Chemical Segregation and Storage Chart
Information from Columbia University EHS website
Updated: 10/13/09
Class of Chemicals | Recommended Storage Method | Chemical Examples | Incompatibles See MSDS in All cases |
---|---|---|---|
Compressed Gases - Flammable | Store in a cool, dry area, away from oxidizing gases. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. | Methane, Acetylene, Propane | Oxidizing and toxic compressed gases, oxidizing solids. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids* |
Compressed Gases - Oxidizing | Store in a cool, dry area, away from flammable gases and liquids. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. | Oxygen, Chlorine, Bromine | Flammable gases. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids* |
Compressed Gases - Poisonous | Store in a cool, dry area, away from flammable gases and liquids. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. | Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen sulfide | Flammable and/or oxidizing gases. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids* |
Corrosives – Acids, Inorganic | Store in a separate, lined/protected acid storage cabinet, or in deep corrosion-resistant spill trays. *Do Not store acids directly on metal shelves* | Inorganic (mineral) acids - Hydrochloric acid, Hydrofluoric acid, Phosphoric acid, Sulfuric acid, Chromic acid, Nitric acid | Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases, and oxidizers. Organic acids |
Corrosives – Acids, Organic | Store in a separate, lined/protected acid storage cabinet, or in deep corrosion-resistant spill trays. *Do Not store acids directly on metal shelves* | Organic acids - Acetic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, Lactic acid, Oxaly | Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases, and oxidizers. Inorganic acids |
Corrosives - Bases | Store in a separate storage cabinet or segregate with a deep, corrosion-resistant spill tray. | Ammonium hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide | Flammable liquids, oxidizers, poisons, and acids. |
Explosives | Store in a secure location away from all other chemicals. Do not store in an area where they can fall. | Ammonium Nitrate, Nitro Urea, Sodium amide, Trinitroaniline, Trinitroanisole, Trinitrobenzene, Trinitrophenol/Picric acid, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) | All other chemicals. *Keep away from sources of ignition* |
Flammable Liquids | Store in a flammable storage cabinet. *Peroxide forming chemicals must be dated upon opening; e.g. Ether, Tetrahydrofuran, Dioxane* | Acetone, Benzene, Diethyl ether, Methanol, Ethanol, Hexanes, Toluene | Acids, bases, oxidizers, and poisons. *Keep away from sources of ignition* |
Flammable Solids | Store in a separate dry cool area away from oxidizers, corrosives. | Phosphorus, Carbon, Charcoal | Acids, bases, oxidizers, and poisons. *Keep away from sources of ignition* |
Water Reactive Chemicals | Store in a dry, cool location. Protect from water and the fire sprinkler system, if applicable. Label location "Water Reactive Chemicals" | Sodium metal, Potassium metal, Lithium metal, Lithium Aluminium hydride, Sodium Hydride | Separate from all aqueous solutions, and oxidizers. |
Oxidizers | Store in a deep spill containment tray inside a non-combustible cabinet, separate from flammable or combustible materials and reducing agents. | Sodium hypochlorite, Benzoyl peroxide, Potassium permanganate, Potassium chlorate, Potassium dichromate. The following are generally considered oxidizing substances: Peroxides, Perchlorates, Chlorates, Nitrates, Bromates, Superoxides | Separate from reducing agents, flammables, and combustibles and organic materials. |
Reducing Agents | Store in a deep spill containment tray inside a non-combustible cabinet, separate from oxidizers. | Lithium Aluminum Hydride, Sodium amalgam, Sodium Borohydride, Diisobutyl Aluminum Hydride, Formic Acid, Oxalic Acid | Oxidizers, Arsenic, Selenides |
Poisons/Toxins | Store separately in a vented, cool, dry, area in chemically resistant secondary containers. | Cyanides, heavy metal compounds, i.e. Cadmium, Mercury, Osmium | Flammable liquids, acids, bases, and oxidizers |
General Chemicals, Non-reactive | Store on general laboratory benches or shelving. | Agar, Sodium chloride, Sodium bicarbonate, and most non-reactive salts | See MSDS |
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