Chemical Safety

Ensuring the safe and compliant use of chemicals on campus.

5.2 Corrosives

GHS symbol showing substance corroding both skin and surfaces it's poured onto

Characteristics

Strong acids and bases can destroy human tissue and corrode metals. Acids and bases are incompatible with one another and may react with many other hazard classes.

Laboratory Chemicals

Acids

Organic Acids

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5.0 Chemical Storage Guide: Individual Hazards and Mixed Hazards

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...

5.11 Peroxide Forming Chemicals

Characteristics

Over a period of time, these chemicals can form peroxides that may explode when the cap is removed or when they are concentrated during laboratory activities. It is important to note on the container the date the chemical arrived in the laboratory, when it was opened, when it should be tested for peroxide concentration, and when it should be discarded. Dispose of the chemical before the discard date indicated on the container or follow the guidelines below.

Dispose of within 24 Hours:

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4.0 Basic Storage Requirements

The following basic storage requirements apply to all hazardous chemicals. Refer to the “Chemical Storage Guide” sections of this website for additional requirements that apply to chemicals in a specific hazard class (e.g., flammables and corrosives).

Storage Area Requirements

Label storage areas according to the type of chemical family or hazard classification found there.

Use secondary containment to segregate incompatible hazard classes & to contain leaks or spills.

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3.1 Common Incompatibles

Do not store incompatible chemicals in close proximity to each other. In an earthquake, fire, or other spill, they could mix and react violently and/or release poisonous gas.

Laboratory Material

Incompatible With

Alkali metals like calcium, potassium, and sodium

water, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrachloride, other chlorinated hydrocarbons

Acetic Acid

chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl-...

3.0 Segregate Incompatibles

Chemical Families

Materials should always be segregated and stored according to their chemical family or hazard classification. Do not store chemicals alphabetically unless they are compatible! The most common hazard classes include:

flammables/combustibles

corrosive acids

corrosive bases

toxics

highly toxics

oxidizers

compressed gases ...

2.0 Label Your Chemicals

All hazardous chemicals must be clearly labeled for the benefit of current users, emergency personnel, and future users. Unknown chemicals can be expensive to dispose of. Make sure all labels are legible and in good condition. Repair or replace damaged or missing labels.

Manufacturers’ Labels

Cal/OSHA requires that manufacturers provide labels with the following information:

contents of the container

physical and health hazard information

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1.0 Take Inventory of Your Chemicals

Safe storage begins with an up-to-date inventory of hazardous chemicals that can be used to apprise personnel of the dangers in a laboratory, shop, or work area. An accurate inventory is also necessary if emergency responders are to respond effectively to a fire or chemical release in the area. The campus can be fined if it does not provide an inventory to emergency response personnel and appropriate regulatory agencies.

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) coordinates the collection of chemical inventories for the campus...

David Feldtkeller

Chemical Management (MAQ) Specialist
Health & Safety
MAQ Compliance
Chemical Inventory

Labs and Research

Providing support, in the form of risk assessment, review, consultation(link sends e-mail), training, and the necessary resources and guidance for research at UC Berkeley.