances within a workplace or laboratory for regular use. These cabinets are typically made from materials that are resistant to the chemicals stored in them and occasionally contain a bunded tray to capture spillage.

Chemical stores are warehouses commonly used by chemical or pharmaceutical companies to store bulk chemicals. In the US, the storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials must be disclosed to occupants under laws managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Principles

Proper labeling is important to ensure that chemicals are not misidentified, which is key to protecting health and safety. For example, organizing chemicals alphabetically is not generally recommended, because it may lead to incompatible chemicals placed near each other, risking a dangerous reaction.

Instead chemicals should be stored according to their reactivity and other properties. For example, acids and bases are incompatible and should be stored separately, whereas sodium and potassium can be kept together as they are both water-reactive but do not have any added hazard when placed with one another. The United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international system created by the United Nations to classify chemicals. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data sheet (MSDS) identifies and classifies the properties and hazards of chemicals.

Unnecessary storage of large amounts of chemicals can pose a hazard if the amount exceeds the limits permitted by laboratory guidelines, and is avoided by accredited workplaces and laboratories. Chemicals are usually stored in cool areas, away from direct heat sources, moisture, or light and should be regularly checked for degradation or damage.

Laboratories are also advised to maintain digital inventory systems to track chemical age, use status, and disposal timelines.

Chemical Segregation and Compatibility - To prevent dangerous chemical reactions, chemicals are generally segregated by compatibility group rather than stored alphabetically. Incompatible chemicals—such as oxidizers and organics, or acids and bases—must be stored separately to avoid reactions that could result in fires, toxic gas, or explosions. Laboratories often rely on chemical compatibility charts to guide appropriate segregation. Incompatible materials should be stored in separate cabinets or secondary containment trays to reduce risk of contact in case of leaks or spills.

Labeling and Inventory Practices - Each chemical container should be clearly labeled with the full chemical name, hazard classification (using GHS hazard pictograms), and the date it was received or opened. Labels should never be missing or handwritten without hazard info. Additionally, labs are encouraged to maintain a current chemical inventory using digital tracking systems, ensuring expired or unneeded chemicals are removed to minimize storage risks.

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