Chemical storage is the storage of controlled substances or hazardous materials in chemical stores, chemical storage cabinets, or similar devices.

Chemical storage devices are usually present where a workplace requires the use of non-hazardous and/or hazardous chemicals. Proper storage is imperative for the safety of, and access by, laboratory workers. Improper chemical storage can result in the creation of workplace safety hazards, including the presence of heat, fire, explosion and leakage of toxic gas.

Chemical storage cabinets are typically used to safely store small amounts of chemical substances within a workplace or laboratory for regular use. These cabinets are typically made from materials that are resistant to the chemicals stored in them and occasionally contain a bunded tray to capture spillage.

Chemical stores are warehouses commonly used by chemical or pharmaceutical companies to store bulk chemicals. In the US, the storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials must be disclosed to occupants under laws managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

For storage of larger quantities of flammable solvents, the heavy-duty Drum Safety Cabinet is available in many styles and sizes. Built to the same high standards as the smaller Classic Safety Cabinets, a reinforced liquid-tight sump contains spills. An array of drum accessories and equipment is available to ensure safety and convenience when storing and handling drums of hazardous materials.

Use these vertical drum safety cabinets to safely store 30- to 55-gallon (110- to 200-L) drums. The removable, adjustable, half-depth shelf provides enough head space to accommodate a drum with a pump or funnel so the cabinet can be used as a pumping or waste accumulation station, and also allows you to store Class III materials or spare accessories. Available with or without roller assemblies to easily move heavy drums.

FEATURES
All welded double wall 18 gauge construction with 1-1/2" Insulating air space. Double walled doas 18 gauge - except unique 14 gauge outer door(s). Doors have 56% more steel with safety rounded comers
2" leak proof sill to contain spillage.
4" heavy duty welded hinges wlh brass pins.
Twin 2" flame arrest vents and adjustable leveingfeet.
Galvanized steel shelves adjust on 2-1/2" centers.
Safety signage in large lettering.
Three point locking system with premium flush padde handles standard Chemical storage maximum. Class I & II 60 gals. Class III 120 gals.
Powder Coated Anish. FOB Shipping Point.

Proper room ventilation with adequate air exchanges will eliminate most unsafe chemical vapors. The only time a chemical storage cabinet should be ventilated is if the ventilation in the laboratory or chemical stores area is inadequate, or if state or local law requires cabinet ventilation.

Venting a chemical storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection. In fact, a vented cabinet could compromise the ability of the cabinet to protect its contents from a fire. Studies show that the interior temperature of a cabinet may increase dramatically when the cabinet is subjected to an external fire. In this situation, vapor from the hazardous chemicals in the cabinet may be released. If the integrity of the chemical storage cabinet is compromised because of the ventilation system, these hazardous fumes will escape from the cabinet and a very dangerous and devastating situation may occur. Therefore, it is recommended that storage cabinets, including acid storage and flammables storage cabinets, not be ventilated.

Due to chemicals' varying properties, many types of facilities are needed. Chemical storage facilities must be adequately maintained to prevent and mitigate their hazards. Accidental spillage or mixing of chemicals can be hazardous.

Shelving
Shelving must be stable, constructed of a material that is compatible with the chemicals stored on it, and not loaded beyond its rated capacity. It is recommended not to store heavy containers on the highest shelves. Storing chemicals under a sink is not recommended, with the exception of compatible cleaning agents and non-hazardous chemicals.

Cabinetry
Chemical storage cabinets are usually suited for specific classes of chemicals. Acid cabinets, for example, consist of corrosion-resistant materials and sealing to prevent the leakage of fumes. Some institutions recommend a tray to contain any spillage and regular checks for any sign of corrosion. Flammable solvent cabinets are produced from specialized wood or metal able to resist fire for at least 30 minutes. For example, a flammable liquid is any liquid that has a flash point lower than 93 °C (199 °F). Corrosive storage cabinets are designed for storing corrosive or oxidizing liquids. They contain a single-piece, leak-proof floor pan to contain spills, must be vented to the fume hood or the lab exhaust system, and their interior is constructed of corrosive-resistant materials. Wooden cabinets provide excellent strength for storing corrosives. Their laminate finish offers a high level of chemical durability.

Desiccation
Desiccation is a chemical storage technique used to maintain or to regulate humidity, usually to store moisture-sensitive chemicals. Desiccation is generally performed with a desiccator. Several types of desiccators are available, including standard, automatic, gas purge and vacuum desiccators.

Cold storage
Refrigerators and freezers can be used to store flammable and hazardous chemicals. In most situations, specialized laboratory refrigerators are used to ensure that the flash points of certain chemicals are not reached. For flammable chemicals, explosion-proof equipment must be used because conventional refrigerators have sources of ignition.