While the number of occupational chemical injuries that happen every year is relatively low, the severity of these injuries means that learning how to store and handle hazardous chemicals properly is crucial for anyone who has to use them at work.
Proper chemical storage is part of good workplace safety. If you’re an employer, you’re responsible for making sure that your employees don’t inhale or come into contact with chemicals.
Even as someone who just has to store chemicals at home in the form of harsh cleaners, knowing how to do so properly is crucial if you want to protect your household.
We’re here to offer some advice. Read on to learn more.
Storing Chemicals at Work or in the Lab
When you’re in a professional environment, or even a college chemistry lab, working with hazardous chemicals, you need to exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents.
First, make sure that everything is labeled. This includes not only the chemicals themselves but also the shelves that the chemicals sit on and the containers for the chemicals.
This means that refrigerators and cabinets that contain chemicals should have labels that show that to avoid any confusion. No food should go into a non-chemical fridge or cabinet.
Make sure that you don’t store incompatible materials together. All containers and secondary containers should only house chemicals that will not react should they come into contact with each other.
Make sure that all odiferous chemicals are in a well-ventilated storage space. All flammable chemicals should be in flammable-friendly containers. Avoid placing any chemicals, even flammable ones, up high near the sprinkler system.
Having the right ERP for chemical manufacturing can help you keep track of all of this and ensure that you’re meeting OSHA standards.
Storing Chemicals at Home
When it comes to home storage, it’s still important to make sure that you’re storing various types of chemicals as safely as possible. This is especially true if you have small children.
Just like with professional storage, you want to label everything. If something is dangerous, add an extra “danger” label to make it clear to your children or other people in your household.
Make sure that all chemicals are sealed when you put them away.
“Away” should be in a cool and dark place. Avoid exposing chemicals to sunlight. If you have children, place a lock on the cabinet that contains chemicals.
If you’re unsure as to whether or not one product would react with another, read the label. Even common household cleaners often have reaction warnings, and it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
Reading the label may also reveal specific storage instructions that vary from the norm.
Make Sure to Store Chemicals the Right Way
Knowing how to store chemicals the right way at home or in the lab can be the difference between a safe environment and serious accidents. Make sure that you’re following all necessary safety precautions when you start storing your chemicals.
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