[12] CHEMICAL STORAGE

Over 500 chemical-storage incidents

The total number of chemical-storage incidents reported over the past 5 years due to unsafe chemical storage practices.

1. Improper or non-existent labeling of chemicals in storage

2. Storage of chemicals beyond the recommended shelf-life

3. Degradation of chemical storage containers (such as polyethylene bottles containing corrosive chemicals deteriorating with prolonged use)

The three principal causes of chemical storage-related incidents.

1. Improper or non-existent ___of chemicals in storage

2. Storage of chemicals beyond the recommended ___

3. Degradation of chemical storage containers (such as ____ bottles containing corrosive chemicals deteriorating with prolonged use)

Maleic anhydride

The specific unlabeled powder that caused spontaneous ignition when poured into a plastic bucket containing mixed leftover chemicals intended for recycling or disposal.

6 months

The maximum safe storage duration for unrefrigerated ether before shock-sensitive peroxides form and create an explosion hazard.

Ferrous sulphate

The chemical compound used to neutralize shock-sensitive peroxides formed in stored ether containers.

Name and address of the manufacturer or responsible party, and the date received for chemicals with a shelf life

Required information that must appear on a chemical label, including additional details for chemicals with a shelf life.

The mandatory inspection frequency for general chemicals in stock/storage versus hazardous chemicals.

The mandatory inspection frequency for general chemicals in stock/storage versus hazardous chemicals.

First-In, First-Out (FIFO) / Stock Rotation

The inventory management rule requiring new shipments of chemicals to be rotated with existing stock so the oldest stock is used first.

Store on low shelves or in acid cabinets; segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids/flammables; segregate acids from bases and active metals (e.g., sodium, potassium); use a bottle carrier when transporting

Proper storage location and segregation guidelines for large bottles of acids.

Chromic Acid, Nitric Acid, Hydrobromic Acid, Perchloric Acid, Iodic Acid, and Sulfuric Acid

The specific strong oxidizing acids listed in the storage guidelines

Acetic Acid, Phenol, Benzoic Acid, and Trichloroacetic Acid

The specific organic acids listed in the storage guidelines.

Segregate bases from acids, store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers, and keep caustic neutralizers or spill control pillows available

Proper storage guidelines for bases and solutions of inorganic hydroxides.

Ammonium Hydroxide, Calcium Hydroxide, Bicarbonates, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbonates, and Sodium Hydroxide

The specific bases listed in the storage guidelines.

Store in approved safety cans/cabinets, segregate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers, keep away from ignition sources, and use explosion-proof (lab-safe) refrigerators if storing volatile flammable liquids; a flammable storage cabinet is required if total quantity exceeds 5 Liters

Storage rules for flammables, including the volume threshold requiring a dedicated flammable liquid storage cabinet.

Benzoyl peroxide, Yellow Phosphorus, Calcium Carbide, and Picric Acids

The four specific flammable solids listed in the storage guidelines.

Acetylene,

Ethylene Oxide,

Ammonia,

Formaldehyde,

Hydrogen Sulfide,

Ethane, Methane,

Ethyl Chloride,

Propane,

Ethylene,

Butane,

Hydrogen,

Carbon Monoxide,

Propylene

The complete list of flammable gases provided in the chemical storage guide.

Store in a cool, dry place; keep away from flammable/combustible materials (paper, wood) and reducing agents (zinc, alkaline metals, formic acid)

Proper storage conditions and materials to avoid when storing oxidizers.

Ammonium Dichromate,

Nitrates,

Ammonium Perchlorate,

Ammonium Persulfate,

Benzoyl Peroxide,

Bromates,

Calcium Hypochlorite,

Chlorates,

Chromium Trioxide,

Ferric Trioxide,

Ferric Chloride,

Hypochlorite,

Iodine,

Permanganic Acid,

Periodic Acid,

Potassium Dichromate,

Potassium Ferricyanide,

Potassium Permanganate,

Potassium Persulfate,

Salts of Peroxides,

Sodium Chlorite,

Sodium Dichromate/Iodates,

Sodium Nitrate, and

Sodium Perborate

The complete list of solid oxidizers specified in the guide

Pyrophoric Substances (Must be stored in a cool, dry place)

Substances that ignite spontaneously upon contact with air, along with their mandatory storage conditions

Boron,

Cadmium,

Calcium,

Chromium,

Cobalt,

Diborane,

Dichloroborane,

2-Furaldehyde,

Iron, Lead,

Manganese,

Nickel,

Yellow Phosphorus,

Sodium,

Titanium, and

Zinc

The specific pyrophoric substances listed in the storage guidelines

Store in amber bottles in a cool, dry place to avoid light exposure

Required storage container and conditions for light-sensitive chemicals

Bromine,

Ethyl Ether,

Ferric Ammonium Citrate,

Hydrobromic Acid,

Mercuric Salts,

Oleic Acid,

Potassium Ferricyanide,

Silver salts,

Sodium Iodide,

Mercurous Nitrate

The complete list of light-sensitive chemicals provided in the guide.

Label all containers as "Cancer Suspect Agents", store according to their underlying physical hazards (e.g., flammable, corrosive), and store securely when necessary

Required container labeling and storage protocol for carcinogens

Antimony compounds,

Acrylonitrile,

Arsenic compounds,

Benzene,

Benzidine,

Chloroform,

Beryllium,

Cadmium compounds,

Dimethyl Sulfate,

Dioxane,

Salts of Chromates,

Beta-Naphthylamine,

Ethylene Dibromide,

Hydrazine,

Vinyl Chloride,

Nickel Carbonyl

The complete list of carcinogens specified in the guide

Stanford Compatible Storage Group Classification System

The laboratory chemical segregation classification system based on physical and chemical reactivity data in MSDSs, containing ~10,000 unique chemicals in the SCIMS database

Compatible Organic Bases, Flammables, and Poisons

Stanford Storage Group Code A description.

Compatible Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Materials

Stanford Storage Group Code B description.

Compatible Inorganic Bases, Oxidizers, and Poisons

Stanford Storage Group Code C description.

Compatible Organic Acids, Flammables, and Poisons

Stanford Storage Group Code D description

Compatible Oxidizers, Organic Peroxides, and Acids

Stanford Storage Group Code E description.

Compatible Inorganic Acids not including Oxidizers or Combustible

Stanford Storage Group Code F description

Not Intrinsically Reactive or Flammable or Combustible

Stanford Storage Group Code G description

Poison Compressed Gases, not Flammable or Reactive

Stanford Storage Group Code J description.

Compatible Explosive or other highly Unstable Material

Stanford Storage Group Code K description.

Non-Reactive Flammable and Combustible, including solvents

Stanford Storage Group Code L description

Incompatible with all other storage groups (must be segregated from all other chemicals)

Stanford Storage Group Code X description.

Storage group unknown, no data available

Stanford Storage Group Code U description.

EH&S (Environmental Health & Safety) @ 3-0448

The office that must be contacted for specific storage and use requirements regarding Storage Groups J and K.

Each storage group must have separate secondary containment; if storing in a multi-shelf cabinet, place Storage Groups "B" and "X" on the top shelf to prevent chemicals from dripping on them

Rules for storing multiple incompatible storage groups within the same cabinet or on the same shelf.

All chemical storage shelving must have lips and seismic restraints

Structural requirements for all chemical storage shelving to prevent spills during seismic activity.

Store solids above liquids; long-term storage on bench tops/fume hoods is discouraged; never store hazardous materials next to or above sinks/floor drains; avoid exposure to building heat or direct sunlight

Rules regarding chemical storage positions relative to physical state, sinks, fume hoods, and heat sources.

All containers MUST remain closed except when actively adding or removing materials; do not store funnels in open containers

Mandatory operational rule regarding container closures and funnel usage in chemical storage.