Question

Describe in detail how the following hazard categories of chemicals should be stored in a lab (incompatibilities, shelving,etc.).

A. Toxins
B. Flammables
C. Corrosives
D. Reactives
E. General Storage

Answer 1

Flammable

The flammable ones should be away from any ignition source (hot, open flames, sunlight, etc...) also must be put away specially from oxidizers and toxics.

Separate Flammable gases from oxidizing gases with an approved non-combustible partition or by a distance of 20 feet.

Flammable liquids must be put in safe containers

If static electricity may accumulate and ignite flammable vapors, ground and bond flammable liquid containers.

Flammable liquids that require cold storage should be put in laboratory-safe flammable material refrigerators or freezers.

Keep a extinguer close to the flammable materials for safety.

Corrosive materials

Acids and bases must stay separated.

Separate inorganic oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammables, and combustibles.

Separate acids from chemicals that could generate toxic gases upon contact.

Segregate acids from water reactive metals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Solutions of inorganic hydroxides should be stored in polyethylene containers.

Put corrosive materials on lower shelves, also put them in secondary compatible containers

Don´t put corrosive material on metal shelves.

Put a neutralizing agent available in case of a spill.

Toxics

Put toxic material away from other hazard classes and store in a cool, well ventilated area, away from light and heat (sun for example)

Seal the containers that have toxic material tightly

Try to keep the minimum quantity of toxic materials

Water and air Reactives

Store in a cool, dry place away from water or moisture source

For air reactives you must put the material away from contact with air,  use of corrosion- and shatter resistant secondary containers for storage and transportation is recommended.

Some metals that react strongly with water like sodium, potassium, lithium, caesium, etc. (alkali metals) should be stored with oil to protect them from water.

General storage

Identify all the reagents and materials, you should put labels for all the materials and check that labels correspond correctly to the materials.Repair or update labels if you need to.

Identify the families that correspond to every reagent, this is that you must have a clear idea of the classifications (corrosive, flammable, etc.)

Do not store the chemicals in alphabetical order

Check common incompatibilities and be carefull when storing the chemicals according to incompatibilities

Separate acids from bases

Store flammable liquids in approved safety containers in flammable storage cabinets.

Do not store anything but flammable or combustible liquids in these cabinets.

Segregate most organic acids from oxidizing mineral acids.

Keep oxidizers away from other chemicals, especially flammables, combustibles, and toxic materials.

Keep corrosives away from substances that may react with and release corrosive, toxic, or flammable vapors.

Some chemicals belong to more than 1 family (classification) you must consider caution rules according to incompatibilities of the classifications.