Acid storage cabinets are required in all environments where hazardous chemicals are handled and are most typically used to store small amounts of chemical substances in a laboratory or workplace for regular use.
Storing hazardous chemicals in the right way is imperative for the safety of laboratory technicians and other personnel in the workplace.
Laboratory Chemical Storage Guidelines
When hazardous substances are stored incorrectly, there is an immediate health and safety risk related to potential leakage of toxic fumes which, when combined with other factors such as heat or fire, can lead to explosion.
In addition, there are other health risks that come with the improper storage of harmful chemicals including inhalation of harmful gases which can cause serious, long-term health issues.
Here are some critical points regarding the safe storage of hazardous chemicals:
To prevent misidentification of substances, proper labelling is necessary. Labels must be easy to read and an accurate description of the substance should be visible
Chemicals should not be stored alphabetically but rather according to compatibility and reactivity to other substances. For example:
Acids and bases should be stored separately because they are incompatible
Potassium and sodium can be stored together as they carry no added threat should they come into contact with one another
Chemicals should be stored in cool areas, away from direct light, moisture or other direct heat sources
Chemical containers and cabinets should be checked regularly for damage or degradation
Amounts of stored chemicals should not exceed the limits set out in laboratory guidelines
Adequate ventilation is needed for chemicals that may release toxic, corrosive or flammable vapours or gases
Containers must be kept closed at all times
Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for each chemical in each store or laboratory must be kept at hand at all times
No chemicals must be stored in glass containers on the floor
Liquids and solids must not be stored together
Acid Storage Cabinet Requirements
Specific classes of chemicals require special types of storage. For example, acid storage cabinets are made from materials that are resistant to corrosion and have special seals to prevent the leakage of fumes from the cabinet.
Spillage trays are a common requirement for acid storage cabinets and must be checked regularly for corrosion or degradation.
These cabinets are specially designed for the safe storage of corrosive or oxidizing liquids and are generally fitted with a vent that attaches to the lab exhaust system or fume hood.
Vivid Air – Acid Storage Cabinets and Clean Air Equipment South Africa
We manufacture acid storage cabinets that are made from acid resistant reinforced plastic and fiberglass, ensuring safe storage and containment of acidic chemicals.
Our units are portable and easy to connect to the fume extraction cabinet if necessary. In addition, our acid storage cabinets are made with no joints or gaps in construction, making them highly effective in storing harmful chemicals in the safest way.
At Vivid Air, we take clean air seriously and, therefore, ensure all our equipment is manufactured to the highest standards, using only the best quality materials available.
To find out more about our acid storage cabinets, or for more information about our clean air equipment, please feel free to contact us.
