SAFE WORK PROCEDURE: LABORATORY CHEMICAL STORAGE · 2020-05-27 · A storage location should be designated in the laboratory/storage area for each hazard class with appropriate label

Mount Royal University: Safe Work Procedure

LABORATORY CHEMICAL STORAGE

Rev: FINAL Date: December 2018 Page: 1 of 12

Mount Royal University: Environmental Health & Safety The master document is controlled electronically. Printed copies of this document are not controlled. Document users are responsible for ensuring printed copies are valid prior to use. [MRU EH&S]

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE:


PREAMBLE

The Chemical Storage Procedures has been developed in order to minimize the risk of

accidental chemical reactions and exposure resulting from the improper storage of hazardous

chemicals. The chemical storage procedures have been developed by the Department of

Environmental Health & Safety in accordance with the University’s Policy Statement on Health

and Safety and to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.

SCOPE

This procedure applies to the entire Mount Royal community for activities performed by

University personnel.

APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulations and Code

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015

Hazardous Products Act (Federal)

The Alberta Fire Code (2014)

Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19

RESPONSIBILITIES

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Providing advice on chemical compatibility and storage.

Conducting periodic laboratory inspection ensuring compliance with the procedure and reviewing self-compliance audits.

Reviewing and updating this procedure as necessary.





MANAGERS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, SUPERVISORS

Ensure that pertinent supervisors, employees, and students are notified of their responsibilities as outlined in this SOP.

Ensure that procedures, equipment, and materials appropriate for the specific work locations under their authority are provided to protect the health and safety of all employees and students.

Ensuring employees that handle chemicals are made familiar with these procedures and segregate and store chemicals according to the procedure.

The supervisor must complete an Incident Report Form (found beside the First Aid Kit) and submit to Intelex within 24 hours of any incident requiring the evacuation of personnel, exposure to personnel, injury to and/or medical assistance was required for personnel.

STAFF AND STUDENTS

Follow the requirements of this SWP.

PROPER LABELLING

Labelling of chemicals used in labs is covered by the Hazardous Products Act of Canada,

Hazardous Products Regulations of Canada, and the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety

Act WHMIS 2015.

1. All chemicals must be labelled with either a WHMIS supplier label or WHMIS workplace

label.

2. Supplier labels that are WHMIS 2015 compatible contain the Product Identifier (name of

the product), Pictograms (symbols representing the hazard class), a signal word

(potential hazards and the severity of the hazard), Hazard Statements, Precautionary

Statements and Supplier Identifier (contact information for the manufacturer or importer).

3. Workplace labels are required when a controlled product is transferred from the

supplier’s container to a work site container and for on-site prepared solutions.

4. For materials transferred from the original supplier container, workplace labels must

include the product name to match the name on the SDS, information on how to use the

product safely and reference to the SDS for further information. The label should also

include the date, name, and phone number of the person who transferred or prepared

the material.

5. For on-site prepared solutions, a list of ingredients/concentrations must be listed.

6. Small containers (3 mL or less) should be labelled in some fashion or placed in a

secondary container that is properly labelled.





7. All samples must be labelled with sample description, generator’s name, and date. If the

sample is an “unknown” for a student lab it must have the course name and number, the

experiment number and the date prepared. It should also contain a code number that

can be used to identify the sample on a list kept by the instructor or laboratory

technician.

WASTE CONTAINER LABELLING

Waste bottles must be labelled in a manner which clearly identifies the contents and

approximate concentrations of the contents.

WHMIS pictograms can also be used to identify the hazards of the waste.

Avoid using acronyms on chemical and waste container labels

Read chemical labels and SDS for specific storage requirements (e.g. temperature sensitive,

light sensitive, air sensitive).

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be consulted to obtain information pertaining to the

chemical(s’) properties and safety protocols before beginning any work with the chemical(s).

SDS sheets can be obtained through the SDS binder storing the chemical, online, or the

Chemical Hazardous Inventory Management System, Chematix.

PRIMARY STORAGE

Chemicals must be stored in appropriate containers. Original containers shipped by the

manufacturer are usually the best container for storage. For prepared chemical solutions, know

the properties of the new mixture/solution to determine the appropriate storage container to use,

and label the container with a WHMIS workplace label as specified above.

Ensure all containers are properly sealed to minimize odor, personnel exposure and to prevent

reactions with other materials. Store chemicals in a cool well ventilated locations out of direct

sunlight. Do not store chemicals in fume hoods.

CONTAINER SIZE

Container volume restrictions are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Flammable Liquid Container Sizes

Type of Container

Maximum Volume

(L)

Comments

Glass 1 For Class I liquids (flashpoint less than 37.8℃).





The maximum container size used for organic chemicals or wastes is 4L. Containers up to 10 L

volume are used for aqueous solutions and aqueous waste.

Dispensing flammable liquids from larger than a 5L container is not permitted. Only approved

and trained staff at a designated safe, grounded room can decant containers greater than 5L

and up to 25L.

Keep volumes of chemicals purchased to a minimum. Minimizing quantities purchased to an

amount that will be used in a reasonable time (e.g. 1 year) reduces the purchase cost, reactivity

hazards, storage space, loss due to expired chemicals, and disposal cost of leftovers and

minimizes any negative impacts on the environment.

Please refer to the Chemical Inventory and Procurement procedure for more information.

SECONDARY STORAGE AND HAZARD SEGREGATION

Accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals can result in fire, explosion or release of corrosive

or toxic fumes into the laboratory. Incompatible materials should be segregated to minimize the

potential for mixing in case of accidental release.

Chemicals must be segregated and stored according to chemical compatibility. Never store

chemicals alphabetically, except within a compatible group.

Table 2 identifies groups into which chemicals should be segregated. Identify the primary or

most hazardous class. Often chemicals have multiple hazards and an informed decision must

be made as to which storage location would be most appropriate. Flammable, corrosive and

water reactive chemicals present the greatest hazards.

Each group of chemicals must be separated and stored away from the other groups by one or

more of the following methods:

1. Chemically resistant physical barrier (Cabinet dividers, shelves with spill containment, etc.).

2. Secondary containment (Separate bins, trays, buckets etc., large enough to contain the

material should a spill occur).

3. Distance (store incompatible chemicals far enough away to ensure no mixing could occur).

The type of barrier will depend on the chemical properties of the chemicals being segregated,

therefore consult the SDS. Sections 7 and 10 of the SDS list storage requirements, incompatible

chemicals and conditions to avoid.

Glass 5 For Class II and IIIA liquids (flashpoint greater than 37.8℃ and less than

93.3℃)

Plastic 25 Container constructed in accordance with CSA or ULC Standards

Metal 25 Container constructed in accordance with CSA or ULC Standards





CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA

Chemical storage areas should be well illuminated, cool, well ventilated, and away from sources

of heat and direct sunlight. Storage areas should be secured when not in use and only

accessible to authorized personnel. Highly hazardous materials should be under lock and key

The storage area should be separated from work areas and away from emergency exits. The

aisles shall be free from obstruction and other tripping hazards. Routine housekeeping to

minimize clutter is expected.

A storage location should be designated in the laboratory/storage area for each hazard class

with appropriate label or signage. A closable cabinet under the lab bench for each compatibility

group is the best place for storage of chemicals. Open shelving can also be used, however

shelves should have a raised lip to prevent bottles from sliding off. Avoid storage of chemicals

on bench tops. Such storage is more vulnerable to accidental breakage by laboratory,

housekeeping or other personnel. Store larger and/or heavier bottles of liquids as close to the

ground as possible.

Ensure all personnel are aware of the designated storage locations.

Appropriate spill control and fire protection equipment is readily available in or near the storage

area.

A comprehensive inventory of materials in storage and their amounts and locations should be

readily available to first responders.

The storage area and containers should be regularly inspected for signs of leaks, corrosion or

other damage. Report damaged containers for removal by the Chemical and Hazardous Waste

Management Technologist.

SHELF STORAGE

Shelving units should be securely fastened to the wall.

Shelves should be clean and free from chemical contamination.

Large or heavy bottles and containers should be stored on shelves no higher than waist

level.

The weight limit of the shelves shall not be exceeded.

Liquids require storage in secondary containment.

DO NOT

Store chemicals on the floor and in areas of traffic.

Store chemicals in laboratory fume hoods as they may impede the airflow.





Store chemicals near exits, heaters, ovens, under sinks or in direct sunlight.

Store chemicals in hard to reach areas.

SPECIALIZED STORAGE

Certain categories of chemicals must follow further requirements to ensure safe storage.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

Alberta Fire Code regulates the volume of flammable and combustible liquids allowed in

laboratories

o Open storage (stored in the lab outside of a flammable storage cabinet)

25 L of flammable

Up to 300 L of combustible

Combined total of 300 L

These are maximum amounts – volumes should be limited to a one-week

supply or a single container of each flammable or combustible liquid.

o Flammable storage cabinets

The maximum storage in a single cabinet is 500 litres, of which not more

than 250 litres can be flammable liquids.

Refrigerators and freezers for storing flammable materials must be rated as

“flammable material storage” or “explosion proof”

Flammable storage cabinets should be used for storage of flammable chemicals.

REFRIGERATED CHEMICALS

Refrigerators and freezers must be approved and labeled “Laboratory Safe” or “Explosion/

Intrinsically Safe” refrigerators/freezers MUST be used for the storage of ≤ 20% solutions of

flammable and combustible liquids. All refrigerators and freezers containing chemicals must

contain a “Caution Not Food” sticker. Non-explosion proof refrigerators/freezers used to store

non-flammable or non-combustible chemicals must contain a sticker stating “Not for Flammable

Storage”

The following are rules for the safe use of refrigerators and freezers:

Ensure that the chemicals stored in the refrigerator or freezer are compatible.

Corrosive materials are not to be stored in refrigerators and freezers.

All containers placed in a refrigerator or freezer should be completely sealed and safely

positioned.

Shelves in refrigerators and freezers should all have suitable plastic trays for secondary

containment. If plastic trays are not available, liquid chemicals should be placed in

secondary containers to contain the spill.





All items stored in a refrigerator or freezer must be appropriately dated and labelled.

Store only chemicals in amounts needed over a reasonable amount of time.

Remember that power outages and technology failures can cause internal temperatures

to rise, which can impact chemical contents and their stability. Be aware of unusual

odors, vapors, etc., when opening the refrigerator.

An inventory must be posted on refrigerator and freezer doors listing the contents and

owner of each chemical.

Refrigerators and freezers must be grounded and permanently installed; extension cords

are not to be used.

Refrigerators and freezers must be cleaned-out on a regular basis. Chemicals and

research samples with no anticipated further use must be disposed of rather than stored

indefinitely.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

These materials shall be stored in separate locations preferably within a locked cabinet.

Laboratory doors must remain closed and locked when not in use.

POTENTIAL EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS

Explosive chemicals must be stored separately from all other chemicals in a safe location.

Ensure laboratory personnel are aware of the location of these chemicals and proper handling

procedures. Mark chemicals with date of purchase, date opened and do not store longer than

the recommended storage period. Store in air tight containers away from sources of heat,

moisture, and light. Some chemicals not generally thought of as explosive can form explosive

peroxides when stored for prolonged periods and allowed to evaporate. These chemicals such

as ether and other compounds can then pose an explosion hazard.

Peroxide forming chemicals are a class of compounds that can form shock-sensitive explosive

peroxide crystals. Under normal storage conditions, peroxide forming chemicals have the

potential to form and accumulate peroxide crystals. Peroxide crystals can violently detonate

when subjected to mechanical shock, sparks or flame

Label all peroxide forming chemicals with:

Date of purchase

Date opened

Date of most recent test for peroxides





The following are rules for the safe use storage and use of peroxide forming chemicals:

Purchase in small quantities.

Maintain a detailed inventory.

Do not open a container that is more than 2 years old and not tested according to the

schedule.

Do not open a container that has crystals present on the cap or within the contents of the

container.

Do not store in the freezer.

Test for peroxide concentration according a schedule and/or on or before the expiration

date.

Storage times:

o Unopened from manufacturer - Up to 12 months or manufacturers expiration

date.

o Opened containers:

Class A – 3 months or manufacturers expiration date

Class B and D – 12 months or manufacturers expiration data

Class C Uninhibited – 24 hours

Class C Inhibited – 12 months or manufacturers expiration date.

Material can be used if concentration is less than 30 ppm, otherwise arrange for

disposal.

Peroxide concentration in any peroxide forming chemical that will be distilled or

concentration must be determined prior to use.

If old or dry looking chemicals with residue from this category of chemicals are noticed,

contact EHS for assistance. Do not attempt to open or move the chemicals.

PERCHLORIC ACID

Purchase of perchloric acid is prohibited at MRU.

PERCHLORATES

Organic perchlorates and many heavy metal perchlorates are very sensitive to both heat and

shock. Since anhydrous perchlorate salts are especially dangerous, the hydrated forms should

be used whenever possible. The use of perchlorate salts should be avoided completely if

suitable substitutes can be found.





1. Know the hazards! Consult your SDS to obtain the physical and chemical properties of your chemical. Identify the primary and if applicable secondary hazard class and determine the appropriate storage group listed in Table 2.

2. Ensure the chemical is stored in an appropriate primary container

3. Ensure the container is labeled and tightly sealed.

4. Use the appropriate secondary containment such as trays, separators or distance.

5. Place the container in the appropriate and labeled storage location ensuring that bottles are not crowded or close to the edge of a shelf where they can be knocked or pushed off.

Table 2. Chemical storage groups

The following table should only be used as a guideline. The ultimate responsibility for segregation and compatibility is the SDS provided by the supplier of the product. It is your responsibility to ensure it is consulted and understood prior to making decisions about the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals. The chemicals listed in the “Examples” and “Storage Requirements” section represent only a small portion of the chemicals that must be properly segregated. Consult your SDS in all cases to ensure incompatible materials are not stored together.

Chemical Storage Guide





Hazard Class

Color Group

TDG Class WHMIS Examples Storage Requirements

Acids, inorganic White

8

Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Nitric Acid

Store in cabinet of non-combustible material, preferably low on shelves.

Segregate oxidizing acids

Segregate perchloric acid and concentrated nitric acid from all others including each other.

Store organic acids, and mineral spirits separately or provide adequate segregation

Cabinet should be vented

Bases

White w/

black hash

marks 8

Ammonium Hydroxide, pyridine, Ammonium Chloride

Store in cabinet or shelving

General Storage Grey Not Regulated Refer to SDS Paraformaldehyde, cellulose, acrylamide, , enzymes, sucrose, salt

Store in cabinet or shelving Segregate organic oxidizers (Group E)

Flammable & Combustible

Liquids Red

3

Ethanol, methanol, hexane, diethyl ether, xylene, toluene, formalin Dimethylsulfoxide

See Section 6.1 for storage requirements, total volumes, bottle sizes permitted and other restrictions. See section 6.3 for storage in refrigerators





Organic Acids

8

Acetic Acid, Formic Acid, Butyric Acid

Flammables Can be Stored in: 1. Flammable storage cabinet 2. Open bench top, shelving 3. OFC Approved containers. I.e. 20L Flammable storage container with flame arrestor.

Store away from heat, open flames and sparks.

Keep segregated from Group E

Non-Flammable Solvents

Refer to SDS Refer to SDS

Carbon Tetrachloride, Ethylene Glycol

Oxidizers Yellow

5

Sodium hypochlorite, benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate, potassium chlorate, potassium dichromate, ammonium nitrate

Store in cabinet or shelving, separate from combustible and flammable materials and other reducing agents.

Toxic Blue

6

Mercury, cyanide, thiocyanates, ferrocyanates

See SDS for storage requirements. Ensure bottles are well sealed.

Reactive

Yellow w/

black hash

marks 4

Sodium Metal, potassium metal. Lithium metal, lithium aluminum hydride,

Store in cabinet, separate from all other chemicals, especially oxidizers, aqueous solutions and any sources of water or moisture. See SDS for storage requirements. Ensure bottles are well sealed.





DEFINITIONS

Combustible liquid: a liquid with a flashpoint between 37OC (100OF) and 93OC (200OF).

Kerosene and mineral spirits are examples of combustible liquids.

Employee: volunteers or individuals who are engaged to work for the University under an employment contract, including faculty, staff, exempt Employees, and Management Employees.

Flammable liquid: a liquid with a flashpoint below 37.80C (1000F). E.g. Gasoline

Flashpoint: the lowest temperature at which a flammable or combustible liquid gives off enough

vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air, since it is the vapor, not the liquid, which burns. The

lower the value, the more easily the material will burn. Hot combustible liquids can generate as

much flammable vapor as cold flammable liquids.

Oxidizer: oxygen or other substances capable of releasing oxygen. Generally, oxygen levels

above 16 percent in air are needed to support combustion. In oxygen rich environments (above

21 percent), burning will be intensified.

Student: any individual who maintains an affiliation as a learner in the University educational community. Students are not workers, but receive credit(s), grade(s) and fulfills tasks as a requirement of graduation. Work experience and Co-op students are treated as “workers”.

Supervisor: a person who has charge of a workplace, or authority over a worker.

University: Mount Royal University.

Worker: any paid or unpaid Employee or volunteer.

Revision History

Date: Revision: Notes:

December 2018 1.0 Laboratory Chemical Storage

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE: LABORATORY CHEMICAL STORAGE · 2020-05-27 · A storage location should be designated in the laboratory/storage area for each hazard class with appropriate label

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