See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/309176044

Proper Handling and Storage of Chemicals

Presentation · December 2014

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34211.45600

CITATIONS READS

0 9,630

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Extraction of vegetal oil View project

drug delivery systems View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Ibtisam Kamal on 15 October 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Proper Handling and Storage of
Chemicals

Professor Dr. Ibtisam Kamal

HDR – Process Engineering

Faculty of Engineering-Soran University

6th December

2014
Outline

Storage safety parameters

Chemical life cycle

Chemical storage guidelines

Principles of safe storage

Laboratory chemical waste

Biohazards
 The improper storage or mixing of chemicals can result in serious accidents and even
disasters. Violent reactions could occur due to the storing or mixing incompatible chemicals

Storage safety is an issue relevant to three principal parameters

Chemical Storage Staff

products responsible

Experienced
& trained

Using
Conditions
Place
Handling
Disposal

Chemistry, biology, petroleum geoscience and engineering

laboratories/ Soran University
 Chemical Storage Guidelines
In addition to eliminating hazards that may arise with the use of chemicals,
an appropriate chemical storage system must be developed.
Improper storage will increase the chances of an accident occurring.

Examples of improper storage include:

1. storage of chemicals in alphabetical order or other categories that

may bring incompatibles in contact

2. storage of flammables in an ordinary refrigerator

3. storage of chemicals with food

Guidelines can be used to implement a safe storage system for
chemicals

A. Rotational Stock System

1. Limit the amount of chemicals present in the laboratories.

2. Ensure that all containers have the following:

a. Proper IUPAC Name
b. Manufacturer‟s Name
c. Chemical label with associated precautions
d. Date the chemical was received
e. Date the chemical was first used

3. A first-in, first-out system using the oldest chemicals first should be implemented. This will avoid
degradation of older chemicals and their containers.

4. Use the following for maximum storage times:

a. When storing untreated chemicals that degrade to unstable forms (e.g. peroxide formers), limit the
maximum storage time to one year from purchase or six months from first us.
b. For other hazardous chemicals, use the manufacturer‟s recommended storage time or other indications of
degradation (e.g., discoloring of liquids).
c. Innocuous material (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, Buffer Solutions, etc.) can be stored
indefinitely or until no further use is desired.

When you have exceeded these periods of time or have no further use of the chemical, contact to have
the chemicals removed for proper disposal.
B. Storage
1. General
a. Do not store anything in the hallway, stairwells, on the floor or in any area accessible to the general public.

b. Properly label all storage areas (e.g., “Chemical Storage Area”) to warn personnel of the hazards that are present.

c. Do not store incompatible chemicals in areas where there exists the possibility of reaction.

d. Ensure that all containers are not corroded, broken, rusted, or leaking. If the container loses it‟s integrity,
transfer the chemical to another container or, when transfer is not possible or safe, use secondary containers. Contact
for disposal.

e. In general, limit container size to one gallon in the laboratory. Larger containers should be kept in chemical storage rooms.

f. Routinely check chemicals that are being stored for possible hazards.

g. Store reactive chemicals in areas to reduce the possibility of reaction. For instance, keep water reactive chemicals in a
controlled, low humidity environment.

2. Shelves
a. If possible, avoid storing chemicals above shoulder height. Large containers (one gallon or larger), liquids, and corrosive
materials should be stored on lower shelves below eye level.

b. Ensure that shelves are capable of storage. Do not store chemicals on unsturdy shelves.

c. Do not overcrowd shelves.

d. Shelves should be impervious to spilled liquids. This can be accomplished by coating the shelves with an epoxy.
e. See attached illustration for possible guidelines for storage on shelves. If this is not possible, a system of storage should
be developed to ensure that incompatible chemicals are not stored together.
3. Refrigerators and Freezers
a. Do not store chemicals and food together.

b. When storing flammables, use an approved explosion proof or flammable storage refrigerator.

c. Only use refrigerators or freezers for storage of chemicals that need to be kept refrigerated or frozen.

d. Label the refrigerator as to the intended use.

4. Flammable and Combustible Liquids

a. Flammable and combustible liquids are separated into the following classes according to the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Class 1A Flash Point <73˚F (22.8˚C) Ex: Ethyl ether,

(Highly Flammable) Boiling Point <100˚F (37.8˚C) Dimethyl sulfide,
Petroleum ether
Class 1B Flash Point <73˚ F (22.8˚ C) Ex: Acetone, Toluene,
Flammable Boiling Point >100˚ F (37.8˚ ) Ethanol, Ethyl acetate,
Hexane, Gasoline
Class 1C Flash Point >73˚ F (22.8˚ C) Ex: Amyl acetate,
Flammable Boiling Point <100˚ F (37.8˚ Bromopentane, Butyric
C) acid, Hexene, Xylene
Class II Flash Point >100˚F (37.8˚C) Ex: Acetic acid,
Combustible & <140˚ (60˚C) Cumene, Formaldehyde
Class IIIA Flash Point>140˚F (60˚C) & Ex: Benzaldehyde,
Combustible <200˚F (93.4˚C) Ethanolamine,
Nitrobenzene
c. Do not store flammable or combustible liquids near sources of ignition.

d. The following are other specifications for storage. For chemical stockrooms, individual evaluations will be
necessary and, as a result, may not be bound to these requirements.

1. Not more than 10 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids combined shall be stored outside of a storage
cabinet or storage room, except in safety cans.

2. Not more than 25 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids combined shall be stored in safety cans outside of
a storage room or storage cabinet.

3. Not more than 60 gallons of Class IIIA liquids shall be stored outside of a storage room or storage cabinet.

4. Any quantity of liquids over this limit must be stored in an inside storage room or storage cabinet.

5. Approved storage cabinets shall not exceed 120 gallons of combustible and flammable liquids and not
more than 60 gallons of the total may be flammable liquid. Not more than 3 storage cabinets will be within
one fire area of a building.

(Note: A fire area, is “an area of a building separated from the reminder of the building by construction having
a fire resistance of at least one hour and having all communicating openings properly protected by an
assembly having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour.”)
 Guidelines for Chemical Storage Rooms

Entrance to the Chemical Storage room is restricted to authorized

personnel only. The doors to the room are locked at all
times. All authorized personnel must become familiar with the safety
features and regulations before they may enter the storage room

All approved chemical storage rooms and fire-rated cabinets shall be inspected monthly
DESIGN AND FIRE PROTECTION ELECTRICAL SAFETY SAFETY EQUIPMENT
MAINTENANCE
- Location and design of Fire extinguisher
- -Chemical storage rooms Staff responsible familiar with location
-

chemical storage rooms adjacent to room electronically monitored by and proper use of all safety equipment
and cabinets approved Security for heat and fire
by Physical Plant and
-Extinguisher inspected -Eyewash facilities available and
Safety Office
within last six months -Wires, cables, switches operational
-Doors locked when room serviceable
unoccupied -Exit doors -Safety shower available and
unobstructed -Electrical equipment operational
-Access limited to
explosion proof (in chemical
authorized personnel
-Fire lane to building storage room only) -Safety information displayed on door:
-Warning signs obvious entrance unobstructed • Names of person(s) responsible for
and intact -Containers flammables are area
-’No Smoking’ sign dispensed into/from are
-Ventilation system
clearly displayed grounded • Emergency telephone numbers
operational and adequate
for removal of hazardous (Security, Fire Department)
vapors -Fire blanket available
• UNB “In Case of Fire” Procedures
-Temperature control
adequate
• Dangerous Goods Class (es)
-Illumination sufficient
• No Smoking
-Working space sufficient
-First Aid Kit available and complete
-Aisles unobstructed
with supplies
-Floor in good condition
-Area maintained free of
unnecessary refuse
PERSONAL MATERIALS HANDLING MATERIAL LABELING MATERIAL STORAGE MATERIAL
PROTECTION CLEANUP AND
DISPOSAL
Personal protective -Inventory up to date -All containers labeled with -All cylinders properly restrained Commercial spill
equipment available, clean -M.S.D.S. available for all Supplier or other label by chain or strap clean-up kit
and in good condition: hazardous materials available and
(excluding waste) -Contents of unlabeled -New inventory segregated from replenished
• Eye protection (safety containers verified and waste
glasses, goggles, and face -Staff responsible for area proper label applied -Staff responsible
shield) trained -Chemical compatibility observed aware of
-All containers display -Empty containers segregated procedures for clean
• Hand protection -Protective equipment receiving date; stale-dated, from new and waste up and disposal of
(impervious gloves; latex worn when handling where required chemicals
not acceptable for chemical chemicals -Containers not leaking or
handling) corroded -Chemical spills
-Materials transported cleaned up
• Body protection (lab from storage secured and -Containers properly sealed promptly
coat, apron, protective handled safely
suit) -Drums stacked securely and not -Clean-up materials
higher than two in depth disposed of as
• Foot protection hazardous waste
-Carboys on palettes and not piled
• Appropriate respiratory on top of one another -Out-dated and
protection (CSA/OSHA) potentially unstable
available -Volume of hazardous material chemicals removed
stored limited and disposed of
for “room” or “cabinet

POTENTIAL HAZARDS
No tripping hazards
No falling objects
No structural defects
No sharp objects
No evidence of spillage or leakage
keep your chemicals,
not like in the photos!
Improper storage

Proper storage
Proper storage and handling
Acids stored in a plastic tray

Safe dilution of conc. acids Proper handling of gas cylinders Strong acid storage under fume hood
 Safe chemical storage cannot be reduced to a list or chart, but should be a process
consisting of several major steps carried by the person responsible who is
capable to deal with different aspects :

1: Classify All Chemical Products Present & not neglecting at the same time
using the following guides:

1. Using the labels of Storage Code: HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System)

The color - coded bar

Labels rate hazards in the Health, Hazard Diamond (label)
Flammability and Reactivity sections on a scale from 0 to 4, 0
being the least hazardous and 4 being very hazardous
Provide visible guide to storage compatability
 Section I - Supplier Information
The MSDS should always be Section II - Hazard Ingredients/Identity
consulted if further information is Information Section
required on storage and chemical Section III - Physical/Chemical
incompatibilities of a particular Characteristics
chemical substance. Section IV - Fire and Explosion Hazard
You can find in below the Data
MSDS Web Links Section V - Reactivity Data
Section VI - Health Hazard Data
Section VII - Precautions for Safe
Handling and Use

http://www.calvin.edu/admin/physicalplant/departments/
ehs/policies/hazcom/msds-weblinks.htm

Or organized into a auto-executing PDF on a CD

3. Using the hazardous symbols
Symbol Hazard Description of hazard

explosive Chemicals that explode.

Hazard symbols
oxidising Chemicals that react exothermically with other Physicochemical
chemicals.
extremely Chemicals that have an extremely low flash
flammable point and boiling point, and gases that catch fire
in contact with air.
highly Chemicals that may catch fire in contact with air,
flammable only need brief contact with an ignition source,
have a very low flash point or evolve highly
flammable gases in contact with water.

toxic Chemicals that at low levels cause damage to health.

harmful Chemicals that may cause damage to health.

Hazard symbols
Health
corrosive Chemicals that may destroy living tissue on contact.

irritant Chemicals that may cause inflammation to the skin or

other mucous membranes.

dangerous for the Chemicals that may present an immediate or Hazard symbols
environment delayed danger to one or more components Environmental
of the environment
4. Record for Chemicals Used And Withdrawn
 Chemical spills
The following equipment should also be provided for dealing with spills:
1. Chemical spill kits
2. Protective clothing, e.g. heavy-duty rubber gloves, overshoes or rubber boots,
respirators
3. Scoops and dustpans
4. Forceps for picking up broken glass
5. Mops, cloths and paper towels
6. Buckets
7. Soda ash (sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate) for neutralizing acids
and corrosive chemicals
8. Sand (to cover alkali spills)
9. Non-flammable detergent

The following actions should be taken in the event of a significant chemical

spill:
1. Notify the appropriate safety responsible.
2. Evacuate non-essential personnel from the area.
3. Attend to persons who may have been contaminated.
4. If the spilled material is flammable, extinguish all open flames, turn off gas in the
room and adjacent areas, open windows (if possible), and switch off electrical
equipment that may spark.
5. Avoid breathing vapour from spilled material.
6. Establish exhaust ventilation if it is safe to do so.
7. Secure the necessary items (see above) to clean up the spill
 Information regarding storage of compressed and liquefied gases

Compressed gas cylinders and liquefied gas -Should be securely fixed (e.g. chained) to
containers the wall or a solid bench so that they are not
inadvertently dislodged

-Must be transported with their caps in place and

supported on trolleys

-Should be stored in bulk in an appropriate facility at

some distance from the laboratory. This area should
be locked and appropriately identified

-Should not be placed near radiators, open flames

other heat sources, sparking electrical equipment
or in direct sunlight
Small, single-use gas cylinders Must not be incinerated

- The main high-pressure valve should be turned off when the equipment is not in use and when the room is unoccupied
- Rooms where flammable gas cylinders are used and/or stored should be identified by warning notices on the doors
 Types and uses of fire extinguishers

Type Use for Do not use for

In order to be successful at controlling Water Paper, wood, fabric Electrical fires,

and extinguishing a fire, one must first flammable liquids,
burning metals
know and understand the components –
known as the “fire tetrahedron” -
required for a fire to occur: fuel, heat Carbon dioxide (CO2) Flammable liquids Alkali metals, paper
extinguisher gases and gases electrical
and oxygen; the removal of any one of fires
these items breaks the chain reaction
required to ignite a fire. When this
happens, the fire can be controlled and
Dry powder Flammable liquids Reusable equipment
extinguished. and gases, alkali and instruments, as
metals, electrical residues are very
fires difficult to remove

Foam Flammable liquids Electrical fires

 Principles of safe storage
Do not store chemicals alphabetically as a general group. This may result in
incompatibles appearing together on a shelf. Separate chemicals into their
organic and inorganic families and then into related and compatible groups.
Three principles can be applied to help provide safe storage of laboratory
chemicals : Segregation , separation and ventilation

The aims should be:

1. To segregate incompatible chemicals from each other

2. To separate hazardous chemicals from unsuitable conditions for reasons of

their toxicity, flammability or reactivity (eg preventing exposure to: unsuitable
temperatures; air; moisture; sources of ignition; sunlight; unauthorised access )

3. To provide adequate ventilation which will remove or dilute

malodorous, noxious, toxic or flammable vapours and prevent their build-up
-All chemicals should be labeled and dated upon receipt in the lab and on opening. This is especially
important for peroxide-forming chemicals.

-Solutions should be labeled and dated when prepared.

 Some Basic Principles of Chemical Storage

- Store like materials with like. It is essential to segregate incompatible substances -

to prevent dangerous interactions.

- All newly purchased chemicals should have a label on them identifying their hazard -
category (e.g. flammable, corrosive, oxidising, toxic etc.). A list of commonly used
chemicals that should be segregated should be available to assist storage.

- Store the minimum stock levels of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory

- Dispose of hazardous chemicals that are no longer required

- Store large breakable containers, particularly of liquids, below shoulder height

.
- Ensure containers and bottle tops are sealed properly to avoid unnecessary leakage
of fumes / vapours

- Never carry a bottle containing chemicals by its top, for example always carry
Winchester bottles (2.5 litres) in carriers or baskets that are capable of providing
proper support, and support the base of the bottle in use.
Chemicals should be separately stored by chemical class as follows:

Solids
- oxidizing solids
- flammable solids
- water reactive solids
- all other solids
Liquids
- acid liquids
- caustic liquids
- oxidizing liquids
- perchloric acid solutions
- flammable or combustible liquids
- water reactives
- all other liquids
Gases
- toxic gases
- flammable gases
- oxidizing and inert gas
 Storage of specific chemicals
Flammable Solvents - e.g. alcohols, toluene, hexane
The vapour above the liquid of these solvents represents the main source of danger from flammable
liquids. This vapour is very susceptible to ignition by naked flames, sparks from electric switches
(e.g. thermostats) electric motors or from sparks produced electrostatically by friction. Precautions
must therefore be taken to prevent contact between any of these and concentrated vapours of
flammable liquids.

Flammable solvents should be stored in specialised metal flammable solvent containers

(cabinets) which should be:
- clearly labelled-

- positioned away from doors or other means of escape from the laboratory. -

- No more than 50 litres of flammable material may be kept in any one laboratory room to reduce the risk of a -
serious laboratory fire.

- Flammable solvents must never be stored with oxidising agents (e.g. sodium hypochlorite – bleach, iodine -
and other halogens, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium permanganate etc.) reducing agents (e.g.
sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride...etc) or concentrated acids (e.g. concentrated sulphuric or
hydrochloric acids).

- Working volumes of flammable solvents (i.e. those kept on the bench) should not exceed 500 ml, and the -
solvent must be kept in a suitable closed vessel.

- Flammable solvents should not be stored in fume hoods or vented cabinets, since the airflow will fan any
fire and may also spread the fire to other parts of the building via the ventilation ducting.

- Flammable solvents must never be stored in a refrigerator unless they are known to be spark proof. -

- All laboratory fridges are spark proofed to avoid the possibility of an internal light or thermostat control unit -
providing a source of ignition for vapours produced from flammable substances.
Chlorinated solvents (e.g. chloroform, dichloromethane (DCM)
trichloroethylene)
Chlorinated solvents are best stored in ventilated cabinets separately from flammable (non-
chlorinated) solvents because violent reactions can result from the mixing of certain flammable
and chlorinated solvents and toxic gases such as phosgene (as well has hydrogen chloride and
chlorine) can be produced.

- They should not be stored with alkali metals such as lithium, potassium or sodium, -
since any mixing can cause an explosion.

- They can be stored in metal containers if ventilated storage is not available--

Acids and Alkalis

Acids and alkalis are both corrosive substances. They must be stored separately since any
accidental mixing of concentrated materials will generate large quantities of heat and fumes.

- They can be sorted in a vented or metal cabinet so long as they are in a containment tray
to prevent any spillages.
Consideration must be given to the effects of corrosive fumes on any metal in the fittings -
and construction of the container.

- The use of ventilated cabinets are recommended where possible, allowing the removal -
of fumes at source.

- All containers / bottle tops must be suitably sealed to avoid unnecessary leakage of -
fumes (NB parafilm can be used to seal container lids but should be checked/replaced at
regular intervals).
Oxidisers (e.g. peroxides, perchlorates and nitrates)

Oxidising substances should be stored in a metal cabinet and away from -

organic matter such as wood and paper (NB oxidising agents should never be
sorted in a wooden cabinet!).

- Oxidising agents must never be stored with flammable solvents or -

reducing agents since fires and explosions can result

- After any spillage, even without a naked flame or heat. -

Perchloric acid is an extremely strong oxidising agent (especially in the
concentrated form), which can react explosively with organic materials. It
should ideally be stored separately on a metal tray of sand within a cabinet,
away from organic materials or dehydrating agents such as sulphuric acid.
 Incompatibility of Common Laboratory Chemicals

The improper storage or mixing of chemicals can result in

serious accidents and even disasters. Violent reactions could
occur due to the storing or mixing incompatible chemicals.

The following is a list of some incompatible common laboratory

chemicals. Before storing or mixing any chemicals, consult this
list or the chemicals‟ MSDS. This is only a partial list that
includes some of the more common academic laboratory
chemicals. Please note that the absence of a chemical from the
list does not mean that it is necessarily safe to mix it with any
other chemical! You should always check with the MSDS if in
doubt.
 Chemical Incompatible with
Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds, ethylene glycol, perchloric acid,
peroxides, permanganates

Acetylene Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury

Acetone Concentrated nitric acid and sulphuric acid mixtures
Alkali and alkaline earth metals Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide,
halogens
Ammonia (anhydrous) Mercury(e.g., in manometers), chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine,
hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous)
Ammonium nitrate Acids, powered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulphur, finely divided
organic combustible materials
Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
Arsenical materials Any reducing agent
Azides Acids
Calcium oxide water
Carbon (activated) Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents
Chlorates Ammonium salts, acids, powered metals, sulphur, finely divided organic or combustible
materials
Chromic acid and chromium trioxide Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol. Alcohol, flammable liquids in general

Chlorine Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum gases),
hydrogen, sodium carbide, benzene, finely divided metals, turpentine

Copper Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide

Chlorine dioxide Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulphide
Flammable liquids Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide,
halogens
Cyanides acids
Hydrocyanic acid Nitric acid, alkali

General rules regarding chemical incompatibilities

To avoid fire and/or explosions, substances in the left-hand column of the table should be stored and handled so
that they cannot come into contact with the corresponding substances in the right-hand column
Step 2: Determine the proper storage facility (the place to store the
chemicals including cupboards)
A number of facilities are used for the storage of these chemical substances, some of which
are specially designed for the purpose. These include:

Acid Cabinets
These are made of acid resistant materials and should contain a tray, to contain any leakage or
spillage.
Flammable Solvent Cabinets
These are made of fire resistant material with a minimum fire resistance of 30 minutes as required by
British Standard 476. A metal spill tray is used to contain spillages.
Ventilated Cabinets
These are cabinets fitted with forced ventilation and may be free-standing with their own extract
system or positioned beneath a fume cupboard and attached to its duct.
Ventilated cabinets are designed to safely store chemicals that give off noxious fumes and smells.
These fumes are sucked away by forced ventilation. They should be used to store materials such as
mercaptans and amines that have a strong smell; or lachrymators. If you do not have a ventilated
cabinet, these noxious chemicals can be stored in sealed secondary containers that should only be
opened in a fume cupboard.

It should be noted that fume cupboards are not designed or intended for the storage of
chemicals. The working surfaces of fume cupboards should therefore be kept clear of
materials and containers when these are not needed for the ongoing work activities. Excess
storage of chemicals in fume cupboards disrupts the airflow resulting in a lower level of
protection to users.
 Aspects of safe storage of laboratory chemicals
1. Minimise or restrict the quantities stored and avoiding over-ordering

2. Authorise purchases and maintain records of location, keeper and quantities

3. Obtain and keep available hazard information on the materials purchased and check existing information is up
to date.

4. Labels and signs eg on bottles: date of purchase, name of the chemical.

name of purchaser or ‟keeper‟

5. Utilise containers that are appropriate and well sealed

6. Use secondary containment (eg spill trays, outer containers or overpacks such as „safepaks‟) to minimise the
consequences of spillage leakage or breakage.

7. Exercise care in handling

8. Tidiness of storage -, overcrowded or limited visibility has to be avoided..

9. Stock control with rotation of material

10. Share stocks

11. Restriction of the quantities of hazardous chemicals.

12. Regular disposal of waste or unwanted / unused chemicals

Hazard Class of Recommended Examples Incompatibilities
Chemical Storage Method

Poisons/Toxic Compounds Store separately in vented, Aniline Flammable liquids, acids,

cool, dry area, in Carbon tetrachloride bases, and oxidizers.
unbreakable chemically- Chloroform
resistant secondary Cyanides
containers and in Heavy metals compounds,
accordance with the i.e., cadmium, mercury,
hazardous nature of the osmium
chemical. Oxalic acid
Phenol
Formic acid
Water-Reactive Chemicals Store in dry, cool location, Sodium metal Separate from all aqueous
protect from water fire Potassium metal solutions and oxidizers.
sprinkler. Lithium metal
Lithium aluminum hydride

Carcinogens Label all containers as Benzidine

"Cancer Suspect Agents".
Store according to the Beta-naphthylamine
hazardous nature of the Benzene
chemical, using appropriate Methylene chloride
security when necessary. Beta-propiolactone
Teratogens Label all containers as Lead and mercury
"Suspect Reproductive compounds
Hazard". Store according to Benzene
the hazardous nature of the Aniline
chemical, using appropriate
security when necessary.
Peroxide-Forming Chemicals Store in air-tight containers Diethyl ether
in a dark, cool, dry area. Acetaldehyde
Take care for recommended Acrylonitrile
storage time limits.
Strong Reducing Agents Store in cool, dry, well- Acetyl chloride
ventilated location. Water Thionyl chloride
reactive. Segregate from all Maleic anhydride
other chemicals. Ferrous sulfide
Look for unusual conditions in chemical storage areas, such as:
Improper storage of chemicals

Leaking or deteriorating containers

Spilled chemicals

Lack of or low lighting levels

Blocked exits or aisles

Doors blocked open, lack of security

Trash accumulation

Open lights or matches

Fire equipment blocked, broken or missing

Lack of information or warning signs ("Flammable liquids", "Acids", "Corrosives",

"Poisons", etc.)

Temperature extremes (too hot or cold in storage area)

 Suggested Storage Time Limits for Common Peroxidizable Compounds

Under proper conditions, these chemicals will form explosive peroxides which can be detonated by shock or heat.
MOST DANGEROUS: Discard after 3 months.

Peroxide formation hazard during storage.

Diisopropyl ether Potassium metal

Divinyl acetylene Sodium amide

Isopropyl ether Vinylidene chloride

DANGEROUS: Discard after one year.

Peroxide formation hazard during storage and on concentration (i.e.,

distillation) of compound.
Acetal Dicyclopentadiene Methyl cyclopentane

Acetaldehyde Diethyl ether Methyl isobutyl ketone

Cumene 1,4-Dioxane Tetrahydrofuran

Cyclohexene Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether Tetrahydronaphthalene

Diacetylene Methyl acetylene Vinyl ethers

DANGEROUS: Discard after one year.

Peroxide formation causes initiation of hazardous polymerization.

Acrylic acid Chloroprene Tetrafluoroethylene

Acrylonitrile Chlorotrifluoroethylene Vinyl acetate

1,3-Butadiene Methyl methacrylate Vinyl acetylene

2-Butanol 2-Propanol Vinyl chloride

Styrene Vinyl pyridine

 Other safety Tips

1. Do not purchase these compounds in quantities greater

than can be used in the specified storage time period.

2. Label containers with receiving, opening and disposal dates.

Ethers should be stored in the dark and under nitrogen if
possible.

3. Always check for the presence of peroxides before distilling any

peroxide-former.

4. Consult safety references (i.e., MSDSs) before working with

peroxidizable compounds.

5. If old containers of peroxide-forming chemicals are found, do not

move them. Contact the Office of Health and Safety for assistance in
disposing of the container.
Laboratory chemical waste
Chemical waste are chemical byproducts, as well as the smaller-scale solvents and other
chemicals disposed of.
If chemical waste is not handled or disposed of properly, both the environment and
nearby individuals are put at risk by its potentially corrosive, toxic, flammable or explosive
nature.
Health and safety legislation varies internationally and dictates the manner in
which this waste must be handled and disposed of.

Proper handling of this waste requires:

1. The separation of chemicals that may react with one another, such as salts from acids,
hypochlorites and hydroxides from ammonia, and oxidizing substances from combustible
substances.

2. After it is properly separated, it should be safely stored in tightly-sealed drums, bottles, tins or jars
that will not be corroded or otherwise affected by the contents.

3. It is then transported to a special disposal facility, where it is eliminated according to its compound
substance or substances. Most chemical waste, including chlorinated solvents, are incinerated
at a high temperature, while others are treated by wet chemical methods. After it has been
incinerated or treated by wet chemistry.

4. The residues are then safe to dispose of in a landfill.

Storage of chemicals and biomaterials in biology laboratories

Infectious or etiologic (disease causing) agents, potentially infectious

materials, certain toxins and other hazardous biological materials
BIOHAZARDS
Workers in biological laboratories including microbiology labs; may expose to
pathogenicm microorganisms, and also to chemical hazards. It is important that they
have proper knowledge of the toxic effects of these chemicals, the routes of exposure
and the hazards that may be associated with handling and storage.
Material safety data sheets or other chemical hazard information are available from
chemical manufacturers and/or suppliers. These should be accessible in laboratories
where these chemicals are used, e.g. as part of a safety or operations manual

Routes of exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur by:
1. Inhalation
2. Contact
3. Ingestion
4. Needle-sticks
5. Through broken skin
Biosafety Basics
Biohazardous materials are infectious agents or other biological materials that present a risk or
potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment.
Biohazardous materials include:
1. Organisms and viruses infectious to humans, animals or plants
(e.g. parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi, prions, rickettsia) cultured human and animal cells
2. Certain types of recombinant DNA
3. Biologically active agents that may cause disease in other living
organisms or cause significant impact to the environment or community. (i.e.
toxins, allergens, venoms)

Laboratories that contain biohazardous materials should post a biohazard sign at the entry doorway.
The sign should include the Biosafety Level, biohazards present, entry requirements, and
precautions.
Biosafety Levels (BSL) are levels of containment (1 lowest, 3 highest containment.)

Green - Biosafety Level 1

Represents a basic level of containment that relies on standard microbiological
practices with no special primary or secondary barriers recommended, other than a
sink for hand washing.

Blue - Biosafety Level 2

is suitable for work involving agents of moderate potential hazard to personnel and the
environment .

Red - Biosafety Level 3

Required for work involving indigenous or exotic agents which may cause serious or
potentially lethal disease as a result of exposure by inhalation,
and with dangerous and exotic agents that pose a high risk of aerosol-transmitted
laboratory infections and life-threatening disease.
Biohazard Level 1: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus
subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as
some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. Gloves and some sort of
facial protection.
Biohazard Level 2: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to
humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as
hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme
disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV.

Biohazard Level 3: Bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal
disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatments exist, such
as anthrax, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, SARS
virus, tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley fever, Rocky Mountain spotted
fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Among parasites Plasmodium falciparum,
which causes Malaria, and Trypanosoma cruzi, which
causes trypanosomiasis, also come under this level.

Biohazard Level 4: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease
in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available,
as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, Dengue hemorrhagic
fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever virus, Crimean-
Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic diseases. Variola
virus(smallpox) . Use of a positive pressure personnel suit, with a
segregated air supply, is mandatory. biolab will contain multiple showers, a
vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, and other safety precautions
designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard
The biohazard kit provides everything that is needed to
safely absorb, disinfect and dispose of the spill,in one
container that can simply be carried to the site where it is
needed.
Contents:

Shakers of Haz-Tab Granules, 

tub of 100 Haz-Tab tablets, 
Haz-Tab Diluter, 
scoops and scrapers, 
paper towels, 
synthetic gloves, 
aprons, 
dispo-bags 
Biological waste includes:
-liquids such as used cell culturing media, supernatant, blood or blood
fractions (serum), etc., which contain viable biological agents.

-materials considered pathological, including any part of the human body,

tissues and bodily fluids, but excluding fluids, extracted teeth, hair, nail
clippings and the like that are not infectious

-any part of an animal infected [or suspected to be infected] with a

communicable disease.

-non-sharp, solid laboratory waste (empty plastic cell culture flasks and petri
dishes, empty plastic tubes, gloves, wrappers, absorbent tissues, etc.) which
may be, or is known to be, contaminated with viable biological agents.

-all sharp and pointed items used in medical care, diagnosis, and research,
including the manipulation and care of laboratory animals, which should be
considered potentially infectious.

- laboratory glassware which is known or suspected to be contaminated with

hazardous biological agents.
Materials contaminated with hazardous biological agents must be collected in
the appropriate containers and sterilized or disinfected before disposal.

A- Packaging and Treatment

1. Liquids containing Biohazardous Agents
collected in flasks or bottles designed to withstand autoclaving temperatures.
2. Solids Containing Biohazardous Agents
should be collected in a yellow Bio Waste plastic 20 litre pail

B. Sterilization and Disinfection

- Chemical disinfectants play a useful role in many situations where
decontamination is required
- Autoclaving (steam sterilization) is the preferred (and generally regarded as the
most reliable) method of sterilizing biological waste. Depending on the volume
of waste to be sterilized, it may be necessary to extend the duration of exposure
to high temperature steam under pressure
Bio-waste containers
View publication stats