Appendix B. Suggested Chemical Storage Pattern

This is a recommendation for storage of primary chemical containers in the chemical storeroom. Other, similar categorizations can be found in chemical catalogs. Always store chemicals according to manufacturer recommendations.

I. Inorganic Chemicals

a. Metals, hydrides

b. Acetates, halides, sulfates, sulfites, thiosulfates, phosphates, and halogens (bromine should

be stored in an appropriately ventilated cabinet or hood)

c. Amides, nitrates (except ammonium nitrate), nitrides

d. Hydroxides, oxides, silicates, carbonates, carbon

e. Sulfides, selenides, phosphides, carbides, nitrides

f. Bromates, chlorates, perchlorates, perchloric acid, chlorites, hypochlorites, peroxides,

hydrogen peroxide

g. Arsenates, cyanides, cyanates

h. Borates, chromates, manganates, permanganates

i. Acids (except nitric, but including acetic acid) - ventilated cabinet

j. Nitric acid - ventilated cabinet

k. Concentrated bases - ventilated cabinet

l. Sulfur, phosphorus, arsenic, phosphorus pentoxide

II. Organics

a. acids, anhydrides, peracids

b. alcohols, glycols, amines, amides, imines, imides

c. hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes

d. ethers, ketones, ketenes, halogenated hydrocarbons, ethylene oxide

e. epoxy compounds, isocyanates

f. peroxides, hydroperoxides, azides

g. sulfides, polysulfides, sulfoxides, nitriles

h. phenols, cresols

Types of storage devices:

· Open shelving must have lips

· Shelving with doors (cabinets) do not require lips

· Ventilated cabinets

· Corrosive cabinets

· Spark-proof refrigerators