Today, people’s lack of knowledge about the use and storage conditions of chemicals in the laboratory has caused many dangers and unfortunate events such as fire, explosion, etc. For this purpose, in this article, we are trying to reduce the possible risks caused by the use of chemicals, to familiarize you experts with the storage conditions of chemicals in the laboratory and how to store them.

Storage conditions for chemicals in the laboratory

Laboratories are one of the suitable places for storing chemicals, which in order to minimize possible risks, it is necessary for people to comply with certain conditions and characteristics. These conditions include the following points:

• To store chemicals, it is necessary for the laboratory to have a fire extinguisher suitable for the characteristics of the material. (Generally, powder fire extinguishers are used for these places.)
• It is necessary for the laboratory to have a suitable air conditioning system.
• Placing two buckets of sand for the occurrence of fire and extinguishing the fire
• Placement of emergency shower and eye wash for eye wash and cold water shower
• Adjusting the temperature and humidity of the laboratory environment to store chemicals
• If the materials are stored in a refrigerator and in a cold environment, it is necessary for the laboratory to have a refrigerator.

Of course, it should be noted that the refrigerator suitable for storing food must be separate from the refrigerator for storing chemicals in the laboratory.

How to store chemicals

• To store chemicals, it is necessary to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Avoid storing chemicals under the laboratory hood .
• It is necessary to store acidic materials and alkaline materials separately. (It is also necessary to keep organic acids and oxidizing acids separately.)
• Toxic substances and reactive substances should be stored in appropriate places. (It is necessary to store toxic substances in an environment with proper ventilation and reactive substances in an environment away from impact and heat.)

Containers for storing chemicals

In the case of storing chemicals in the laboratory, it is necessary to use appropriate containers and tools for each substance in order to be safe in case of any possible danger.

There are different types of chemicals used in laboratories, and according to the characteristics of each, you should use appropriate containers to store them, which we will discuss below.

• Containers for storage of degradable chemicals and explosive reactions at normal pressure and heat

To store these materials such as trinitrotoluene and picric acid, it is necessary to use tools and containers such as boxes, bottles, metal tanks or nets under water to keep them away from oxidizing materials and possible impacts.

• Containers for storage of degradable chemicals and explosive reaction if sufficient heat is applied

In order to store these materials, like hydrazine and cellulose nitrate, special containers (steel cylinders) should be used to protect them from physical shocks in case of movement and causing heat and sparks.

• Containers for storing unstable chemicals (materials that undergo chemical changes but are not explosive)

These materials, like white phosphorus, sodium and lithium, need to be stored in sealed cans and containers (away from water) and in a cool environment under nitrogen.

• Containers for storing stable chemicals (substances that can become unstable under high pressure and heat)

The containers needed to store these materials, like zinc and red phosphorus, should be such that they can protect these materials from damage and physical blows. These containers should also be completely sealed and kept in a cool and dry environment, away from acidic substances, alkaline hydroxides and halogenated hydrocarbons.

• Storage containers for stable chemicals (substances that are normally stable in flame)

This category of materials that do not react even with water, should be kept in completely closed containers.

• Storage containers for corrosive chemicals

Corrosive substances such as acids and bases, in order to prevent damage to their containers, it is necessary to place them in another container in addition to a glass container and in an environment with proper ventilation.

• Storage containers for radioactive materials

This category of materials is also required to be kept in lead containers and impenetrable environments.

Chemical storage shelf

The chemical storage cabinet includes special shelves that are used in laboratories to store chemicals. If these storage shelves are used, it is necessary for experts to pay attention to the following points:

• At the beginning, it is necessary to fasten the shelves to the floor and wall with the help of screws
• The shelves have an edge to prevent chemicals from falling and slipping
• Using cabinets with opaque doors to store light-sensitive chemicals
• Using shelves with storage doors to store corrosive chemicals
• It is necessary that the materials inside the shelves have the GHS (chemicals) mark
• It is necessary to specify the list of materials stored in the shelf next to each shelf
• And it is also necessary for each shelf to have a chemical safety sheet so that consumers can use them easily.