Sections 5.1 through 5.11 provide basic storage guidelines for the most common hazard classes. Each section describes the characteristics of the hazard class (consistent with California Fire Code). It includes common examples of laboratory and non-laboratory chemicals and provides basic storage requirements and precautions. Note: These examples do not constitute a full list, and the laboratory/non-laboratory classifications may not strictly apply.
Please note that many chemicals have multiple hazard classifications. Consequently, you may need to consult several storage guideline sections to determine how to store a hazardous chemical safely. For example, acetic acid is a corrosive acid and also a combustible liquid. Therefore, you need to follow section 5.1 (flammables and combustibles) and section 5.2 (corrosives). You may also contact EH&S at ucbcho@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-3073 for help.
EH&S periodically reviews your chemical inventory and will notify you if there is a concern. It is a prudent practice to maintain the lowest possible quantities of highly hazardous chemicals.
The capital letters in parenthesis used in sections 5.1 – 5.11 that follow the chemical examples indicate that the chemical has an additional hazardous characteristic other than the one being discussed. Refer to the appropriate storage guideline section in this website for information and follow its directives as well.
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international framework used to standardize how chemical hazards are defined and communicated worldwide. Its goal is to ensure that workers, researchers, emergency responders, and the public receive consistent and clear information about chemical hazards.
GHS categorizes hazardous materials based on their physical hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards. Each hazard is assigned to a specific class and category that reflects the severity of the risk. Containers from about 2012 forward should only have GHS pictograms and codes on their labels.
NFPA Chemical Hazard Identification System
Each hazard class section on the following pages includes two chemical examples illustrated with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond symbols that rate the degree of health, flammability, reactivity, and special hazards of the chemicals discussed. Hazards are rated from 0 for minimal hazard to 4 for severe hazard. This information is provided for older chemical containers that may have NFPA markings.
The degree of hazard is often dependent upon the physical state of the chemical as well. For example, a flammable gas will pose a more significant immediate safety threat upon release than a liquid that has the same flash point.
The NFPA Health Hazard (left; blue)rates the effect of short-term exposure to a chemical by physical contact, eye and skin absorption, or inhalation. A highly toxic chemical with a health hazard rating of 4 could be lethal on very short exposure.
The NFPA Flammability Hazard (top; red)rates the ease with which a chemical will ignite from exposure to a spark, open flame, or high temperature. A flammable or pyrophoric chemical with a flammability rating of 4 could readily ignite at room temperature.
The NFPA Reactivity Hazard (right; yellow)rates a chemical’s thermal instability, potential for hazardous reaction with water, or sensitivity to friction or shock. A highly unstable chemical, such as an explosive with a reactivity rating of 4, could readily detonate if exposed to localized thermal or mechanical shock at normal temperatures and pressures.
The NFPA Special Hazards (bottom; white) include W (to indicate a water reactive chemical that could react violently or explosively upon contact with water) and OX (to indicate an oxidizer that could ignite combustible or flammable material upon contact).
