Assemble and Store Materials

It is important to store chemicals properly in your laboratory to minimize exposure, prevent fires and explosions, and decrease the potential for accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals in the event of fires and natural disasters.

Never store chemicals alphabetically. Chemicals must be segregated into hazardous classes first and then alphabetically. Incompatible chemicals that must be stored in close proximity within each class to one another should be placed in trays (or other containment devices) to keep them segregated. Keep containers not in use in storage areas and off bench tops.

The following table illustrates a basic segregation strategy. Segregate by physical state first and then by hazard class.

Solids		Liquids		Gases
Segregate oxidizers flammable liquids water reactives all others		Segregate acids caustics oxidizers flammable/ combustible perchloric acid		Segregate toxic oxidizers flammable