Source: Robert M. Rioux & Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
While the use of various chemicals in experimental research is essential, it is also important to safely store and maintain them as a part of the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program. The properties of chemicals and their reactivity vary broadly and if chemicals are not managed, stored, and labeled properly, they can have harmful or even destructive consequences such as toxic fume production, fire or explosion, which may result in human fatality, property damage or environmental hazards. Therefore, an appropriate chemical label should identify the material and list the associated hazards, and users should have knowledge of how to read chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Proper chemical storage must meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) standards and this can prevent most chemical reactivity hazards.
Chemical storage begins with proper chemical labeling, which identifies the chemical and indicates what chemical hazards are associated to anyone who handles, uses, stores or transports. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond symbol rates the degree of health (blue), flammability (red), reactivity (yellow), and special hazards (white) of chemicals. Hazards are rated from zero for no hazard to 4 for severe risk. Chemicals must then be segregated according to their chemical family or hazard classification, and stored appropriately so that any incompatibility is avoided. SDS are detailed documents which cover more topics relevant to safety than labels, and therefore SDS should be consulted to ensure thoroughly safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
1. Labeling for Hazardous Material
2. Segregate Incompatible Chemicals
3. Chemical Storage Method
4. Safety Data Sheets
Note: The purpose of the SDS is to provide an easy to understand, standardized document that informs the user of important information regarding the material. OSHA requires manufacturers, distributors, and importers to provide SDSs to end-users of hazardous materials (Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)). The SDS is a 16 section document containing details on properties, hazards, storage and transport, regulatory status, protective measures, and emergency procedures. The following is an outline of the 16 sections in an SDS.
Safe laboratories require proper handling of hazardous chemicals, including appropriate labeling and storage.
Many types of chemicals are important for scientific research, thus it is crucial to know their properties and potential dangers. Chemicals may interact dangerously, and must be properly segregated and stored. Fire and safety organizations have strict standards for labeling, segregation, and storage, which can prevent hazards in the lab.
This video will illustrate how to evaluate, label, and store laboratory chemicals.
For identification and safety purposes, all chemicals must have labels with certain information. First, a product identifier shows the name and any alternatives of the chemical. A signal word indicates the level of hazard if one exists, and will either be ‘warning,’ for less severe hazards, or ‘danger,’ for more severe ones.
Further, the hazard statement describes the hazard, while the precautionary statements describe how to prevent risk, respond to exposure, and store and dispose the material. Hazard pictograms depict a specific type of hazard, like corrosion or aquatic toxicity. Lastly, contact information of the provider is shown.
Chemicals can additionally be labeled with the NFPA 704 diamond symbol. The blue quadrant contains the degree of health hazard, red the flammability hazard, yellow the reactivity hazard, and the white quadrant special hazards. Hazards are rated from 0, no hazard, to 4, severe risk. The special diamond may contain additional symbols indicating the type of hazard.
For detailed information about a chemical, read its associated 16-section Safety Data Sheet, or SDS. General information on a substance is found in section 1 through 3; its name and alternatives, hazard, and composition. Sections 4 through 6 provide emergency procedures in case of exposure, fire, or accidental release. Section 7 has information on handling and storage, and section 8 outlines protective equipment needed.
Sections 9 through 11 contain other important information about the substance-its physical and chemical properties, its stability and reactivity, and its toxicity. Sections 12 through 15 containing details about ecological impact, disposal considerations, transport requirements, and regulatory information, are not required to be in the SDS. Lastly, section 16 includes any other pertinent information about the substance.
After assessing their hazards, you should store chemicals with similar hazards together. Common hazard groups include acids, bases, flammables, oxidizers, toxics, peroxide-forming substances, pyrophoric-forming substances, water-reactive chemicals, and explosives. Each of these groups has specific storage requirements, which can prevent dangerous situations.
Additionally, some groups when mixed together form toxic fumes, or explosives. Therefore, they should be stored separately from each other, to prevent accidental spills from having disastrous consequences.
Now, we will show you how to evaluate hazards with a Safety Data Sheet, the use of NFPA 704 standard to label hazardous materials, and how to store specific types of chemicals in the laboratory.
First, assess a chemical’s potential hazards. Obtain the SDS when receiving or starting to work with a new chemical. If it is not packaged with the chemical or already available in the laboratory, it may be found on the provider’s website. Then, read this document carefully. Hazard information can be found in section 2, including a 704 diamond in some cases.
Additionally, section 9 may contain information on flammability hazards, section 10 on instability hazards, and section 11 on health hazards. Information on special hazards may be found in these sections or elsewhere in the document. Note that any special handling and storage instructions are found in section 7.
With the relevant hazard information from the SDS, fill in the NFPA diamond. If there are specific numbers from the SDS, use those, otherwise use the NFPA 704 guidelines to find what number to assign to each hazardous risk.
In this document, Table 5.2 has the criteria for health hazards, 6.2 for flammability hazards, 7.2 for instability hazards, and 8.2 for special hazards. With these numbers,fill in each hazard quadrant in the diamond and place on the chemical container.
Now that you have assessed and labeled the potential hazards of a material, you will need to store it properly. Always store chemicals according to instructions in the SDS, and separate out materials with incompatible chemical and physical characteristics. Make sure all caps are closed and properly fitted. Also, keep food and drink away from all storage areas.
For liquid storage use a chemically resistant secondary container in case there is a leak or spill. To avoid leaks dripping onto personnel, store these containers below shoulder height.
Specific chemical groups have different storage requirements. Store acids and bases separately, either in acid and base cabinets, or on protected non-metal shelves. Toxic chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area. Date peroxide-forming chemicals on arrival and place in a dark, cool, and dry area. Dispose of them before the expected date of initial peroxide formation.
Pyrophoric-forming substances can ignite on contact with air and water, so purge them vigorously with inert gas. For more details on this procedure, watch our video on degassing liquids. Keep these chemicals away from flammables, oxidizers, and water, and store under inert atmosphere such as a glove box or glove bag.
Flammable and combustible chemicals require special care. Store these in approved storage cabinets, which are properly vented into a dedicated system. If they need to be refrigerated, use a laboratory-grade flammable-safe refrigerator. Keep this type of chemicals away from acids and bases, ignition sources, oxidizers, and corrosives.
Lastly, store explosives away from all other chemicals in a secure location, away from shock or friction. Take special care when handling explosive materials.
There are other groups of chemicals with additional storage considerations. Be sure to always check the SDS for any detailed storage instructions, and make sure the lab can handle storage of such materials.
You’ve just watched JoVE’s introduction to chemical labeling and storage. You should now understand the proper methods to indicate potential hazards, store chemicals, and prevent dangerous interactions. Thanks for watching!
| RGN | Reactivity Group | Incompatible With RGN: |
| 1 | Acids, Mineral, Non-Oxidizing | 4-15,17-26,28,30-34,101-107 |
| 2 | Acids, Mineral, Oxidizing | 3-34,101-103,105-107 |
| 3 | Acids, Organic | 2,4,5,7,8,10-12,15,18,21,22,24,265,33,34, 102-105,107 |
| 4 | Alcohols and Glycols | 1-3,8,18,21,25,30,34,104,105,107 |
| 5 | Aldehydes | 1-3,7,8,10,12,21,25,27,28,30,33,34,104,105, 107 |
| 6 | Amides | 1,2,21,24,104,105,107 |
| 7 | Amines, Aliphatic and Aromatic | 1-3,5,12,17,18,21,24,30,34,104,105, 107 |
| 8 | Azo Compounds, Diazo Compounds and Hydrazines | 1-5,9,11-13,17-23,25,30-34, 102-107 |
| 9 | Carbamates | 1,2,8,10,21,22,25,30,104, 107 |
| 10 | Caustics | 1-3,5,9,13,17-19,21,22,24-27,32,34,102,103, 107 |
| 11 | Cyanides | 1-3,5,9,13,17-19,21,22,24-27,32,34,102,103, 107 |
| 12 | Dithiocarbamates | 1-3,8,17-19,21,25,30,34,103,104, 107 |
| 13 | Esters | 1,2,8,10,21,25,102,104,105, 107 |
| 14 | Ethers | 1,2,104, 107 |
| 15 | Fluorides, Inorganic | 1-3, 107 |
| 16 | Hydrocarbons, Aromatic | 2,104, 107 |
| 17 | Halogenated Organics | 1,2,7,8,10,11,20-23,25,30,104,105, 107 |
| 18 | Isocyanates | 1-4,7,8,10-12,20-22,25,30,31,33, 104-107 |
| 19 | Ketones | 1,2,8,10,11,20,21,25,30,104,105, 107 |
| 20 | Mercaptons and Other Organic Sulfides | 1,2,8,17-19,21,22,25,30,34,104,105, 107 |
| 21 | Metals, Alkali and Alkaline Earth Elemental | 1-13,17-20,25-27,30-32,34,101-104,106, 107 |
| 22 | Metals, Other Elemental and Alloys as Powders, Vapors or Sponges | 1-3,8-10,17,18,20,28,30,34,102-104,106, 107 |
| 23 | Metals, Other Elemental and Alloys as Sheets, Rods, Drops, Moldings | 1,2,8,17,102-104, 107 |
| 24 | Metal and Metal Compounds, Toxic | 1-3,6,7,10,26,30,34,102,103,106, 107 |
| 25 | Nitrides | 1-5,8-13,17-21,26-27,30,31,34,101-104,106, 107 |
| 26 | Nitrites | 1-3,10,21,24,25,30,104,105, 107 |
| 27 | Nitro Compounds, Organic | 2,5,10,21,25,104,105, 107 |
| 28 | Hydrocarcons, Aliphatic, Unsaturated | 1,2,5,22,30,104, 107 |
| 29 | Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic, Saturated | 2,104, 107 |
| 30 | Peroxides and Hydroperoxides, Organic | 1,2,4,5,7-9,11,12,17-22,24-26,28,31-34,101-105, 107 |
| 31 | Phenols and Cresols | 1,2,8,18,21,25,30,34,102-105, 107 |
| 32 | Organophosphates, Phosphothioates, Phosphodithioates | 1,2,8,10,21,30,34,104,105, 107 |
| 33 | Sulfides, Inorganic | 1-3,5,8,18,30,34,102-104,106, 107 |
| 34 | Epoxides | 1-5,7,8,10-12,20-22,24,25,30-33,102,104,105, 107 |
| 101 | Combustible and Flammable Materials, Misc. | 1,2,21,25,30,102,104,105, 107 |
| 102 | Explosives | 1-3,8,10,13,21-25,30,31,33,34,101,105-105, 107 |
| 103 | Polymerizable Compounds | 1-3,8,10-12,21-25,30,31,33,102,104,105, 107 |
| 104 | Oxidizing Agents, Strong | 1,3-9,11-14,16-23,25-34,101-103,105, 107 |
| 105 | Reducing Agents, Strong | 1-8,12,13,17-20,26,27,30,31,32,34,101-104,106, 107 |
| 106 | Water and Mixtures Containing Water | 1,2,8,18,21,22,24,25,33,105, 107 |
| 107 | Water Reactive Substances | ALL! |
Table 1. Chemical compatibility chart. Obtained from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety website at http://legacy.ehs.psu.edu/hazmat/chemical_compatibility.cfm
Research laboratories often contain many chemicals that may pose distinct hazards to our health and well-being. Proper storage, maintenance, and labeling of these chemicals can help prevent accidents and provide a safe working environment. While the list of chemicals may vary by laboratory and experiments, this document provides a basic guideline to storing and maintaining chemicals, and using the SDS to properly handle chemicals. Specific hazard assessment may reveal more specialized and additional storage requirements.
Safe laboratories require proper handling of hazardous chemicals, including appropriate labeling and storage.
Many types of chemicals are important for scientific research, thus it is crucial to know their properties and potential dangers. Chemicals may interact dangerously, and must be properly segregated and stored. Fire and safety organizations have strict standards for labeling, segregation, and storage, which can prevent hazards in the lab.
This video will illustrate how to evaluate, label, and store laboratory chemicals.
For identification and safety purposes, all chemicals must have labels with certain information. First, a product identifier shows the name and any alternatives of the chemical. A signal word indicates the level of hazard if one exists, and will either be ‘warning,’ for less severe hazards, or ‘danger,’ for more severe ones.
Further, the hazard statement describes the hazard, while the precautionary statements describe how to prevent risk, respond to exposure, and store and dispose the material. Hazard pictograms depict a specific type of hazard, like corrosion or aquatic toxicity. Lastly, contact information of the provider is shown.
Chemicals can additionally be labeled with the NFPA 704 diamond symbol. The blue quadrant contains the degree of health hazard, red the flammability hazard, yellow the reactivity hazard, and the white quadrant special hazards. Hazards are rated from 0, no hazard, to 4, severe risk. The special diamond may contain additional symbols indicating the type of hazard.
For detailed information about a chemical, read its associated 16-section Safety Data Sheet, or SDS. General information on a substance is found in section 1 through 3; its name and alternatives, hazard, and composition. Sections 4 through 6 provide emergency procedures in case of exposure, fire, or accidental release. Section 7 has information on handling and storage, and section 8 outlines protective equipment needed.
Sections 9 through 11 contain other important information about the substance-its physical and chemical properties, its stability and reactivity, and its toxicity. Sections 12 through 15 containing details about ecological impact, disposal considerations, transport requirements, and regulatory information, are not required to be in the SDS. Lastly, section 16 includes any other pertinent information about the substance.
After assessing their hazards, you should store chemicals with similar hazards together. Common hazard groups include acids, bases, flammables, oxidizers, toxics, peroxide-forming substances, pyrophoric-forming substances, water-reactive chemicals, and explosives. Each of these groups has specific storage requirements, which can prevent dangerous situations.
Additionally, some groups when mixed together form toxic fumes, or explosives. Therefore, they should be stored separately from each other, to prevent accidental spills from having disastrous consequences.
Now, we will show you how to evaluate hazards with a Safety Data Sheet, the use of NFPA 704 standard to label hazardous materials, and how to store specific types of chemicals in the laboratory.
First, assess a chemical’s potential hazards. Obtain the SDS when receiving or starting to work with a new chemical. If it is not packaged with the chemical or already available in the laboratory, it may be found on the provider’s website. Then, read this document carefully. Hazard information can be found in section 2, including a 704 diamond in some cases.
Additionally, section 9 may contain information on flammability hazards, section 10 on instability hazards, and section 11 on health hazards. Information on special hazards may be found in these sections or elsewhere in the document. Note that any special handling and storage instructions are found in section 7.
With the relevant hazard information from the SDS, fill in the NFPA diamond. If there are specific numbers from the SDS, use those, otherwise use the NFPA 704 guidelines to find what number to assign to each hazardous risk.
In this document, Table 5.2 has the criteria for health hazards, 6.2 for flammability hazards, 7.2 for instability hazards, and 8.2 for special hazards. With these numbers,fill in each hazard quadrant in the diamond and place on the chemical container.
Now that you have assessed and labeled the potential hazards of a material, you will need to store it properly. Always store chemicals according to instructions in the SDS, and separate out materials with incompatible chemical and physical characteristics. Make sure all caps are closed and properly fitted. Also, keep food and drink away from all storage areas.
For liquid storage use a chemically resistant secondary container in case there is a leak or spill. To avoid leaks dripping onto personnel, store these containers below shoulder height.
Specific chemical groups have different storage requirements. Store acids and bases separately, either in acid and base cabinets, or on protected non-metal shelves. Toxic chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area. Date peroxide-forming chemicals on arrival and place in a dark, cool, and dry area. Dispose of them before the expected date of initial peroxide formation.
Pyrophoric-forming substances can ignite on contact with air and water, so purge them vigorously with inert gas. For more details on this procedure, watch our video on degassing liquids. Keep these chemicals away from flammables, oxidizers, and water, and store under inert atmosphere such as a glove box or glove bag.
Flammable and combustible chemicals require special care. Store these in approved storage cabinets, which are properly vented into a dedicated system. If they need to be refrigerated, use a laboratory-grade flammable-safe refrigerator. Keep this type of chemicals away from acids and bases, ignition sources, oxidizers, and corrosives.
Lastly, store explosives away from all other chemicals in a secure location, away from shock or friction. Take special care when handling explosive materials.
There are other groups of chemicals with additional storage considerations. Be sure to always check the SDS for any detailed storage instructions, and make sure the lab can handle storage of such materials.
You’ve just watched JoVE’s introduction to chemical labeling and storage. You should now understand the proper methods to indicate potential hazards, store chemicals, and prevent dangerous interactions. Thanks for watching!
