The majority of laboratories employ chemicals. The types and quantity of chemicals utilized might vary substantially depending on the lab’s focus research synthesis, compound manufacturing, basic acid digestions, and so on. Unfortunately, reports of accidents and incidents involving chemical usage and storage are much too common. We must be vigilant in handling and storing these dangerous products, or else difficulties will develop. As a result, in this column, we present general safety guidelines for handling and storing chemicals in the laboratory.
To keep our overall laboratory safety up to date, we must increase awareness of lab facilities and execute a regular evaluation procedure. We must ensure that we are properly protected. This should include, at a minimum, chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, closed-toe shoes necessary for laboratory work, and lab coats or chemical aprons used when needed or when required by your laboratory safety policy. Finally, ensure that all almacenamiento de sustancias peligrosas have complete, well-maintained labels and that safety data sheets (SDS) are readily available.
Avoid the following actions:
- Large, heavy containers or liquids should be stored on high shelves or in high cabinets. Instead, keep these at or below shoulder level.
- Bottles should not be stored on the floor unless they are in secondary containment.
- Chemicals should not be stored near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
- Chemical storage in fume hoods. Large containers obstruct air movement and hood function. Only chemicals in use should be present in the hood.
- Anything may be stored on top of cabinets. To avoid interference with the fire suppression system, keep at least 18 inches of space around all sprinkler heads.
- Using bench tops to store items. These work areas should only include chemicals that are actively in use.
- Indefinite storage of chemicals Powders cake or harden as a result of humidity. Chemicals that are liquid evaporate. When containers arrive at the lab, we highly advise that they be dated. Ensure that all manufacturers’ expiration dates are carefully adhered to. Check out almacenamiento de sustancias peligrosas
- Pay close attention to reactive or hazardous chemicals. Remove all obsolete, hardened, evaporated, or deteriorated materials as soon as possible.
Following these easy recommendations will put you well on your way to having an efficient, organized, and safe laboratory. Ignore them or disregard their applicability, and you may find yourself digging through ashes or ruins one day. Spend a few minutes going around the lab with this list on a regular basis, and you should be able to avoid any big chemical storage issues. Always priorities safety.