Introduction
When working with hazardous chemicals, it is critically important to store them properly to avoid accidents and remain compliant with regulations. While regulations can sometimes seem obscure or complicated, following best practices for safe chemical storage will ensure compliance in most cases. In this article, I will provide an overview of key factors to consider when developing a plan for safely storing hazardous chemicals without running afoul of obscure regulations.
Follow Chemical Compatibility Rules
One of the most important safety rules when storing chemicals is maintaining compatibility groups.
What are Compatibility Groups?
Certain chemicals can react dangerously when stored together. Chemicals fall into one of five compatibility groups:
- Group A: Acids
- Group B: Bases
- Group C: Oxidizers
- Group D: Dangerous When Wet
- Group E: Normal Organics
Chemicals should only be stored with other chemicals in the same compatibility group. Mixing between groups can cause violent reactions, explosions, or the release of toxic fumes.
Tips for Proper Compatibility Storage
- Carefully read chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets to identify compatibility groups
- Maintain separate storage cabinets, rooms, or buildings for each group
- When in doubt, store chemicals separately rather than risk combining incompatible materials
Following proper chemical compatibility rules is the most important aspect of safe chemical storage.
Use Proper Containers
Always store chemicals in containers intended for chemical storage.
Key Container Tips
- Use unbreakable chemical-resistant containers with tight sealing lids
- Never store chemicals in food or beverage containers
- Make sure containers are properly labeled with the chemical name, hazard warnings, and compliance information
- Visually inspect containers regularly for leaks, cracks, or deterioration
Proper containers reduce the risks of spills, accidental ingestion, and vapour release. They also communicate necessary hazard information to workers.
Control Access
Limiting access to hazardous chemicals reduces the risks of unauthorized use, theft, vandalism, and accidental exposure.
Recommendations for Access Control
- Store chemicals in locked cabinets, restricted rooms, or buildings with keycard access
- Allow only trained staff access to chemical storage areas
- Maintain a log to track removal and return of chemicals
- Post signs on storage areas identifying hazards and restricting access
Controlling access is critical for maintaining the security of hazardous materials.
Follow Proper Storage Protocols
Within storage areas, chemicals should be organized and handled to avoid dangerous situations:
- Heavier materials should be stored on lower shelves
- Labelling should face outward for easy identification
- Chemicals should never be stored above eye level
- Flammable materials should be stored in approved flammable storage cabinets
- Shelves should have lips to prevent containers from sliding off
- Aisles should be wide enough for safe material transport
Proper storage protocols reduce the chance of accidental spills, leaks, or unsafe handling of chemicals.
Conclusion
While obscure regulations can sometimes make chemical storage seem daunting, following best practices for separation by compatibility, proper containment, access control, and safe storage protocols will ensure hazardous chemicals are handled safely and legally. Prioritizing chemical safety and security should enable compliance even with regulations that seem vague or complicated at first glance. With some care and common sense, hazardous chemicals can be effectively managed.