Hazardous Waste Storage Compatability Briefs
Keep the following rules in mind when storing and using chemicals.
In general:
- Segregate REACTIVES from IGNITABLES
- Segregate ACIDS from CAUSTICS
- Segregate CORROSIVES from FLAMMABLES
- Segregate strong OXIDIZERS from EVERYTHING
- Most ORGANIC REACTIVES must be segregated from INORGANIC REACTIVES (metals)
Some hazardous combinations:
- Acid + Oil or Grease = Fire
- Flammable Liquid + Hydrogen Peroxide = Fire/Explosion
- Acid + Caustic = Heat/Spattering
- Aluminum Powder + Ammonium Nitrate = Explosion
- Caustics + Epoxies = Extreme Heat
- Sodium Cyanide + Sulfuric Acid = Lethal Hydrogen Cyanide
- Chlorine Gas + Acetylene = Explosion
- Ammonia + Bleach (or other Chlorine source) = Toxic Chloramine (i.e., Mustard Gas)
Source: November/December 2001 Laboratory Safety & Environmental Management
