Chemical Segregation and Storage Table

Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Incompatible Mixed/Health
Chemical Types Concerns
Corrosive Acids-Organic Acetic Acid Store in ventilated corrosives Flammable Liquids Heat
Glacial Acetic Acid cabinet on protected shelving Flammable Solids Gas Generation
Butyric Acid using secondary containment, Bases Violent Reaction
Trifluoroacetic Acid keep away from water sources Oxidizers * DO NOT POUR WATER
*Do not store under the sink Inorganic Acids INTO ACID
Picric Acid
*Do not store acids on Cyanides
Propionic Acid Sulfides
metal shelving
Formic Acid Poisons/Toxins

Corrosive Acids-Inorganic Nitric Acid Store concentrated Nitric acid Flammable Liquids Heat
Sulfuric Acid (≥68%) and Sulfuric acid (≥93%) Flammable Solids Gas Generation
Perchloric Acid in a secondary container Bases Violent Reaction
Phosphoric Acid Store in a corrosive cabinet Oxidizers *DO NOT POUR WATER INTO
labeled “Acid” or on shelving Organic Acids ACID
Hydrochloric Acid
using a secondary Cyanides *Perchloric acid vapor can
Chromic Acid
containment Sulphides form explosive compounds
Hydrofluoric Acid within fume hood ducts
*Do not store under the sink Poisons/Toxins
*Do not store acids on *Hydrofluoric acid can
metal shelving result in severe burns to
*Hydrofluoric acid should be skin and lungs
stored in an area accessible only
by authorized personnel; do not
store in glass; use plastic
containers and secondary
containment

Corrosive Bases- Hydroxylamine Store in separate cabinet, Acids Heat

Organic/Caustic Tetramethylethylamine preferably with ventilation, Oxidizers Gas Generation
Diamine corrosive cabinet or storage area Flammable Liquids Violent Reaction
Triethylamine with a spill tray, away from potential Flammable Solids
water sources (DO NOT store Inorganic Bases
under the sink) Poisons/Toxins

Corrosive Bases- Ammonium Hydroxide Store in separate cabinet, Acids Heat

Inorganic/Caustics Potassium Hydroxide preferably with ventilation, Oxidizers Gas Generation
Sodium Hydroxide corrosive cabinet or storage Flammable Liquids Violent Reaction
area
Calcium Hydroxide with a spill tray, away from Flammable Solids
potential water sources (DO Organic Bases
NOT store under the sink); Store Poisons/Toxins
solutions of inorganic hydroxides
in labeled polyethylene
containers
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Chemicals Types Mixed/Health
Recommendations Concerns
Flammable Solids Charcoal Keep in a dry, cool area Acids Fire Hazard
Carbon away from oxidizers and Bases Violent Reaction
Paraformaldehyde corrosives Oxidizers
Phosphorus Poisons/Toxins
Magnesium

Flammable Liquids Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Flammable storage cabinet or Oxidizers Fire Hazard
Methanol, Acetone, refrigerator rated for flammable/ Acids Heat
Benzene, Xylene, hazardous storage/explosion proof Bases Violet Reaction
Toluene *Peroxide-forming chemicals Reactives
Diethyl Ether must be dated upon Poisons/Toxins
Tetrahydrofuran delivery and opening (two
Acetonitrile dates)
Glacial Acetic Acid
Acetone liquids with
flashpoints < 100 F

Poisons/Toxins Chloroform Store in a dark, dry, ventilated, Flammable liquids Generation of Toxic
Cyanides cool area in an unbreakable Acids and Flammable Gas
Heavy metal compounds chemically resistant secondary Bases Combustion
(e.g. Cadmium, Mercury, container (polyethylene) Reactives Heat
Osmium, Oxalic Acid, * Store volatile toxins Oxidizers Fire Hazard
with evaporation rate Corrosives Explosion Hazard
Phenol, Formic Acid),
above Please consult Division Violent Reaction Chloroform
Formamide, of Environmental explosively reacts with
1.0 - (ether =1.0) in
Carbon Tetracholride, 2- Protection (DEP) for chemically-reactive metals
flammable cabinet;
Mercaptoethanol Phenol, assistance (e.g., Aluminum or
Store non-volatile liquid poisons in
a refrigerator or cabinet; amounts *Hydrofluoric Acid should Magnesium powder,
*Hydrofluoric Acid - less than 1 liter can be stored in a be stored in an area Sodium, and Lithium),
Hydrofluoric Acid is a cabinet above bench level, ONLY accessible only by Strong Oxidizers, Strong
highly acute poison if the cabinet has sliding doors authorized personnel; Caustics (e.g., Alkalis), and
Acrylamide (not swinging) do not store in glass; decomposes in sunlight
Ethidium Bromide use plastic containers
Sodium Azide and secondary
containment

Explosives Picric Acid Store in a secure location away Please consult the Explosion Hazard
Ammonium Nitrate from other chemicals; store in SDS and the DEP Violent Reaction
an
Nitro Urea area away from friction or shock Heat
Trinitroaniline Shock
Benzoyl Peroxide Friction
Trinitrobenzene
Trinitrobenzoic Acid
Trinitrotoluene
Urea Nitrate
Trinitrophenol
Diazoisbutylnitrile
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Incompatible Mixed/Health Concerns
Oxidizers Peroxides, Nitrates, Store in secondary containment Combustibles Fire Hazard
Perchlorates separately from combustibles and Flammables Gas Generation
Permanganates flammable materials Organic Materials Toxic Gas
Sodium Hypochlorite Reducing Agents
Ethyl Acetate, Iodine,
Benzoyl Peroxide
Potassium Dichromate
Chlorates, Bromates,
and Superoxides,
Ammonium Persulfate,
Ferric chloride

Peroxide Formers Acrylonitrile Store in airtight bottles, away from Always consult the Safety Explosion Hazard
Isopropyl Alcohol Ethers light and heat in a dark, cool dry Data Sheet (SDS) and Violent Reaction
(e.g. Diethyl ether, area; avoid using containers with the Division of Shock Sensitive
Isopropyl Ether), Acetals loose-fitting lids and ground glass Environmental Combustion
and Ketals, especially stoppers; crystallization, discoloration, Protection (DEP) (Exothermic Reaction)
Cyclic Ethers and those and formation or deposition of
with primary and/or layers are signs a peroxide former If an old or expired container
secondary Alkyl groups may have become shock sensitive; of a peroxide-forming chemical
Aldehydes do or reactive is found, do not
(e.g. Acetaldehyde, not use or move such containers: move it. Contact the DEP at
Benzaldehyde) contact DEP; all bottles of 301-496-4710 for
Vinyl and Vinylidene peroxide- forming chemicals must assistance in disposing of
compounds, have the received date marked the container
Dienes Tetrahydrofuran on the container; when the bottle
Dioxane is first opened, the container
Butylated Hydroxytoluene must be marked with the date
(BHT) opened
Isopropyl Ether

Water Reactive Sodium Metals Store in a dry, cool area away Aqueous solutions Heat
Lithium Metals from potential spray from fire Oxidizers Violent Reaction
Potassium Metals sprinklers and other water sources Please consult the Safety
Sodium Borohydride (DO NOT store under the sink) Data Sheet (SDS) and
Alkali Metal Hydrides the Division of
Label this area for water- Environmental
reactive storage Protection (DEP)
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemicals Types Mixed/Health Concerns
Flammable Compressed Methane Handle flammable compressed gases Oxidizers Fire Hazard Explosion
Gases Acetylene in a chemical fume hood Toxic Compressed Gases Hazard
Butane
Propane Store in well-ventilated areas; store
Hydrogen away from oxidizers, open flames,
Silane sparks, and other sources of heat
Ethane ignition; post NO SMOKING signs
Arsine around storage area(s) or
Germane entrance(s) to storage room(s);
flammable gases stored outdoors
where ambient temperatures
exceed 125 deg F (51.7 deg C) shall
be protected
from direct sunlight

Use a spark proof wrench to attach

regulators and make other
connections; install a flame/flash
arrestor at the regulator outlet flow
valve

Oxidizing Compressed Oxygen Store oxidizers separately from Flammable Compressed Gases Fire Hazard
Gases Chlorine flammable gas containers or Toxic Compressed Gases Explosion Hazard
Fluorine combustible materials; minimum
Nitrogen oxides separation requirement from these
Gas mixtures containing materials is 20 ft or a 5 ft noncom-
Oxygen higher than bustible barrier with a fire resistance
atmospheric rating of at least 30 minutes
concentrations
Clean equipment used for oxygen
and nitrous oxide with oxygen-
compatible materials free from oils,
greases, and other contaminants

Fluorine shall be handled in specially

passivated containers and associated
equipment

Toxic Compressed Carbon Monoxide Handle toxic compressed gases Flammable Compressed Release of Toxic Gas
Gases Hydrogen Chloride in a chemical fume hood Gases Oxidizing Compressed Hydrogen Sulfide is a
Hydrogen Sulfide Gases colorless, flammable, extremely
Nitrogen Dioxide Indoor storage or use of toxic hazardous gas with a “rotten
compressed gases shall be egg” smell; Prolonged exposure
provided may cause nausea, tearing of
with a gas cabinet, exhausted the eyes, headaches or loss of
enclosure, or gas room sleep, airway problems
Refer to the SDS information for (bronchial constriction) in
additional guidance on the storage some asthma patients;
and compatibility requirements possible fatigue, loss of
appetite, headache,
irritability, poor memory,
Contact DOHS to determine
Strong Reducing Agents Acetyl chloride fail- Store in cool, dry, well- if a Please consult the dPilzezaisnescsonasnudlts
ventilated safe valve and/or
Thionyl chloride continuous location specific SDS and DEP tlihgehtspecific
monitoring for toxic gas may be
Water reactive
Maleic anhydride required during use cSoDnSjuanncdtivDitEisP
Ferrous sulfide Segregate from all other chemicals
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemicals Types Mixed/Health Concerns

Strong Reducing Agents Acetyl Chloride Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated Please consult the Please consult the
Thionyl Chloride location specific SDS and DEP specific SDS and DEP
Maleic Anhydride Water reactive
Ferrous Sulfide Segregate from all other chemicals

Carcinogens Benzidine Label all containers as "Cancer Please consult the Please consult the
Beta-Naphthylamine Suspect Agents" or the equivalent. specific SDS and DEP specific SDS and DEP
Benzene Store according to the hazardous
Methylene Chloride nature of the chemical, using
Beta-Propiolactone appropriate security when
Carbon Tetrachloride necessary

Teratogens Lead Compounds Label all containers as "Suspect Aniline incompatible with Please consult the
Mercury Compounds Reproductive Hazard" or Nitric Acid and specific SDS and DEP
Benzene “Reproductive Effecter” hHdrogen Peroxide
Aniline Please consult the
Store according to the hazardous specific SDS and DEP
nature of the chemical, using
appropriate security when necessary

General Stock Chemicals Sodium Bicarbonate Store on shelves, or laboratory Please consult the Please consult the
Sodium Chloride benches or shelving preferably SDS and DEP specific SDS and DEP
Agar behind glass doors and below
Salt buffer eye level with like chemicals
Most non-reactive salts

Adapted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, National Research Council, 1995, University of Texas/Health
Science at Houston and Boston University Environmental Health & Safety.