When you work around chemicals, it can be a very dangerous situation if the chemicals are not handled properly. This includes storing the chemicals once you are done using them. It’s important that you and all other employees who handle chemicals know how to properly store them when no longer in use. Let’s take a look at proper storage tips for chemicals.
Every single container that stores a chemical must be properly marked. This includes the name of the chemical, the warnings associated with the chemical and anything else that employees can use to ensure their safety.
All comparable chemicals should be stored together. This means that all like chemicals need to be kept with each other and not incompatible chemicals. This is one of the best ways to avoid chemicals mixing and causing a poor reaction or an explosion.
All flammable chemicals need to be stored in a dedicated room or a storage container that is rated for flammable material if the chemical volume is more than 10 gallons. All cabinet doors should be kept closed when chemicals are being stored.
When chemicals are received by your lab, they should be labeled and then dated with the date they were received. This helps employees know how long the chemicals have been sitting and if they can still be used or not.
Suffering an injury due to chemical exposure at work can change your life. You might not be able to return to work or you could require lengthy rehabilitation. Either way, you need to store chemicals properly in order to avoid exposure to them while on the job.
