What's the best way to store chemical solvents?

All chemicals should be treated with respect, and solvents are no exception.In addition to implementing and enforcing proper handling procedures, it is also important to store solvents used in the workplace in a safe and organized manner. Proper storage of chemical solvents safeguards human  health,protects the environment and helps prevent costly waste.

The Proper Way to Store Chemical Solvents

Implementing these solvent storage best practices in your laboratory, shop or manufacturing facility will prevent accidents and protect the health of your workers.Label all solvents clearly. Include chemical name, hazard class (flammable, toxic, etc.), and date received.Do not store near heat or flames.If you are only storing small amounts of flammable substances, consult your fire department to determine allowable limits for open shelf chemical storage.If refrigerating, make sure the freezer you are using is fireproof.Isolate incompatible materials.Educate employees about chemical interactions and avoid storing together materials that may react dangerously near each other.Do not stack hazardous materials.Only order what you can use in a reasonable amount of time; avoid stockpiling large quantities of flammable solvents.Get rid of unwanted hazardous chemicals.Be sure to use proper handling techniques.Seal container.

This will prevent unnecessary spills and evaporation.Never store chemical solvents with food.Use separate cabinets, shelves,and refrigerators for chemicals.Use personal  protective equipment.Employees handling solvents should wear appropriate eye protection, gloves, chemical aprons, and closed-toed shoes.A respirator is also a good idea under the right circumstances.Use safe handling techniques.Transport chemicals in sturdy containers, including secondary containers, such as plastic totes or carts with spill protection.Do not lift solvent containers by lids, overload carts or tote bags, and never leave chemical solvents unattended.Use overflow protection.Use the spill tray to contain any leaks or spills.Make sure your storage area is well ventilated.Use a fume hood to store volatile and odorous items.If not possible, store them in a secondary container and only open in a fume hood.Do not use a fume hood for long-term storage of chemical solvents.Store flammable solvents properly.Use fire-resistant metal cabinets      approved for flammable liquids.

• Chemical Solvent Storage: What Not to Do

• Some common chemical storage practices are actually quite dangerous. Be on the lookout for these red flags in your facility.

• Do not store solvents in a fume hood.This blocks airflow and interferes with safe ventilation.Use a fume hood instead.

• Do not mix different waste solvents.Label all spent solvents clearly in appropriate containers.Especially chlorinated/halogenated solvents should be kept separate from other solvents as they react readily with flammable solvents and have the potential to cause an explosion.

• Do not overload racks. Pay attention to the weight limit of the shelf to avoid accidents.If you notice that a shelf is sagging or bent, move the solvent stored on that shelf to another unit.

• Do not store solvents in high places.A loose cover may result in an accidental solvent shower.Large overhead containers are also difficult to remove and are prone to drops and spills.

• Do not store solvents under sinks.Undetected water leaks under sinks can corrode solvent containers, causing chemical spills.Do not store flammable solvents near thermostats or electric motors.Vapors from these solvents are highly flammable. Sparks from these devices can cause an explosion even if no fluid leaks.

• Chemical solvents are useful and necessary, but it is important to store them safely. Use these guidelines to help keep your workplace safe by educating your employees on the proper way to store chemical solvents.