Proper laboratory chemical storage is an essential part of laboratory safety. Chemicals used for research, testing, education, manufacturing and quality control may have different storage requirements depending on their properties.
Acids, bases, oxidizers, flammable liquids and other chemicals should not simply be placed together on a laboratory shelf. Incompatible chemicals can react with each other and potentially create heat, toxic gases, fire or other hazards.
A well-organized chemical storage system helps laboratories reduce these risks while making frequently used chemicals easier to locate and manage.
This guide explains important laboratory chemical storage principles, compatibility, labelling, segregation and best practices.
What Is Laboratory Chemical Storage?
Laboratory chemical storage refers to the organized storage of chemicals under conditions appropriate for their properties and intended use.
Good storage practices consider:
- Chemical compatibility
- Temperature
- Ventilation
- Light exposure
- Moisture
- Container condition
- Labelling
- Quantity
- Access control
- Spill prevention
Storage requirements should always be determined from the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), manufacturer instructions and applicable workplace safety requirements.
Why Is Proper Chemical Storage Important?
Improper storage can increase the risk of:
- Chemical reactions
- Fire
- Toxic exposure
- Chemical spills
- Container deterioration
- Contamination
- Accidental mixing
- Incorrect chemical use
Good storage practices also make inventory management easier.
A laboratory should be able to quickly determine:
What chemical is this? Where is it stored? What hazards does it present? What chemicals should it be kept away from?
1. Understand Chemical Compatibility
One of the most important principles of laboratory chemical storage is compatibility.
Chemicals should be stored according to their hazards and potential reactions rather than simply alphabetically.
For example, chemicals that react dangerously with each other should not be stored together even if their names would place them next to each other alphabetically.
Common compatibility groups include:
- Acids
- Bases
- Oxidizers
- Flammable chemicals
- Water-reactive chemicals
- Toxic chemicals
- Corrosive chemicals
- Reactive chemicals
Always check the SDS before deciding where a chemical should be stored.
2. Store Acids Separately
Acids can be corrosive and some may react dangerously with other chemicals.
Laboratories should use suitable chemical-resistant storage arrangements and segregate acids from incompatible materials.
Particular care should be taken with strong oxidizing acids and substances that can react with acids.
Examples of commonly encountered laboratory acids include:
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Nitric acid
- Acetic acid
The specific storage requirements depend on the chemical and concentration.
3. Store Bases Separately
Strong bases can also be corrosive and may react with acids.
Examples include:
- Sodium hydroxide
- Potassium hydroxide
- Ammonium hydroxide
Bases should be appropriately segregated from acids and other incompatible substances.
Storage containers should be checked regularly for deterioration or leakage.
4. Store Oxidizing Chemicals Carefully
Oxidizers can intensify combustion and may react with combustible or reducing materials.
They should generally be kept away from:
- Flammable materials
- Combustible materials
- Certain organic chemicals
- Reducing agents
- Other incompatible substances
Examples of oxidizing chemicals can include certain nitrates, chlorates and permanganates.
Always refer to the individual SDS because not every chemical within a broad category has identical storage requirements.
5. Flammable Chemical Storage
Flammable liquids require appropriate storage controls.
Examples can include:
- Ethanol
- Methanol
- Acetone
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Other flammable solvents
Depending on the quantity and applicable regulations, laboratories may require approved flammable-liquid storage cabinets.
Flammable chemicals should be kept away from:
- Ignition sources
- Heat
- Open flames
- Sparks
- Incompatible oxidizers
The exact storage requirements depend on the chemical, quantity and applicable safety regulations.
6. Use Appropriate Chemical Storage Cabinets
Storage cabinets can provide additional protection and organization.
Depending on the chemical hazard, laboratories may use specialized cabinets for:
- Flammable liquids
- Corrosive chemicals
- Acids
- Bases
- Toxic chemicals
The cabinet should be suitable for the chemical category and meet applicable safety requirements.
Ordinary office cupboards should not automatically be treated as suitable chemical storage cabinets.
7. Keep Chemical Containers Properly Labelled
Every chemical container should have clear identification.
Labels should provide the information required by the applicable chemical safety system and workplace procedures.
Depending on the product, this may include:
- Chemical name
- Concentration
- Hazard information
- Date received
- Preparation date
- Expiry or review date where applicable
- Responsible department or person
Never use an unidentified chemical container.
If a label becomes damaged or unreadable, follow the laboratory’s procedure for identifying and managing the container.
8. Never Store Chemicals in Unlabelled Containers
An unlabelled container creates unnecessary risk.
Laboratory personnel should never have to guess whether a bottle contains:
- An acid
- A solvent
- A reagent
- Water
- A cleaning chemical
- A prepared solution
If the contents cannot be reliably identified, follow the laboratory’s hazardous-material procedure rather than guessing.
9. Consider Temperature Requirements
Some chemicals require controlled temperatures.
Certain substances may need:
- Room-temperature storage
- Refrigeration
- Freezing
- Temperature-controlled storage
- Protection from excessive heat
Always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Do not automatically refrigerate a chemical simply because it is temperature-sensitive; the storage equipment and chemical compatibility must also be considered.
10. Protect Chemicals From Light and Moisture
Some chemicals can deteriorate when exposed to:
- Direct sunlight
- UV radiation
- Moisture
- Humidity
- Air
Light-sensitive chemicals may require suitable opaque or amber containers.
Moisture-sensitive chemicals may require tightly closed containers and controlled storage conditions.
Check the product’s SDS and manufacturer information for specific requirements.
11. Store Heavy Chemical Containers Safely
Heavy containers should be positioned to reduce the risk of dropping or lifting injuries.
General good practice includes:
- Store heavier containers on lower shelves.
- Avoid overloading shelves.
- Use appropriate secondary containment where required.
- Keep containers stable.
- Do not stack containers in a way that creates instability.
Storage shelves should be appropriate for the weight and chemical environment.
12. Use Secondary Containment Where Appropriate
Secondary containment provides an additional barrier if a primary container leaks or breaks.
Examples include:
- Chemical-resistant trays
- Spill containment bins
- Suitable tubs
- Secondary containers
Secondary containment can be particularly useful for liquid chemicals and corrosive substances.
However, the secondary container must also be compatible with the chemical being stored.
13. Maintain a Chemical Inventory
A chemical inventory helps laboratories know exactly what materials they have.
A useful inventory can record:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Calcium Chloride |
| Quantity | 5 kg |
| Container size | 1 kg |
| Storage location | Chemical Cabinet A |
| Hazard category | Corrosive / Irritant, as applicable |
| Date received | Recorded by laboratory |
| Expiry/review date | Where applicable |
Inventory management can help laboratories identify expired, excess or unnecessary chemicals.
14. Regularly Inspect Chemical Storage
Chemical storage areas should be inspected regularly.
Look for:
- Damaged containers
- Leaks
- Corrosion
- Broken labels
- Expired materials
- Unusual deposits
- Damaged shelving
- Incompatible storage
- Blocked access
- Poor housekeeping
Any damaged or leaking container should be managed according to the laboratory’s established chemical safety procedure.
15. Avoid Overstocking Chemicals
Buying excessive quantities can create unnecessary storage and disposal challenges.
Before ordering, consider:
- Current inventory
- Expected consumption
- Shelf life
- Storage capacity
- Hazard classification
- Future requirements
For frequently used chemicals, laboratories can establish minimum and maximum stock levels.
Chemical Storage vs Chemical Use
Chemical storage and chemical handling are related but different.
Storage focuses on keeping chemicals safely when they are not being used.
Handling covers activities such as:
- Opening containers
- Transferring chemicals
- Preparing solutions
- Measuring chemicals
- Using laboratory equipment
- Cleaning spills
A chemical that is safely stored can still present a hazard if it is improperly handled.
Common Laboratory Chemical Storage Mistakes
Storing Chemicals Alphabetically
Alphabetical storage can place incompatible chemicals beside one another.
Better approach: organize chemicals according to compatibility and hazard classification.
Keeping Everything on Open Shelves
Some chemicals require specialized storage.
Follow the applicable storage requirements for each product.
Keeping Expired Chemicals
Old chemicals can become unsuitable or create additional storage and disposal concerns.
Maintain a regular inventory review.
Ignoring Damaged Containers
Cracks, corrosion and damaged closures should be addressed promptly.
Mixing Different Chemicals in One Secondary Container
Secondary containment should not create a new compatibility hazard.
Laboratory Chemical Storage Checklist
Before storing a chemical, ask:
- Is the container clearly labelled?
- Have I checked the SDS?
- Is the chemical compatible with nearby materials?
- Does it require a special cabinet?
- Does it require temperature-controlled storage?
- Does it require protection from light or moisture?
- Is secondary containment required?
- Is the container in good condition?
- Is the storage shelf suitable?
- Has the chemical been recorded in the inventory?
Laboratory Chemical Storage in South Africa
Laboratories in South Africa may handle a wide range of chemicals for research, education, manufacturing, quality control, environmental testing and industrial applications.
When sourcing laboratory chemicals in South Africa, laboratories should consider not only the chemical specification but also the storage requirements associated with the product.
Before purchasing a chemical, laboratories should review:
- Product specification
- Grade and purity
- Packaging
- SDS
- Storage conditions
- Quantity required
- Handling requirements
Laboratory Chemicals from ZyphorLabs
ZyphorLabs supplies laboratory chemicals and other laboratory products for scientific and industrial applications.
When purchasing laboratory chemicals, customers should select products according to their intended application and review the relevant product information before use.
A good chemical procurement process should consider the entire lifecycle of a chemical — from purchasing and receiving to storage, use and eventual disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should laboratory chemicals be stored?
Chemicals should be stored according to their hazard properties and compatibility, following the SDS, manufacturer instructions and applicable safety requirements.
Should laboratory chemicals be stored alphabetically?
Not necessarily. Chemical compatibility and hazard classification should take priority over alphabetical organization.
What is secondary containment?
Secondary containment is an additional container or barrier designed to contain a leak or spill from the primary chemical container.
Why is an SDS important for chemical storage?
The Safety Data Sheet provides important information about hazards, handling, storage, incompatibilities and emergency measures for a chemical.
How often should chemical storage areas be inspected?
Laboratories should establish inspection schedules appropriate to their operations and risk profile, with additional checks whenever problems are identified.
Final Thoughts
Proper laboratory chemical storage is an important part of laboratory safety and organization.
Chemicals should be stored according to their compatibility, hazards and specific storage requirements rather than simply being placed wherever space is available.
Clear labelling, appropriate cabinets, secondary containment, inventory management and regular inspections can help laboratories maintain safer and more organized chemical storage areas.
For laboratories purchasing laboratory chemicals in South Africa, understanding storage requirements before ordering can help ensure that products can be safely accommodated within the laboratory’s existing facilities.
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