Chemicals

Chemical Storage

There are many work situations where chemicals are routinely relied upon to get the work done. But just as important as the safe handling of these chemicals, is their safe storage. If not stored properly, chemicals can cause a fire, explosion or personal injury. There are some real and common sense safe storage procedures that should be followed to keep workers and the workplace free of chemical-related accidents.

The most important factor in chemical storage safety is keeping chemicals in their original containers. Next, check that each chemical container has a label. The label is a quick way of determining whether the material is a fire, health or reactivity hazard. Read the chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS describes the chemical’s properties, hazards, and what to do if there’s an accidental spill or exposure. Use the MSDS as a guide for making storage decisions.

Store chemicals in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight or other heat source, and away from sparks, flames, static electricity or other sources of ignition. Make sure the storage shelving material is acid resistant, secured to a permanent structure, and strong enough to support the weight of the containers. The shelving should be fitted with a raised lip or tilted slightly backward so containers won’t slip off the edge. You may choose to color code the containers to correspond to the color on the shelf where it should be stored for quick access and proper storage return. Never store chemicals higher than eye level. If the chemical is accidentally knocked over you could risk being showered with the chemical substance resulting in a burn or possible blindness. For added safety, make sure first aid kits and materials for cleaning spilled chemicals is readily accessible.

Chemicals should be placed so that incompatible substances stored apart. You don’t want to store a water reactive chemical next to a sink, oxides next to flammables, acids next to bases or poisons next to a desk. Chemicals should never be stored or refrigerated with food. Chemical containers should not be stored on top of each other or on the floor where they could accidentally be knocked over. Don’t casually leave chemical containers wherever you last use them or set them aside to make room for other work. Take the time to return containers to their proper storage place.

Maintenance another important factor in safe chemical storage. Someone should be assigned to periodically inventory the chemicals not only to check for proper storage but to also check for damaged or corroded containers, signs of leakage or container pressure buildup. Make sure empty or damaged chemicals are disposed of properly.

Accidents caused by improper chemical storage can be prevented. Read labels, follow MSDS recommendations, and use common sense. Instruct workers on safe chemical handling and enforce safe chemical storage procedures.

OilfieldStuff.com. (hereinafter OFS) make no representations about the suitability of the information contained on this web site for any purpose. This web site and all of the information it contains is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whether express or implied. In no event shall OFS be liable to any person or business entity for any special, direct, indirect, punitive, incidental or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this web site or any other web site to which this site is linked, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business interruption, or loss of programs or information. OFS shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this web site and reserves the right to make changes without notice. User therefore acknowledges and accepts that the information published on this web site may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. The hypertext links on this web site will allow you to leave this web site. The links are provided as a service to users and are not sponsored by or affiliated with this web site or under the control of OFS. The links are to be accessed at the user's own risk, and OFS and the authors of this web site make no representation or warranties about the content of these links. OFS is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. OFS is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by OFS of the site.