• Store away from reducing agents such as organics compounds

• Store away from flammable and combustible materials.

• Store away from dehydrating agents.

• Store shock sensitive and explosive chemicals in secondary containers.

• Store shock sensitive and explosive chemicals in appropriate area.

• No prolonged storage of shock sensitive and explosive chemicals.

• Store large bottles of acids on low shelf or in acids cabinets.

• Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammable and combustible materials.

• Segregate acids from bases and active metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.

• Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic gases upon contact such as sodium cyanide, iron sulphide, etc.

• Use bottle carriers for transporting hazardous chemicals (e.g. acids, bases, flammables) in glass bottles.

• Have Spill Control Pillows or acid neutralizers available in case of acid spills.

• Segregate bases from acids.

• Store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers.

• Have Spill Control Pillows or caustic neutralizers available for caustic spills.

• Store according to hazardous nature of chemical, using appropriate security when necessary.

WARNING: These chemicals are dangerous to health and life when inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed by skin contact. Take proper precautionary measures to avoid exposure. Ensure that any appropriate antidotes are available (e.g. calcium gluconate for HF).

Solids

Liquids

Gases

• Store in approved safety cans or cabinets.

• Segregate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers.

• Keep away any source of ignition: flames, localized heat or sparks.

• Safety cans or drums containing flammable liquids should be grounded and bonded when these liquids are being transferred.

• Keep appropriate fire fighting equipment readily available (e.g. metals fire extinguisher if metal fires a possibility).

• Have spill cleanup materials handy.

• Refrigerators used to store flammable liquids are to be of the explosion proof type.

Solids

Gases

Liquids

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• In case of fire, keep water away.

WARNING: These chemicals react with water to yield flammable or toxic gases or other hazardous conditions.

Solids

Liquids

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Keep away from flammable and combustible materials (such as paper, wood, etc.)

• Keep away from reducing agents such as zinc, alkaline metals, and formic acid.

Solids

• Store in a cool, dry place.

WARNING: Pyrophoric substances ignite spontaneously upon contact with air.

• Avoid exposure to light.

• Store in amber bottles in a cool, dry place.

• Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.

• Label containers with receiving, opening, and disposal dates.

• Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals before expected date of first peroxide formation in accordance with Lab policy.

• Test for the presence of peroxides periodically.

WARNING: Under proper conditions, these chemicals will form explosive peroxides which can be detonated by shock or heat.

Chemicals that form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration

Peroxide hazard after prolonged storage.  Test for peroxide formation or discard after 3 months.

Chemical that form explosive levels of peroxides on concentration. For example: Distillation of diethyl ether

Test for peroxide formation or discard after 1 year

Chemical that may autopolymerize as a result of peroxide formation

Test for peroxide formation or discard after 1 year

Method for Testing Organic Peroxides

The presence of organic peroxide in chemicals can be tested with simple indicator paper - Whatman starch iodide paper.  The Whatman starch iodide paper is sensitive to peroxide concentration below 100 ppm.   Low concentration of peroxide present in chemicals turns the paper yellow whereas, high concentration of peroxide turns the paper blue.   This test is sensitive to the formation of hydroperoxide which is the principal hazard associated with peroxide-forming solvent.

• Store in a dark, cool, and dry place

• Store in a container with a pressure relief valve on the cap

Some chemicals may gradually decompose during storage. The release of decomposition by-products and consequently, the pressure buildup inside the container may cause a serious explosion.  Take formic acid as an example, prolonged storage of 98 - 100% formic acid may lead to the rupture of glass container due to the gradual decomposition of formic acid into carbon monoxide and water.

List of chemicals which are susceptible to internal pressure buildup during storage