Rather than alphabetical storage, chemicals should always be stored according to their compatibility and hazard classes. Hazards of storing incompatible chemicals together can include: fires, explosion, generation of toxic gases and vapors, formation of toxic compounds, formation of friction-sensitive compounds, and violent polymerization. The following table based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Transportation is a good quick reference:
Segregation of different chemical hazard classes (such as acids and bases) can occur in the same cabinet as long as there is some form of physical separation, such as using trays with high sides or deep trays. However, NEVER store oxidizers and flammables in the same location and never store corrosives in flammable storage cabinets, which can result in serious degradation of the storage cabinets.
It is good lab practice to date and initial all chemical containers when they arrive.
Empty chemical containers not considered to be Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) should be rinsed SIX times with tap water, dried, and stored for pick up by AL’s Chemical Hygiene Officer so that it may be removed from our chemical inventory. Containers that held PSH’s should be reserved for disposal as hazardous waste.