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Chemical Storage
editLaboratory involves using several chemicals ranging from non-hazardous to hazardous ones. Chemical must be store properly not only for the benefit to provide for effective movement of chemical but also for the safety of people in the laboratory. Improper of chemical storage can result in the generation of heat, fire, explosion, and leakage of toxic gas. Therefore, the chemical laboratory must be stored properly to prevent any accidents [1].
Principles Of Chemical Storage
edit- Every chemical need to label. Do not store chemical alphabetically as every chemical have different chemical compositions and sensitivities. So all chemical must be segregated and categorized based on their group (For example, incompatible, toxic, flammable and corrosive must be segregated).
- Minimize quantities, stored a chemical in an appropriate amount that is reasonable for the level of utilization in the lab.
- Avoid chemicals from being in contact with heat or direct sunlight. As they may deteriorate the chemical container and the degradation of the chemicals.
- Maintaining a proper condition of chemical storage areas; The areas must be neat and clean. It must also be thoroughly inspected to detect any sign of an accident.
Facilities of chemical storage
editThere are several types of chemical storages; the list below is frequently used chemical storage;
- Shelving, must be stable and should not be overloaded. It must be properly arranged and the container should not curve out from the shelf.
- Cabinets exist in various types, which is made up of different materials serving a different function. Such as acid, a flammable solvent ,and ventilated cabinets. For acid cabinets, it made up of acid resistant materials. It must contain a tray to secure any leakage or spillage. It also must need to be regularly checked for any sign of corrosion. For flammable solvent cabinets, the cabinet made up of wood or metal that had been specialized to be able to resist a fire for about 30 minutes. It also contains a spillage tray that is compatible with solvents. For ventilated cabinet, it is a cabinet that fitted with closed ventilation. Its purpose is to store chemical that gives noxious fumes and smell [2].
- Fume cupboard, the function of fume cupboard is similar to a ventilated cabinet. The difference is that it is not solely for storage but is used to capture any chemical that generates harmful or toxic fumes during an experiment.
- Desiccators are types of chemical storage that are used to maintain humidity because some chemicals are very sensitive to the level of humidity.
- Fridges and Freezers are used to stored flammable and hazardous chemical.
Maintenance
editRegularly checked the area for old or unwanted chemicals. Also checked that containers must be in a good condition and its lid must be closed properly.