How To Store Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals can be anything from harmful acids, to arts and craft materials. Whether at work or home they can cause harm to both adults and children if not stored correctly in a safe and practical manner. Correct storage will greatly reduce the risk of accidents involving any form of hazardous chemicals or material.

Ignitable, Corrosive & Toxic Materials

If a substance is corrosive, ignitable, toxic or reactive then the chemical is classed as hazardous. It may come as a shock, but most household products will actually come under this category. Anything from anti-freeze to insecticides must be stored correctly. Follow the instructions below to ensure that you are storing hazardous substances in the safest possible way.

1.       Check the Label

Read the storage instructions on the reverse. It’s amazing how many people actually fail to do this. The requirements for the chemical in question will be displayed on the back. Many will instruct you to keep out of direct sunlight and away from electronic devices.

2.       Wear Protection

When dealing with chemicals we recommend that you wear protective gloves. We supply a vast range of nitrile gloves which are disposable yet resistant to many oils, solvents and acids. They are a good alternative if you suffer from latex allergies.

3.       Keep in Ventilated Areas

Substances like turpentine, white spirit and antifreeze can severely harm humans and produce a very unpleasant smell. It is therefore important that they are kept in well-ventilated areas -This will provide protection – especially if there is a leakage.

4.       Store at Safe Temperature

It is imperative that flammable products are kept at the recommended temperature range. If the temperature is too high the containers can bulge and burst or even ignite. If kept in too low at emperature materials can freeze, expand and explode releasing the harmful substance.

5.       Keep Liquid in Original Container

Always keep the substance in the container that it arrived in. The manufacturer will have designed packaging of the safest possible standard.

6.       Keep Away from Children

Ensure all products are stored out of reach from children; cleaning materials such as bleach can be fatal if ingested. Choose products with child safe lids to ensure optimum protection.

Following these steps will provide a safer environment. Hazardous chemicals can be extremely harmful to the skin or even fatal to humans if stored in correctly.

At The Glove Club, we supply a vast range of plastic disposable gloves that are suitable for people who suffer from latex allergies. For more information please get in contact with our team who will be more than happy to help. Please call 0500 456 832 to talk to someone today.