Chemical Segregation and Storage

Class of Chemicals: Flammable Liquids
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: An approved flammable storage cabinet

*Remember: peroxide-forming chemicals must be dated upon delivery and opening (consult Peroxide Forming-Chemical Handout)
Common Chemical Examples: Ethanol, Methanol, Acetone, Xylene, Toluene, *Diethyl Ether, *Tetrahydrofuran
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Oxidizers, reactives, acids, bases

Class of Chemicals: Toxics
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: In a ventilated, dry, cool area in a chemically resistant secondary container
Common Chemical Examples: Chloroform, Cyanides, Heavy Metal Compounds (e.g. Cadmium, Mercury)
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Flammable liquids, acids, bases, reactive, oxidizers please consult EHS for assistance

Class of Chemicals: Corrosive Acids: Inorganic
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in corrosives cabinet (marked ACID), or on protected shelving and in secondary containment

*Do NOT store acids on metal shelving
Common Chemical Examples: Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Chromic Acid, Nitric Acid
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases and oxidizers, organic acids, cyanides, sulfides

Class of Chemicals: Corrosive Acids: Organic
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in corrosives cabinet, on protected shelving, secondary containment away from inorganic acids

*Do NOT store acids on metal shelving
Common Chemical Examples: Acetic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Formic Acid
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases and oxidizers, inorganic acids, cyanides, sulfides

Class of Chemicals: Corrosive Bases: Inorganic
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in corrosives cabinet, or on protected shelving away from acids
Common Chemical Examples: Ammonium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Flammable liquids, acids, oxidizers, organic bases

Class of Chemicals: Corrosive Bases: Organic
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in corrosive cabinet, and separated from acids and inorganic bases
Common Chemical Examples: Hydroxylamine, Tetramethylethylamine Diamine, Triethylamine
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Acids, oxidizers, hypochlorites, inorganic bases

Class of Chemicals: Flammable Solids
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Cool dry area away from oxidizers and corrosives
Common Chemical Examples: Carbon, Charcoal, Paraformaldehyde
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Acids, bases, oxidizers

Class of Chemicals: Oxidizers
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in secondary containment with noncombustibles or inorganic material
Common Chemical Examples: Perchlorates, Permanganates, Nitrates
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Flammables, combustibles and organic materials

Class of Chemicals: Water Reactive
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in a cool dry location. Protect from fire sprinkler system and sources of water. Label area for water-reactive storage
Common Chemical Examples: Sodium, Lithium, and Potassium Metals, Sodium Borohydride
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Aqueous solutions, oxidizers, water sources. Please consult EHS, and MSDS for specific information

Class of Chemicals: Explosives
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Store in a secure location away from other chemicals, store in areas away from shock or friction
Common Chemical Examples:Trinitrophenol, Picric Acid, Diazoisobutylnitrile
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): Please consult the MSDS and EHS.

Class of Chemicals: General Stock Chemicals
Recommended Storage Method and Additional Concerns: Storage on laboratory benches, or shelves with like chemicals
Common Chemical Examples: Sodium bicarbonate, Agar, Salt buffer
Common Incompatibles. (Always Consult MSDS): See chemical-specific MSDS