Environmental Health and Safety Update Chemical Storage System Overview The proper segregation and storage of chemical reagents is an important safety measure because the accidental mixing (i.e., leaking or broken containers) of incompatible chemicals may cause fires, explosions, or the production of toxic gases. However, knowing what chemicals are incompatible can be difficult and the proper organization can be time-consuming. Safe storage of chemicals begins with well-labeled containers and the separation of incompatible chemicals. To facilitate this process, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has implemented the Chemical Storage System. This system, which is integrated in the ChemTracker Chemical Inventory Database, defines 11 compatibility groups that enables users to safely organize and segregate chemicals with different or multiple hazards. A major advantage of using ChemTracker is that once a chemical is added to the inventory, ChemTracker will automatically identify the proper storage group for that chemical. ChemTracker can also be used to generate a Chemical Storage Group report for all chemicals in an inventory making segregation a simpler and more efficient process.

Applicability This Update is applicable to all areas (laboratories, clinics, service areas, mechanical rooms, or print shops) that store and/or use chemicals. The Chemical Storage System helps ensure that incompatible chemicals will not have the chance to react while they are being stored. This chemical storage system applies to all chemical storage. Working solutions that are less than 1 liter, non-toxic, and non-reactive are exempt from this requirement.

Responsibilities Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides in-field assistance and training on segregating chemicals wherever chemicals are used or stored upon request. Principal Investigators, Directors, Managers, and other chemical owners ensure all chemicals are segregated and stored in compatible groups. Chemical Users comply with the chemical storage practices of the work area and ensure that all chemical containers are returned to their proper location after use.

Procedures for Chemical Segregation Follow the steps below to segregate chemicals based on their storage groups: 1. Compatible Storage Groups:  The storage group determination of any material can be determined by referring to the chemical safety information available through ChemTracker or by referring to the “Hazards March 2013

Weill Cornell Medical College ▪ Environmental Health and Safety 402 East 67th Street, Room LA-0020 ▪ Phone 646-962-7233 ▪ FAX 646-962-0288 [email protected] ▪ http://weill.cornell.edu/ehs

EHS Update – Chemical Storage System

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Identification” and “Toxicological Information” sections of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS; formerly Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS). Storage groups are groups of chemicals that if stored together will not react violently if mixed. A storage group code (A-X) is automatically assigned to each chemical included in the ChemTracker Chemical Inventory System Database. Storage Group Codes are used for storing solids, liquids and gases. Chemicals with multiple hazards are stored according to the primary hazard. See Table 1 for the storage group codes, descriptions, and examples. Table 1

Code A B C D E F G J K L X

Storage Groups Compatible Organic Bases Compatible Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Materials Compatible Inorganic Bases Compatible Organic Acids Compatible Oxidizers including Peroxides Compatible Inorganic Acids not including Oxidizers or Combustibles Not Intrinsically Reactive or Flammable or Combustible Poison Compressed Gases Compatible Explosive or other highly unstable materials Non-Reactive Flammables and Combustibles, including solvents Incompatible with All Other Storage Groups

Examples BIS TRIS, Diethylamine, Imidazole, Triethanolamine Tert-Butyllithium, Sodium Borohydride, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide Acetic Acid , Maleic Acid Nitric Acid, Periodic Acid, Perchloric Acid, Potassium Permanganate Phosphoric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid Acrylamide, Sodium Bisulfate, Coomassie Blue, Sodium Chloride Ethylene Oxide, Hexafluoropropylene, Sulfur Dioxide, Trifluoromethyl Iodide Picric Acid Dry, Tetrazole, Ammonium Permanganate 1-Butanol , 1-Propanol, Acetic Anhydride , Acrolein, Formamide, Sigmacote, Sodium Azide , Picric Acid Moist, Arsine

2. Storage Group Update Report from ChemTracker Version 1: The Storage Group Update Report feature in the ChemTracker database allows the users to identify the different chemical storage groups for materials within their chemical inventory. Below are the steps to generate the Storage Group Update Report in ChemTracker Version 1: A. Login:  Go to the ChemTracker main page (www.weill.cornell.edu/ehs/chemtracker) and click on the link under reporting.  Login to ChemTracker Version 1 using your ChemTracker username and password . Make sure your browser is set to allow pop-up windows from the ChemTracker site. B. Select Inventory:  Under the Inventory tab, the ChemTracker Search Screen will open. Use the search criteria and run a query features to open the inventory you would like to generate a report for. C. Generate Report:  Once the inventory appears, select the “INVENTORY REPORTS” option.  Select the “Storage Group Update Report” and click “View Report” when the next window opens.

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EHS Update – Chemical Storage System 3. Chemical Storage and Segregation: Storage groups must be stored separately from each other. However, if space does not allow this, multiple groups can be stored on the same shelf or within the same storage cabinet if each group is segregated by secondary containment as outlined in the WCMC Compatible Storage Group Classification System diagram and general and storage group-specific requirements.

4. General Storage Requirements:  All chemicals must be clearly labeled.  Label the storage location with the assigned Storage Group.  Chemicals should not be stored above eye level.  No storage of chemicals, excluding standard detergents, under sinks.  Every chemical should have an identifiable storage place and should be returned to that location after each use.  Chemical storage in hoods should be minimized to avoid blocking rear baffles and interfering with airflow into the hood.  Large containers should be stored on lower levels. Liquid chemicals and toxic powders must not be stored on the floor. Page 3 of 6

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Larger chemical bottles should be stored towards the back and smaller bottles should be stored up front where they are visible. Chemical bottles should be turned with the labels facing out so they can be easily read. Chemical storage on bench tops should be minimized in order to reduce the amounts of chemicals unprotected from a potential fire and to prevent them from being easily knocked over. The FDNY sets chemical storage limits on the amount of flammable liquids, flammable gases, flammable solids, oxidizing materials, and reactive/unstable chemicals that may be stored in a laboratory. The storage limits are based on the fire rating of the lab and the presence of a sprinkler system. Lab Type

Fire Rating

Fire Protection

Flammable Liquids

Flammable Solids

Oxidizing Materials

Unstable and Reactive

I

2 hour

Sprinklers

30 gallons

15 lbs

50 lbs

12 lbs

II

1 hour

Sprinklers

25 gallons

10 lbs

40 lbs

6 lbs

III

2 hour

No sprinklers

20 gallons

6 lbs

30 lbs

3 lbs

IV

1 hour

No sprinklers

15 gallons

3 lbs

20 lbs

2 lbs

Flammable Gas Storage Limits Area of Laboratory in square feet

Up to 500 sq. ft.

Per additional 100 sq. ft.

Maximum per Laboratory Unit

Maximum Capacity in cubic feet (water container capacity)

9.24

1.54

15.4

5. Storage Group-Specific Requirements:  Flammable Storage (Group L) o The capacity of glass containers shall not exceed one (1) gallon. Metal containers are required for storage of flammable liquids exceeding one gallon. o Store flammables (Group L) in vented flammable cabinets whenever possible (e.g. under hoods). o Explosion-proof or flammable-proof refrigerators must be utilized when flammable liquids must be refrigerated. The use of standard refrigerators to store flammable liquids is prohibited. o Keep flammables away from all ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, direct sunlight and spark. o Flammable gases are prohibited from use or storage below grade. o Peroxide-forming chemicals are typically classified as Flammables (Group L). In addition to the flammable specific storage requirements, peroxide-forming chemicals must meet the following requirements: Page 4 of 6

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Write the date received, opened and expired on all containers. Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place. Do not store in direct sunlight as light can accelerate the chemical reactions that form peroxides. Never store peroxide formers in a freezer because a change from a solid to a liquid can cause detonation. Discard peroxide forming chemicals before the expiration date printed on the container label.

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Water-Reactive and Pyrophoric Chemicals (Group B) o Water reactive chemicals must be stored in a closed water-tight container and in a manner to prevent direct contact from water and fire sprinkler systems (i.e., not under sinks or on open shelving). They should be segregated from any corrosives and aqueous liquids. o The storage area for water-reactive chemicals must be labeled “Water-Reactive Chemicals.” o Prevent pyrophoric chemicals from contacting air by taking extreme care to prevent containers from leaking or breaking. For additional protection, consider keeping the chemicals in the manufacturer’s original shipping package (i.e., surrounded by vermiculite inside a metal can).

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Corrosive (Group A,C,D,F) o Store corrosive chemicals (Group A, C, D and F) in dedicated corrosion resistant and ventilated cabinets whenever possible. o Secondary containment must be used when storing acids on bare metal. o Organic acids (Group D), such as Acetic acid, Lactic acid, and Formic acid (Group D), are considered combustible and corrosive and can be stored in flammable storage cabinets. o Do not store acids near any cyanide or sulfide containing chemicals in order to prevent the generation of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen sulfide gases. o Do not store concentrated acids next to household bleach, as mixing will generate highly toxic chlorine gas. o Do not store concentrated acids next to window cleaner or ammonium hydroxide, as mixing will generate highly toxic chlorinated amine gases.

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Highly Toxic Chemicals (Group X) o Segregate highly toxic chemicals (Group X) from other hazard groups.

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Containers should be tightly sealed to minimize exposure to personnel and contamination of other chemicals.

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Maintain the lowest possible inventories of highly toxic chemicals.

Oxidizers (Group E) o Do not store oxidizing acids (Group E: such as perchloric acid, nitric acid) on wooden shelves or in cardboard boxes. o Segregate oxidizing acids (Group E) (nitric, perchloric, chromic acid, chromerge) from organic acids (acetic, formic, etc.) to prevent fires.

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EHS Update – Chemical Storage System 

Compressed Gas (Group E, G, L) o Limit the quantity of compressed gas cylinders on site to what will be used within a reasonable period of time. o Store cylinders upright and secure them with a chain, strap, or cable to a stationary building support (i.e., chain and hook) or to a cylinder cart to prevent cylinders from tipping or falling. o Store cylinders in a dry, well-ventilated area away from flames, sparks, or any source of heat or ignition. o Place cylinders in a location where they will not be subject to mechanical or physical damage, heat, or electrical circuits to prevent possible explosion or fire. o Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness or stored near salt or other corrosive chemicals or fumes. Corrosion may damage cylinders and cause their valve protection caps to stick. o Mark the cylinder storage areas with proper precautionary signs, such as “Storage of flammable, oxidizing, or toxic materials.” o Caps used for valve protection should be kept on the cylinders at all times, except when the cylinder is actually being used or charged. Cylinder valves should remain closed. o Segregate empty cylinders from full cylinders. o When empty cylinders are to be returned to the vendor, mark them “Empty”.

6. Training and Assistance: EHS is available to provide on-site assistance to all chemical users including ChemTracker user training and segregation/storage assistance. Contact EHS for any questions at 646-962-7233 or [email protected].

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