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Store lab chemicals according to compatibility, not name

Lab Safety Advisor, August 30, 2005

Chemicals used in the laboratory fit into several categories according to their hazard level. Flammable and combustible chemicals should be limited to minimize the opportunity for fire. Up to one gallon can be stored on open shelves for every 100 square feet of laboratory space. Up to two gallons can be stored in safety cans for every 100 square feet of laboratory space. For larger quantities of flammable or combustible liquids, use ventilated storage cabinets according to manufacturer's directions. Keep ignition sources out of the area. For example, do not fill solvent containers on or near tissue processors. Ignition sources include Bunsen burners, ovens, switches, and operating electrical equipment.

A few chemicals used in the laboratory may be carcinogens (eg: formaldehyde) or potential carcinogens. Safe methods of handling these carcinogens must be devised if substitute chemicals will not provide an adequate diagnostic test. Handle carcinogens in a Class A fume hood with a minimum face velocity of 125 feet per minute (fmp) exhausted through charcoal filters.

Many chemicals, including most solvents, can be irritating to the skin and other body tissues. Some chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are corrosive, causing destruction of tissue even on brief contact. In all cases of skin or tissue contact with chemicals, it is important to flush the chemical from the body promptly with plenty of water. Flush continuously for a minimum of 15 minutes. After the flushing, make sure that the injured person is examined by a physician.

All chemicals must be stored appropriately. Labs may be tempted to store them in a cabinet alphabetically by name, but this is not recommended because many chemicals are incompatible with others. If containers containing incompatible chemicals leak or break when stored next to each other, dangerous reactions or explosions could occur. For example, acetic acid is not compatible with sulfuric acid or nitric acid and they would need to be stored in separate locations.

A chemical incompatibility chart can be found on page 108 in Chapter 8 of the Complete Guide to Laboratory Safety. 

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