31 May Chemical Storage Safety

Chemical Storage Safety

Chemicals are routinely used in many workplaces, but improper storage can result in fires, explosions, hazardous reactions, spills, and serious employee injuries. Chemicals must be stored according to their hazards, compatibility, manufacturer instructions, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Before Storing Chemicals

Before placing a chemical into storage:

• Read the container label and SDS.
• Identify the chemical’s health and physical hazards.
• Determine appropriate storage conditions and incompatibilities.
• Verify that the container is properly labeled and in good condition.
• Ensure the chemical is included in the workplace chemical inventory, when applicable.
• Identify required spill-control and emergency-response measures.

Whenever practical, chemicals should remain in their original manufacturer’s containers. When chemicals are transferred to other containers, the secondary containers must be appropriately labeled as required by the company’s Hazard Communication Program.

Storage Areas

Chemical storage areas should be appropriate for the materials being stored and maintained in a safe condition.

As applicable:

• Provide adequate ventilation.
• Protect chemicals from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Keep chemicals away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources.
• Control static electricity where flammable materials are handled or stored.
• Keep aisles and access routes clear.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Restrict access when necessary.
• Post required hazard and warning signs.
• Maintain appropriate spill-control materials and emergency equipment.

Chemicals shall not be stored with food, beverages, medications, or personal items.

Chemical Compatibility

Chemicals shall be segregated according to their compatibility rather than simply alphabetically.

Examples of materials that may require separation include:

• Acids and bases;
• Oxidizers and flammable or combustible materials;
• Water-reactive chemicals and sources of water or moisture;
• Strong oxidizers and organic materials;
• Acids and certain cyanides or sulfides;
• Reactive chemicals and incompatible substances; and
• Other combinations identified as incompatible by the SDS.

Consult the SDS when determining appropriate segregation and storage requirements. Never assume that chemicals are compatible simply because they have similar appearances or uses.

Shelving and Containers

Chemical shelving and storage systems shall be appropriate for the materials and quantities stored.

• Shelving must be stable, securely installed, and capable of supporting the anticipated load.
• Shelving surfaces should be compatible with the chemicals being stored.
• Use shelf lips, restraints, or other means where necessary to prevent containers from falling.
• Avoid storing hazardous chemicals above eye level when doing so could increase the risk of exposure from a dropped or leaking container.
• Do not store containers where they could be struck, crushed, or knocked over.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
• Use secondary containment where appropriate for liquids that could leak or spill.
• Do not stack containers unless they are designed and approved for stacking.

Heavy containers should generally be stored on lower shelves to reduce lifting and falling-object hazards.

Flammable and Combustible Materials

Flammable liquids require additional precautions.

• Keep them away from ignition sources.
• Use approved containers and storage methods.
• Store quantities requiring a flammable-liquid storage cabinet in an approved cabinet.
• Keep cabinet doors closed and properly maintained.
• Do not obstruct vents where cabinets are designed or required to be vented.
• Control ignition sources in dispensing and storage areas.
• Bond and ground containers during transfers when required to control static electricity.

Storage quantities and arrangements shall comply with applicable fire and occupational safety requirements.

Compressed Gases

Compressed-gas cylinders present pressure, fire, and chemical hazards.

• Secure cylinders against falling.
• Protect cylinders from physical damage and excessive heat.
• Keep valve-protection caps in place when required and when cylinders are not connected for use.
• Separate incompatible gases as required.
• Store oxygen away from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials as required by applicable standards.
• Clearly identify cylinder contents.
• Never rely solely on cylinder color to identify the gas.

Chemical Refrigeration

Chemicals requiring refrigeration shall be stored only in equipment appropriate for the materials involved.

• Never store chemicals with food or beverages.
• Do not use ordinary household refrigerators for materials that could release flammable vapors.
• Use appropriately rated refrigeration equipment when storing flammable materials.
• Clearly identify refrigerators and freezers designated for chemical storage.

Spill and Emergency Preparedness

Storage areas should have emergency equipment appropriate to the chemicals present.

Depending on the hazards, this may include:

• Spill-control materials;
• Appropriate fire extinguishers;
• Emergency eyewash equipment;
• Emergency showers;
• Chemical-resistant PPE; and
• Emergency contact and response information.

Employees shall know how to report a spill or release and shall not attempt cleanup unless they are trained, equipped, and authorized to do so.

Inspection and Maintenance

Chemical storage areas should be inspected periodically.

Look for:

• Leaking or damaged containers;
• Corrosion, swelling, bulging, or pressure buildup;
• Missing or illegible labels;
• Improperly closed containers;
• Incompatible chemicals stored together;
• Excessive accumulation of chemicals;
• Damaged shelving or cabinets;
• Blocked aisles or emergency equipment; and
• Outdated or unwanted chemicals.

Defective containers and chemical waste shall be handled and disposed of according to established procedures and applicable requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees shall:

• Return chemicals to their designated storage locations after use.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.
• Never place chemicals in food or beverage containers.
• Follow label and SDS storage instructions.
• Maintain required chemical segregation.
• Report damaged, leaking, or unidentified containers.
• Never mix chemicals unless specifically authorized and trained to do so.
• Maintain good housekeeping in chemical storage areas.

Remember

Safe chemical storage requires more than putting containers on a shelf. Read the label and SDS, separate incompatible materials, control ignition sources, maintain containers and storage areas, and return chemicals to their designated locations after use.