Chemical Storage and Compatibility

INTRODUCTION: If incompatible chemicals are inadvertently mixed a fire, explosion, or toxic release can easily occur. In earthquake-prone areas like Santa Barbara, it is particularly vital that chemicals be stored safely. Take steps now to prevent damage to your facility, or harm to lab personnel.

Below are some basic guidelines for chemical storage. Note however, that chemicals can often fall into more than one hazard category and therefore the chemical label and/or Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS-see below) should be reviewed for specific storage requirements. Separate chemicals by adequate distance, or preferably by using physical barriers (e.g. storage cabinets). Avoid using the fume hood for chemical storage - this practice may interfere with the proper air flow of the hood. For especially dangerous materials, use a secondary container (e.g. plastic tub) large enough to contain a spill of the largest container.

With the wide variety of chemicals used in laboratories, the list below is prioritized for materials that are COMMONLY used in a research laboratory. This chart indicates the most obvious chemical incompatibilities, and provides a segregation plan. For more specific chemical incompatibility information, please consult the manufacturer's MSDS, or contact EH&S at 893-8243.

ACIDS

Acetic Acid, *Chromic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, *Nitric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid

*Indicates strong oxidizing acids, store per oxidizers section

Storage Precautions:

Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.
Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, AND flammable materials.
Segregate acids from bases, AND from active metals such as sodium, potassium, etc.
Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic gases such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, etc.

BASES

Ammonium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide.

Storage Precautions:

Separate bases from acids.
Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.

FLAMMABLES-fuels are reducing agents
Acetone, Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ether, Gasoline, Hexane,, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol, Propanol, Tetrahydrofuran, Toluene, Xylene

Storage Precautions:

Store in approved flammable storage cabinet(s) (required if > 10 gallons in the lab).
Separate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers.
Keep away from any source of ignition (flames, localized heat or sparks).
Use only "flammable storage" (desparked) refrigerators or freezers.

OXIDIZERS-react violently with organics.

Solids

Calcium Hypochlorite, Ferric Chloride, Iodine, Nitrates -Salts of, Peroxides -Salts of, Potassium Ferricyanide, Sodium Nitrite

Liquids

Bromine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Nitric Acid, Perchloric Acid, Chromic Acid

Storage Precautions:

Keep away from flammables, organic solvents, and other combustible materials (i.e. paper, wood, etc.).
Keep away from chemical reducing agents.
Store in a cool, dry place.

PEROXIDE-FORMING CHEMICALS-peroxides can be explosively shock-sensitive

Ethers and acetals with alpha-hydrogen (e.g. ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran)

Alkenes with allylic hydrogen (e.g. cyclohexene)

Storage Precautions:

Dispose before expected date of initial peroxide formation.
Label containers with receiving, opening, and disposal dates.
Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.