What You Should Know About Storing Dangerous Chemicals
People need to store numerous chemicals that have various uses in everyday life. That is why understanding storage safety regulations and how to handle chemicals is an important thing for everyone to know. Here’s what you should learn about storing dangerous chemicals.
Storage Height
One of the most important elements in storing chemicals is keeping them in safe conditions. While it’s not possible to have a one-size-fits-all approach for storing every chemical, storing things below eye level is generally a good practice. This way, you can easily monitor the chemicals and reach them safely. Additionally, you lower the risk of the substances spilling on you from overhead.
Wearing PPE
Personal protective equipment is a must when dealing with any dangerous chemical. You shouldn’t touch any chemical unless you’re wearing the proper gear. Avoid purchasing substances you don’t have the appropriate equipment to handle, and don’t handle chemicals until you have the right PPE to do so.
Get a Tank
If you must store large quantities of liquid chemicals, a storage container can be an invaluable asset. Many hazardous substances may leak or escape a container that’s not designed to handle the chemical’s unique properties. While some tanks are great for storing chemicals, and this is one of the common applications of polypropylene tanks, you should be careful and double-check the safety of your tanks before storing any chemicals.
Each Chemical Is Unique
While these rules are good for most chemicals, you should never treat two chemicals exactly the same. Every chemical is unique and will need its own storage conditions to be safe. For example, some substances need refrigeration, while others need dark and dry conditions. The right storage method depends on the specific chemical that you’re dealing with.
The most important thing to take away from this lesson on storing dangerous chemicals is to research your specific chemical. While you can do certain things to decrease your risks when handling chemicals, you need to approach each material as its own unique challenge.
