Chemical Storage and Segregation Guidelines
Some chemical classes may be stored together and some should be segregated. At a minimum, the following Hazard Classes should be segregated from one another:
- Corrosives
- Strong acids segregated from strong bases
- Inorganic acids segregated from organic acids, same for bases
- Oxidizers
- Flammable Liquids
- Highly Toxic
- Highly Reactive
Segregation in the Same Storage Space
The chart below, from the 2011 edition of Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, shows how hazardous chemicals should be segregated within the same cabinet. This should be done only if enough there is not enough room available in the laboratory to allow separate cabinets for each chemical class.
When a chemical poses multiple hazards, you must which storage area would be the most appropriate. Consult the University Chemical Hygiene Plan (UCHP) for the priorities of segregation when making these decisions. You can also contact Research Laboratory & Safety Services at (520) 626-6850 or rlss-chem-support@email.arizona.edu for more information.