Chemical Incompatibilities
Why is recognizing chemical incompatibilities so important? Storing incompatible chemicals together can result in harmful gases/vapors, heat, fire and explosions
Major groups of incompatibles Acids and bases Oxidizers and flammable liquids Water reactive and aqueous/corrosive materials Solution: segregation or secondary containment
Acids and Bases Acids Bases Nitric acid Sulfuric acid Phosphoric acid Hydrochloric acid Sodium hydroxide Potassium hydroxide Ammonium hydroxide Imidazole
Oxidizers and Flammables 30% (or greater) hydrogen peroxide Silver nitrate Ammonium persulfate Potassium permanganate Nitric acid Ethanol Glacial acetic acid Propanol Acetone Xylene Methanol
Water Reactive and Aqueous/Corrosive Sodium Lithium Lithium borohydride Sodium hydride Fuming nitric acid Concentrated sulfuric acid Concentrated phosphoric acid
Incompatible Chemical Storage Best option is in separate storage cabinets or shelves Secondary containment is the next best option
Incompatible Chemical Storage Includes refrigerators and other storage locations for chemicals
Chemical Storage Reminder Chemicals can expire (e.g. ethyl ether) Important to keep an eye on container Make note of date received Observe expiration dates
Can you spot the mistake?
Can you spot the mistake? Glacial Acetic Acid: flammable! Flammable liquid can’t be stored with acids (HCl) unless it’s in a secondary container
Can you spot the mistake?
Can you spot the mistake? Hydrogen Peroxide: oxidizer! Oxidizers and flammables stored in fridges/freezers must be in secondary containers