Technical Standards and Best Practices for Hazardous Chemicals Storage

1. Background: Importance of Hazardous Chemicals Storage

Hazardous chemicals play a vital role in industrial production, scientific research, and various industries. Their flammable, explosive, toxic, and corrosive properties support technological progress and societal functions. However, improper storage and handling can cause severe accidents, resulting in casualties, economic losses, and environmental harm. Thus, standardized and scientific hazardous chemicals storage management is a core safety responsibility for enterprises and laboratories.

2. Key Risks in Hazardous Chemicals Storage

Key technical risks to address include:

• Mixing incompatible chemicals: Strong acids and alkalis, oxidizers and flammables must be physically separated.

• Missing labels: Containers must clearly show chemical name, concentration, expiry date, and hazard warnings.

• Seal failure: Loose container lids may cause leakage of toxic or corrosive substances.

• Excessive storage: Overcapacity storage increases accident risks.

• Environmental control failure: Poor ventilation, incorrect temperature/humidity, or lack of explosion-proof measures amplify hazards.

3. Technical Requirements for Classification Storage

Hazardous chemicals should be stored according to their nature: flammables, explosives, toxics, corrosives, oxidizers, etc. Technical requirements include:

• Storage cabinets compliant with CE, OSHA, EN14470-1

• Segregation of solids/liquids and incompatible chemicals

• Fireproof, explosion-proof, leak-proof cabinet design

• Clear labeling and visual identification

4. Environmental Control and Inventory Management

Key requirements:

• Good ventilation to reduce hazardous gas concentration

• Controlled temperature and humidity

• Avoidance of direct sunlight

• Reasonable inventory control, procurement as needed, regular inventory checks, and disposal of expired or degraded chemicals

5. Case Studies

• Nanjing University Laboratory Incident: Improper disposal of hazardous chemicals and gas cylinders caused fire and explosion during demolition.

• Hunan University Laboratory Fire: Improper storage and leakage of reagents led to fire and property damage.

6. Technical Summary and Best Practices

A scientific hazardous chemical storage system includes:

• Classification storage

• Compliant storage cabinets

• Controlled storage environment

• Quantity control

• Complete labeling and visual management

7. Source and Reference

Some content of this article is adapted and rewritten based on “ Mernus” public account, for industry technical communication only. Copyright belongs to the original author.
Original link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/l0eC58rOhJO52otVSy2EXw