ABSTRACT
A wide range of possibilities exists for the storage of chemicals. For the safe and proper storage of laboratory chemicals, two principles apply: Maintain an inventory control of chemicals, and Store chemicals by class and by compatibility, that is, mutually incompatible chemicals must be segregated from each other. Improper chemical storage implies the use of alphabetical listing of chemicals for convenience or a numbering system that disregards the compatibility of the chemicals. In case of an accidental spill, fire, or other mishap in a storage area, the potential of mixing reactively incompatible pairs of chemicals may have disastrous results. Storage facilities for water-reactive chemicals must be constructed to prevent their accidental contact with water. As discussed under storage of oxidizers, all solid and liquid oxidizers should be segregated from flammable chemicals, stored in separate rooms, separate cabinets, and in break-resistant containers if large quantities must be stored in proximity to flammable chemicals.
