CHEMICAL STORAGE & TRANSPORT

 

Carefully read the label before storing a hazardous chemical. The MSDS will also provide any special storage information and incompatibilities. These requirements apply to laboratory facilities only and do not address storage in specifically constructed flammable liquids storage rooms.

 

Do not store unsegregated chemicals in alphabetical order or incompatible chemicals in close proximity to each other. The amount of space that can be placed between different chemical classes depends on the amount of storage area available in the laboratory as well as the availability of permanent and portable secondary containment systems. Do not segregate chemical classes into separate rooms unless they will only be used in that room. Segregation that disrupts normal work flow or requires more frequent transport of chemicals between labs will increase the probability of a chemical spill. Use common sense in planning chemical storage areas.

Store dry reagents, liquids reagents and solutions and compressed gases in separate areas. Within each of these chemical forms segregate into appropriate hazard classes.

 

Segregation of Dry Reagents

  • oxidizing solids

  • flammable solids

  • water reactive solids

  • all other solids

  • oxidizing solids

 

Segregation of Liquid Reagents and Solutions

  • acid liquids

  • caustic liquids

  • oxidizing liquids

  • perchloric acid solutions

  • flammable or combustible liquids

  • all other liquids

 

Segregation of Compressed Gases

  • toxic gases

  • flammable gases

  • oxidizing and inert gases

 
Once separated into hazard classes, chemicals may be stored alphabetically. Use approved storage containers and safety cans for flammable liquids. Use spill trays under containers of strong corrosive reagents. Do not store liquids above eye level. Ensure that all containers are properly labeled. For more information on chemical storage, contact your Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

Flammable & Combustible Liquid Storage

The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in a laboratory must be kept to the minimum needed for research and operations. When large quantities of flammable liquids are present in a lab they must be stored in a flammable liquids storage cabinet. National Fire Protection Association standards 30 and 45 identify the following container and laboratory limitations.

 

Maximum Allowable Container Size For Use In Laboratories

 

Flammable Class

Combustible Class

Liquid Class

IA

IB

IC

II

IIIA

Flashpoint (FP) & Boiling Point (BP)

FP < 73°F

BP < 100°F

FP <73°F

BP > 100°F

FP > 73°F

& < 100°F

FP > 100°F

& < 140°F

FP > 140°F

& < 200°F

Examples of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Ethyl Ether

Ethyl Alcohol

Xylene

Glacial Acetic Acid

Formalin

Maximum Container

Size

Glass

1 pt.#

1 qt.#

1 gal.

1 gal.

5 gal.

Metal or Approved Plastic

1 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

Safety Can

2 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

5 gal.

# May be increased to 1 gal. glass container if chemical purity requirements and rate of useage suggests the larger size.

 

 

Maximum Amount of Flammable & Combustible Liquids Per Laboratory Unit*

Liquid Class

Outside of Safety Cabinets & Cans

  

Inside & Outside of Safety Cabinets & Cans

I

2 gal./100 ft2

or

75 gal./lab unit

  

4 gal./100 ft2

or

150 gal./lab unit
 

whichever is more restrictive

  

whichever is more restrictive

I, II, & IIIA

4 gal./100 ft2

or

100 gal./lab unit

  

8 gal./100 ft2

or

200 gal./lab unit

 

whichever is more restrictive

 

whichever is more restrictive

* A laboratory unit is the enclosed space used for lab work separated by a fire resistant wall from adjacent areas – may include support office space.

 

Allowable Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet Capacities

  • No more than 60 gallons of a Class I flammable liquid or Class II combustible liquids may be stored in a flammable-liquids storage cabinet.

  • No more than 120 gallons of a Class III combustible liquid may be stored in a flammable-liquids storage cabinet.

  • All flammable-liquids cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous letters "Flammable - Keep Fire Away."

  • No more then 3 flammable cabinets may be located in the defined laboratory fire area.

  • One portable fire extinguisher must be located no more then 10 feet from any indoor storage area.

  • All flammable liquid storage cabinets must be grounded. A ground cable of 3/8" copper braid or a 12 gauge copper conductor can be used. The ground must be tested and resistance to ground cannot exceed one megohm.

Refrigerator Storage of Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids should not be stored in a refrigerators unless it is UL approved for flammable liquid storage. Storage of flammable liquids in household grade refrigerators is a fire hazard.

 

Compressed Gases

Carefully read the label before using or storing compressed gas. The MSDS will provide any special hazard information. Always use the minimum size cylinder required to perform the work.  Cylinders of compressed gases must be handled as high energy sources. When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders pose a crush hazard to hands and feet. Do not expose cylinders to temperature extremes. Do not store cylinders or lecture bottles with the regulator in place. If the regulator fails, the entire contents of the gas cylinder may be discharged. Always use the correct regulator. Do not use a regulator adapter. Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator. Cylinders of toxic, flammable or reactive gases should be stored and used in a fume hood or with local ventilation.

 

Flammable Gas Cylinders

The storage of flammable gas cylinders is limited to two (2) type 1 (10" x 50") cylinders per 500 square feet of unsprinklered laboratory space. Liquefied flammable gas containers should be limited to two (2) 9" x 30" cylinders per 500 square feet of unsprinklered laboratory space or three (3) 9" x 30" cylinders per 500 square feet of sprinkled laboratory space.

 

Transporting Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories

The transportation of hazardous chemicals in laboratory buildings provides the greatest potential for chemical exposure to the building occupants. Spills occurring outside storerooms and laboratories may lead to hazardous concentrations of vapors and gases being distributed throughout the building.

 

The following guidelines should be observed when transporting chemicals outside the laboratory:

 

Flammable Liquids

  • Transported in rugged pressure-resistant safety cans.

  • Original containers of flammable liquids shall be placed in an outside container.

  • No more than 5 gallons of flammable liquids in glass containers shall be transported unless the original shipping container is used and the materials are on an appropriate cart.

Corrosives or Oxidizing Materials
  • Original glass shipping containers holding liquid acids and bases must be placed in an outside container or acid-carrying bucket.
  • Incompatible chemicals, for example chromic acid (oxidizing acid) and ethyl acetate (flammable liquid), should not be transported on the same cart unless they are in original shipping cartons and physically separated.
Water Reactive Chemicals
  • Wherever possible, use the original outside shipping containers when transporting water reactive chemicals.
  • Once opened, water reactive chemicals must be placed in a rigid outside container or acid carrying bucket for transporting.
Pyrophoric (spontaneously igniting) Substances
  • Whenever possible, the original outside shipping container must be used to transport pyrophoric substances.
  • Once opened, pyrophoric substances must be placed in a rigid outside container or acid carrying bucket for transporting.
Acutely Toxic Compounds
  • Whenever possible, the original outside shipping container must be used to transport acutely toxic compounds.
  • Once opened, acutely toxic compounds must be placed in a rigid outside container or acid carrying bucket for transporting.