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OSHA chemical storage requirements are essential for any company, laboratory or manufacturing facility working with hazardous materials. Specific federal regulations require safe chemical storage to protect humans, animals, property, and the environment. Hazardous materials, including biological, chemical and radiological substances, can threaten health and safety if they leak or spill from their primary storage container.
Regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set strict regulations for chemical storage.
According to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), a hazardous chemical is any chemical that can cause a physical or health hazard. This determination is made by the chemical manufacturer, as described in 29 CFR 1910.1200(d).
Examples of hazardous materials include:
Improperly transporting or containing chemicals can cause injuries. According to OSHA guidelines, workers should be aware of unsafe practices, such as improper handling and unhealthy situations. Hazardous chemicals pose health and safety risks even when workers are not transporting them.
OSHA’s chemical storage requirements include the following basic legal guidelines:
OSHA recommends workers follow certain steps to prevent hazards when storing chemicals1:
It’s important to understand chemical reactions and the risks involved with chemical containment. If you need to store chemicals in a small space, academic laboratory or stockroom, avoid storing chemicals on the floor or within close proximity to incompatible materials.
EPA and OSHA chemical storage requirements specify the need for secondary containment, which provides a backup containment method to prevent hazardous spills in the event a primary containment method fails.
Store liquids in unbreakable packaging located inside a form of secondary containment, such as a chemical storage cabinet. According to OSHA secondary containment requirements, a secondary container must be provided when the capacity of an individual primary container exceeds 55 gallons or when the aggregate total of multiple containers exceeds 100 gallons. Use clear labeling and secure the secondary containment method to prevent unauthorized access.
Storing incompatible chemicals too close together can create a dangerous fire, explosion or toxic release. Here are five common chemicals and their incompatible counterparts.
More information about OSHA chemical storage, including details about incompatible chemical storage, are available in their Safety Data Sheets.
Yes. According to OSHA’s HCS, employers must make a chemical inventory list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Inventory lists ensure employees have access to chemical property information, first aid instructions, emergency procedures and disposal practices.
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Sources:
1 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2236.pdf
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