Chemicals must always be stored in a safe place with chemicals of a similar type. You should never store chemicals with food items.
Most chemicals will belong to a specific category and you need to make sure that only chemicals from the same category are stored together. If you're not sure what category a chemical belongs to, always check its label, or refer to its MSDS.
Categories might include:
Flammable chemicals
Chemicals such as methanol, ethanol and kerosene are very flammable and need to be kept away from heat and substances that might cause them to ignite or explode. In most workplaces, flammable chemicals are stored in a special cupboard or cabinet that has been specially designed for them.
Oxidising substances
Oxidising chemicals quickly and easily react with other chemicals. Because of this, they should only be stored with other oxidising chemicals.
Corrosive chemicals
Chemicals such as acids can corrode substances. They can also react violently and explosively if they come into contact with other types of chemicals.
Toxic chemicals
These chemicals are poisonous and can kill you if they come into contact with your skin, if you accidentally breathe them in, or if you accidentally swallow them.
Many chemicals come with a 'Use by' date. After this date, the chemical will lose its strength. Make sure you check the 'Use by' date of chemicals before using them to find out if the chemical will still work.
A good chemical storage area should have:
good ventilation (vents in the walls, ceiling, or open windows) to keep the store cool and prevent the build-up of fumes or gases
solid walls and roof to protect the contents of the store from wind and rain
solid and waterproof floor so that spills don't soak into the earth and pests can't dig their way in
good lighting so you can see what you're doing in the store
shelves or cabinets for storing items that should not be stored together
cloth and sponges nearby to clean up spills
a water supply and hose nearby for clean up
personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons and respirators outside so that these can be worn before you enter the store
