3 Tips to Achieve Safe & Smart Chemical Storage

With all of the lab furniture options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose storage products that best suit your laboratory’s needs. Luckily, we’re here to simplify the process! Whether you need to store hazardous chemicals such as acids, bases, oxidizers, flammable, or other types of chemicals, this guide is available to help you select the ideal storage solutions for your lab, in accordance with industry standards.

Proper chemical storage is not merely a matter of organization or convenience; it is a fundamental component of ensuring the safety of lab personnel and preserving the integrity of your research outcomes.

We have seen the consequences of improper chemical storage, and the results can be dire —ranging from accidental spills and exposure to toxic substances to catastrophic incidents such as fires or explosions. Join us today as we explore 3 tips to achieve safe & smart chemical Storage in your lab. Let’s boost safety and productivity in your laboratory environment!

Corrosive storage cabinets beneath an Echo Fume Hood. CSi, 2024.

#1 Procure storage from trusted lab suppliers

Always vet your lab furniture suppliers. Learn their standards for selling a product- you might be surprised to learn that many North American lab suppliers source products from countries with minimal standards for safety and quality. While the price point of these products may seem attractive, the issues you can experience from using a low-quality product are not so friendly. Ask your lab supplier where their products are manufactured, how their products are tested for safety, and how their products last over time with continuous use. At Canadian Scientific, we provide full transparency about the origins and quality our lab-grade chemical storage. Our products are exclusively manufactured in the United States and are tested to be compliant with SEFA (Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards.

#2 Use these General Storage Guidelines

There are established legal requirements as well as recommended practices for storing chemicals. These general storage guidelines serve as a starting point to maximize storage safety in your lab. Storage conditions in your lab should be based on the hazards of the products used in your lab (health, fire and reactivity), the amounts in storage, types of containment (bulk or smaller containers), and the way the product is used, as maintained by WHIMIS (The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems).

Chemical storage MUST be vented or filtered to prevent chemical concentration from reaching hazardous levels and mitigating the risk of accidental exposure or inhalation. Keep storage areas well ventilated and aways from sources of heat or direct sunlight. Whether your setup is ducted or ductless, Canadian Scientific has a storage solution for your space and scientific application.

Chemicals should be separated by hazard class and stored in separate cabinets. Always segregate your chemicals by hazard class. Major considerations for segregation criteria should include water reactivity and flammability. Flammable solids and oxidizing solids should be segregated on to separate shelves. Water reactive or pyrophoric materials should be placed in their own cabinets. Particular attention must be paid to isolating flammable, pyrophoric, peroxidizable, and toxic chemicals.

Use chemically resistant structural materials in the storage area and ventilation system (example: for flammables, corrosives). Canadian Scientific’s vented acid and flammable storage cabinets provide strong chemical filtration capabilities and rugged construction. In addition, their large labelling makes organization and safety in the lab a breeze. Not sure which chemical-resistant materials you require? We can help.

Do not store incompatible materials together. Alphabetical arrangement of chemicals can inadvertently place two incompatible chemicals next to each other, which in the event that the containers break or leak could react violently.

DANGEROUS COMBINATIONS INCLUDE

Acids + Bases

Flammables + Oxidizers

Water Reactives + Aqueous Solutions

EXAMPLES OF VIOLENT REACTIONS DUE TO INCORRECT STORAGE

Acetic acid + Acetaldehyde = explosive reaction

Aluminum metal + Ammonium nitrate = potential explosive

Cupric sulfide + Cadmium chlorate = explode on contact

Mercury II oxide + Magnesium metal = potential explosive

Sodium nitrite + Sodium hypophosphite = explosive

Do not store chemicals in fume hoods. Excessive materials in fume hoods can impact fume hood performance by creating eddy currents and turbulence

Do not store chemicals until they have been clearly labelled. Labels should be stickers. Do not write directly on bottle. Labels should include at a minimum: product identifier, safe handling instructions, and that the SDS (safety data sheet) is available

Maintain an inventory of materials in storage, their amounts, and locations

Liquid chemicals should not be stored above eye level to limit the risk of dangerous chemical spills

Keep storage areas separate from work areas and emergency exits to minimize the risk of cross contamination, spills, and clutter

Ensure appropriate spill control and fire protection equipment is readily available in or near the storage area

EXAMPLES OF HAZARD-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

Corrosives (Acids/Bases)

Use only the type of container recommended by the manufacturer

Store acids and bases separately

Store oxidizing acids (e.g. nitric, perchloric) away from other acids

Flammables

Eliminate sources of ignition

Bond and Ground metal containers/cylinders

Store in approved flammable storage cabinet, fridge or freezers, according to the fire code and as recommended by the manufacturer

Keep away from oxidizing materials

Compressed Gases

Secure cylinders to a wall or rack in an upright position

Store empty cylinders in a separate location, clearly marked "empty"

Protect cylinder bottoms from corrosion by keeping area dry

Do not store for extended periods of time

#3 Prepare and Plan for Emergencies

Storage areas are frequent sites for spills and other emergencies. Plan, prepare, and practice your emergency procedures. Maintain an inventory of all chemicals and critical equipment and keep a list of emergency contacts readily available.

Your emergency procedures should include steps to:

Communicate the emergency to all lab occupants

Control the source of the emergency

Contain the spill

Isolate the area of concern

Contact emergency authorities if necessary

Clean the chemical spill. Equip your lab with specialized cleaning materials / kits to collect and discard the residue. It is recommended to double-bag the waste and clearly label the bag with its contents

Additionally:

Know where the nearest emergency eyewash and showers are, and how to use them
Know at least two exits from the laboratory area in case of an emergency
In the event of an emergency, pull the nearest "Pull BOX", evacuate the area, and close all doors

Chemical storage emergencies can be significantly reduced through diligent planning, thorough preparation, and regular practice. By preparing and planning for emergencies,you can make your lab a safer environment, ensuring that when spills do occur, they are managed efficiently and effectively, minimizing risk to personnel and the facility.

BONUS TIP Choose Ductless Storage for Simpler and Safer Chemical Handling, 24/7.

A key player in the chemical storage solutions game is the powerful Erlab CaptairStore Filtering Chemical Storage Cabinet. These patented storage cabinets safely and efficiently recirculate air within the room, releasing purified air back into the room free of any toxic hazardous vapours or odours from active use bottles. Their ductless design, 24/7 operation, and superior filtration technology make these portable chemical storage cabinets a favourable choice among our clients who require increased safety and flexibility in the lab.

Storage furniture fitted with Erlab filtration removes any inhalation or fire hazards. With no external connections, CaptairStore Filtering Chemical Storage Cabinets prevent any release of pollutants into the laboratory or the atmosphere. These cabinets come in a variety of sizes and are equipped with a configurable filtering system above the enclosure that can be adapted to filter gases, solvents, powders, and particulates.

Did You Know? Erlab’s filtration technology is prioritized by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Canadian governments, and our country’s top hospitals.

The importance of safe chemical storage cannot be overstated. By prioritizing safety in chemical storage practices, laboratories uphold their commitment to the well-being of their personnel, the integrity of their research, and the preservation of the environment. Canadian Scientific is prepared to fortify your lab with dynamic chemical storage solutions, ensuring that the pursuit of science remains both impactful and sustainable for years to come. Reach out to us today to get started!

Sources:

Chapter 5: Chemical Storage. Lehman.edu. (n.d.). https://www.lehman.edu/administration/environmental-health-safety/documents/chemical-storage.pdf

Government of Canada, C. C. for O. H. and S. (2023, February). Storage Safety Cabinets for Hazardous Chemicals. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/safety_cabinets.html

Lab Best Practices: 3 Tips to Achieve Safe & Smart Chemical Storage