#LabBestPractices

[bio-basic-inc]

Did You Know?  

A simple step, keeping your tips, reagents, and enzymes on ice during preparation, can boost your experimental reliability by up to 25%!

Temperature-sensitive components can degrade rapidly at room temperature, resulting in inconsistent results. Keeping them cold not only preserves enzyme activity but also improves the reproducibility of your data.

It's a small change with a big impact, because every detail counts in the lab.

Explore more tools and solutions that keep your research on track: https://www.biobasic.com/

[somatcoblog]

How to Store Laboratory Chemicals Safely

In any laboratory—be it educational, industrial, clinical, or research-focused—chemical safety is non-negotiable. Improper storage of chemicals can lead to dangerous reactions, toxic exposure, fires, or environmental hazards. In contrast, safe chemical storage protects not just the people working in the lab, but also the equipment, facilities, and data integrity.

Whether you're a lab technician, safety officer, or student just getting started, this guide outlines best practices for storing laboratory chemicals safely.

Why Is Safe Chemical Storage Important?

Improper storage of chemicals can result in:

Accidental spills or leaks

Dangerous chemical reactions (fire, explosion, toxic fumes)

Injury or illness due to exposure

Contamination of experiments

Regulatory penalties and lab shutdowns

Safe storage:

Prevents incidents

Improves lab organization

Ensures compliance with safety regulations (OSHA, NFPA, GHS, etc.)

Step 1: Classify Your Chemicals

The first step to safe storage is identification and classification. Every chemical should be clearly labeled and grouped according to its hazard class, such as: Hazard ClassExamplesFlammableEthanol, acetone, methanolCorrosiveHydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxideOxidizerHydrogen peroxide, nitric acidToxic/PoisonousCyanides, mercury compoundsReactiveSodium metal, potassium permanganateCompressed gasesOxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxideCryogenic substancesLiquid nitrogen, dry ice

Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific storage instructions.

Step 2: Label All Containers Properly

Clear, accurate labeling is a must. Every chemical container should include:

Full chemical name (no abbreviations)

Concentration and volume

Date of receipt or opening

Hazard pictograms (GHS symbols)

Name of responsible person or department

Never store a chemical in an unmarked or repurposed container like water bottles or food jars.

Step 3: Use Appropriate Storage Cabinets

✅ Flammable Chemicals

Store in a flammable storage cabinet (metal, fire-resistant)

Keep away from ignition sources

Limit quantity per cabinet as per local fire codes

✅ Corrosive Chemicals

Store in corrosion-resistant cabinets (typically PVC-lined or plastic)

Acids and bases should be stored separately to prevent reactions

Avoid storing above eye level to prevent splash injuries

✅ Oxidizers and Reactives

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas

Away from flammables, combustibles, and organic materials

Use tightly sealed, compatible containers

✅ Toxic or Highly Hazardous Chemicals

Store in locked poison cabinets or secured areas

Use secondary containment (trays or tubs) to contain leaks

Clearly label the hazard on the cabinet door

✅ Compressed Gases

Secure cylinders upright with chains or straps

Store in well-ventilated rooms, away from direct sunlight and heat

Keep oxygen away from flammable gases or materials

Step 4: Segregate Incompatible Chemicals

Never store incompatible chemicals together. Dangerous reactions can occur if certain substances mix—even accidentally.

Some key incompatibilities include: Chemical 1Do Not Store WithAcidsBases, cyanides, sulfidesFlammablesOxidizers, acidsOxidizersOrganics, flammables, reducersSodium/potassiumWater, alcoholsAmmoniaBleach, acids

Use color-coded labels or storage zones to visually identify compatibility groups.

Step 5: Maintain Proper Environmental Conditions

💨 Ventilation

Storage areas must be well-ventilated

Avoid storing volatile chemicals in closed cabinets without air circulation

Use fume hoods or ventilated cabinets for highly volatile or toxic materials

🌡 Temperature Control

Avoid excessive heat, humidity, or freezing unless specified

Store temperature-sensitive chemicals (e.g., enzymes, some acids) in refrigerated units

Use explosion-proof refrigerators for flammable chemicals—never standard domestic units

Step 6: Practice Secondary Containment

Use trays or bins under chemical containers to catch drips, leaks, or spills. This is especially important when storing:

Liquids (acids, solvents, toxins)

Multiple small bottles in a single cabinet

Chemicals in high-risk or seismic areas

Secondary containment also helps in case of breakage during earthquakes or accidental knocks.

Step 7: Limit Quantities and Access

Store only the minimum necessary quantity in the main lab

Keep larger volumes in a designated chemical storage room

Restrict access to hazardous chemicals to trained personnel only

Lock high-risk materials like poisons, drugs, or explosives

Step 8: Maintain an Updated Chemical Inventory

Keeping a detailed inventory helps with compliance, safety, and emergency response. Your inventory should include:

Chemical name and formula

Quantity and location

Date of purchase or expiration

Hazard classification

Storage requirements

Use barcode systems or digital software to streamline management.

Step 9: Prepare for Spills and Emergencies

Even with best practices, accidents can happen. Be prepared with:

Spill kits (neutralizers, absorbents, PPE) near storage areas

Fire extinguishers and eyewash stations

Clear emergency signage and exit paths

Training sessions on chemical spill response

Post emergency contact numbers and procedures on lab walls.

Step 10: Train Your Team

All lab personnel should be trained in:

Reading and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Proper labeling and segregation

Spill prevention and response

Use of PPE during chemical handling

Storage policies and updates

Hold regular safety audits and update training annually or when new chemicals are introduced.