Chemical Segregation and Storage Chart

Information from Columbia University EHS website

Updated: 10/13/09

Class of Chemicals Recommended Storage Method Chemical Examples Incompatibles
See MSDS in All cases
Compressed Gases - Flammable Store in a cool, dry area, away from oxidizing gases. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. Methane, Acetylene, Propane Oxidizing and toxic compressed gases, oxidizing solids. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids*
Compressed Gases - Oxidizing Store in a cool, dry area, away from flammable gases and liquids. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. Oxygen, Chlorine, Bromine Flammable gases. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids*
Compressed Gases - Poisonous Store in a cool, dry area, away from flammable gases and liquids. Securely strap or chain cylinders to a wall or bench top. Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen sulfide Flammable and/or oxidizing gases. *Lecture-sized gas cylinders are not to be stored in cabinets with hazardous liquids*
Corrosives – Acids, Inorganic Store in a separate, lined/protected acid storage cabinet, or in deep corrosion-resistant spill trays. *Do Not store acids directly on metal shelves* Inorganic (mineral) acids - Hydrochloric acid, Hydrofluoric acid, Phosphoric acid, Sulfuric acid, Chromic acid, Nitric acid Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases, and oxidizers. Organic acids
Corrosives – Acids, Organic Store in a separate, lined/protected acid storage cabinet, or in deep corrosion-resistant spill trays. *Do Not store acids directly on metal shelves* Organic acids - Acetic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, Lactic acid, Oxaly Flammable liquids, flammable solids, bases, and oxidizers. Inorganic acids
Corrosives - Bases Store in a separate storage cabinet or segregate with a deep, corrosion-resistant spill tray. Ammonium hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide Flammable liquids, oxidizers, poisons, and acids.
Explosives Store in a secure location away from all other chemicals. Do not store in an area where they can fall. Ammonium Nitrate, Nitro Urea, Sodium amide, Trinitroaniline, Trinitroanisole, Trinitrobenzene, Trinitrophenol/Picric acid, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) All other chemicals. *Keep away from sources of ignition*
Flammable Liquids Store in a flammable storage cabinet. *Peroxide forming chemicals must be dated upon opening; e.g. Ether, Tetrahydrofuran, Dioxane* Acetone, Benzene, Diethyl ether, Methanol, Ethanol, Hexanes, Toluene Acids, bases, oxidizers, and poisons. *Keep away from sources of ignition*
Flammable Solids Store in a separate dry cool area away from oxidizers, corrosives. Phosphorus, Carbon, Charcoal Acids, bases, oxidizers, and poisons. *Keep away from sources of ignition*
Water Reactive Chemicals Store in a dry, cool location. Protect from water and the fire sprinkler system, if applicable. Label location "Water Reactive Chemicals" Sodium metal, Potassium metal, Lithium metal, Lithium Aluminium hydride, Sodium Hydride Separate from all aqueous solutions, and oxidizers.
Oxidizers Store in a deep spill containment tray inside a non-combustible cabinet, separate from flammable or combustible materials and reducing agents. Sodium hypochlorite, Benzoyl peroxide, Potassium permanganate, Potassium chlorate, Potassium dichromate. The following are generally considered oxidizing substances: Peroxides, Perchlorates, Chlorates, Nitrates, Bromates, Superoxides Separate from reducing agents, flammables, and combustibles and organic materials.
Reducing Agents Store in a deep spill containment tray inside a non-combustible cabinet, separate from oxidizers. Lithium Aluminum Hydride, Sodium amalgam, Sodium Borohydride, Diisobutyl Aluminum Hydride, Formic Acid, Oxalic Acid Oxidizers, Arsenic, Selenides
Poisons/Toxins Store separately in a vented, cool, dry, area in chemically resistant secondary containers. Cyanides, heavy metal compounds, i.e. Cadmium, Mercury, Osmium Flammable liquids, acids, bases, and oxidizers
General Chemicals, Non-reactive Store on general laboratory benches or shelving. Agar, Sodium chloride, Sodium bicarbonate, and most non-reactive salts See MSDS