When stored too closely together, incompatible chemicals can cause dangerous reactions. This can result in fires, explosions, and toxic releases.
Incompatible chemicals should be stored at least 3 meters apart and at least 5 meters apart from each other.
Chlorine
Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools and other leisure facilities to remove bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. It should not be stored in containers that are filled with ammonia, benzene, hydrogen, and other petroleum gases.
Acetone
Acetone is commonly used to clean down industrial surfaces. It should not be stored in chemical stores that contain other harmful compounds.
Iodine
Iodine is a chemical used in various facilities such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Its primary purpose is to test for the presence of starch.
H20 (Water)
Water is a compound of two chemicals – hydrogen and oxygen. In most cases, hydrogen and oxygen are used as a substance in the environment. However, some incompatible chemicals can be found in water. Some of these include but are not limited to: acetyl chloride, alkaline and/or alkaline earth metals, barium, peroxide, carbides, phosphorous oxychloride, and sulfur trioxide.
Caustic Soda
This chemical is commonly used in farming and household cleaning. It is not stored near any chemical acid and should not be used in a chemical store.\
Nitric Acid
This chemical is commonly used in various industrial and chemical laboratories to produce various chemicals, such as metal etch and explosives. It should be stored away from flammable substances such as acetone, alcohol, and acetic acid.
Hydrogen Peroxide
In the household, hydrogen peroxide is used as a cleaner and a treatment for wounds. It is also used as a bleaching agent in various industries. Never store hydrogen peroxide with metals or chemicals that contain copper, chromium, iron, or other harmful substances.
Zinc Powder
This substance is commonly used in the production of various products such as paint, cosmetics, and batteries. Zinc powder should not be stored near sulphur.
Mercury
Mercury is used in various products such as thermometers and dental amalgams. It is also used as compounds for developing certain medicines. Mercury should never be stored near acetylene, fulminic acid and ammonia.
Oxygen
It is commonly used in metal cutting to enable oxy-acetylene welding. It is also used to make steel ores into steel. This compound is used in various industrial and medical applications. It can be stored away from flammable liquids and solid gases.
Safe Storage of Chemicals
This list is not a complete list of the most commonly used chemicals. It only covers some of the most commonly used ones. You should also follow local regulations and codes when it comes to storing flammable materials.
This post was originally published on Safety Storage Systems
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