Chemical storage requirements: the foundation of chemical safety
Chemical storage requirements are more than “keeping containers on a shelf.” They’re a core part of chemical safety because improper storage can lead to fires, toxic releases, incompatible reactions, employee exposure, and regulatory violations. A practical chemical storage guide starts with understanding what you have, where it is, and what hazards it presents—information that comes directly from Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and container labels.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to maintain SDSs, ensure proper labeling, and train employees on chemical hazards. While HazCom doesn’t prescribe every storage detail, it sets the expectation that you identify hazards and control risks—storage is one of the most important controls.
If employees can’t quickly access the correct SDS, they can’t verify how chemicals should be stored, what incompatibilities exist, or what to do in an emergency.
What OSHA expects and why SDSs matter for chemical storage
To meet chemical storage requirements, you need to align your storage practices with the hazard information in each SDS (especially Sections 7, 8, 10, and 13). Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), you must have an SDS for each hazardous chemical and ensure it is readily accessible to employees in their work area.
How chemicals should be stored: start with SDS Section 7
SDS Section 7 (Handling and Storage) typically provides chemical storage guidelines such as:
- Recommended temperature/humidity ranges
- Ventilation needs (e.g., local exhaust)
- Light sensitivity (e.g., store away from sunlight)
- Whether the product requires segregation or special cabinets
- Container requirements (e.g., keep tightly closed, store upright)
A centralized SDS platform like SwiftSDS makes it easier to standardize these instructions across departments by keeping the most current SDSs in a single, searchable library—critical when products change or new chemicals arrive.
Core chemical storage guidelines every facility should implement
These principles apply in most workplaces, but always confirm specifics in the SDS and any applicable fire code requirements.
Keep chemicals in properly labeled containers
OSHA HazCom requires container labels to include key hazard information. Ensure:
- Original manufacturer labels remain intact when feasible
- Secondary containers are labeled per your workplace labeling system (aligned with HazCom)
- Containers are closed when not in use to prevent spills and vapor release
Labeling and storage go hand in hand: an unlabeled bottle stored in the wrong area is a common root cause of incidents.
Store by compatibility, not by alphabet
One of the most important chemical storage requirements is segregation of incompatibles. Alphabetical storage can place reactive materials together.
Common incompatibility examples (always verify with the SDS):
- Acids away from bases
- Oxidizers away from organics/flammables
- Water-reactive materials away from sinks, sprinklers, and humid areas
- Cyanides away from acids (to prevent toxic gas generation)
A practical chemical storage guide typically includes a compatibility chart and clear shelf labeling so employees can quickly put materials in the right location.
Control ignition sources and store flammables correctly
Flammable liquids and aerosols require added controls. OSHA’s flammable and combustible liquids standard 29 CFR 1910.106 addresses storage and handling safeguards.
Best practices include:
- Use approved flammable storage cabinets when quantities or hazards warrant
- Keep flammables away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot work
- Bond/ground containers during transfer when static ignition is a concern
- Store only necessary day-to-day quantities in work areas
Provide ventilation and secondary containment where needed
Many chemicals release vapors, corrode containers, or cause harm if spilled. Chemical storage requirements often include:
- Ventilated storage (when indicated by the SDS or risk assessment)
- Spill trays or secondary containment for liquids
- Corrosion-resistant shelving for acids/caustics
- Leak checks and container integrity inspections
Secondary containment is also a practical way to prevent minor leaks from becoming reportable spills and to reduce slip hazards.
Manage temperature, sunlight, and pressure risks
Some products degrade, polymerize, or build pressure when exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Follow SDS instructions for:
- Refrigerated storage (using appropriate, explosion-safe equipment if required)
- Maximum storage temperatures
- Protecting light-sensitive chemicals (amber bottles, closed cabinets)
- Keeping incompatible compressed gases separated and secured
Secure storage areas and limit access
Chemical storage is safer when access is controlled and the area is organized:
- Restrict high-hazard chemicals to trained/authorized employees
- Post hazard signage and emergency contact info
- Keep aisles clear and maintain good housekeeping
- Store heavy containers on lower shelves to reduce drop injuries
A step-by-step chemical storage guide for building or improving your program
If you’re updating storage rooms, adding new products, or preparing for an audit, use this workflow to align practice with policy.
1) Create (or update) a chemical inventory
A current inventory is a cornerstone of compliance and safe storage. Include:
- Product name and manufacturer
- Location(s) and typical quantity
- Container size/type
- Receipt date and expiration date (if applicable)
SwiftSDS supports chemical inventory management so you can track locations, quantities, and expiration dates—helping prevent forgotten containers from becoming unstable or noncompliant.
2) Verify SDS availability and currency
Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), employees must have ready access to SDSs. Practical tips:
- Ensure every inventory item has an SDS
- Replace outdated SDSs when suppliers issue revisions
- Provide access on mobile devices for quick retrieval in storage areas
SwiftSDS provides mobile access so workers can pull up SDS storage instructions instantly—especially useful in warehouses, maintenance shops, and remote work areas.
3) Classify storage groups and map locations
Use SDS hazard information to define storage zones (example groups):
- Flammables/combustibles
- Oxidizers
- Corrosive acids
- Corrosive bases
- Toxics
- Water-reactives
- Compressed gases
Then label shelves and cabinets accordingly. Mapping locations to the inventory makes it easier to keep chemicals from “migrating” into the wrong areas over time.
4) Train employees on chemical storage requirements
OSHA HazCom 29 CFR 1910.1200(h) requires training on hazardous chemicals in the work area. Storage training should cover:
- How to read SDS Section 7 and Section 10 (stability/reactivity)
- Compatibility rules and segregation layout
- What to do if a container is leaking, bulging, or unlabeled
- Spill response basics and required PPE (SDS Section 8)
5) Inspect and audit regularly
Make chemical storage guidelines “real” through routine checks:
- Weekly/monthly walk-throughs of storage areas
- Verify labels are legible and containers are closed
- Check expiration dates and peroxide formers (as applicable)
- Confirm flammable cabinet use and housekeeping
Documenting these inspections helps demonstrate due diligence during internal reviews and regulatory inspections.
Common chemical storage mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Even mature programs can slip. Watch for these frequent gaps:
- Storing by alphabet instead of compatibility
- Keeping excess quantities in work areas
- Using food refrigerators for chemical storage
- Missing SDSs or relying on outdated paper binders
- Unlabeled secondary containers and “mystery bottles”
- Storing liquids without spill containment near drains
The fastest way to reduce these issues is to connect the inventory to the SDS and make it easy for employees to check storage instructions at the point of use—exactly where a system like SwiftSDS helps.
Make chemical storage safer and simpler with SwiftSDS
Chemical storage requirements are easiest to meet when storage decisions are based on accurate hazard data and everyone can access the same information. SwiftSDS helps you:
- Maintain a centralized SDS library for fast retrieval
- Support OSHA HazCom compliance (29 CFR 1910.1200) by improving SDS access and consistency
- Track chemical locations, quantities, and expiration dates to reduce storage risk
- Enable mobile SDS access for storage rooms, warehouses, and field teams
Ready to strengthen your chemical storage program and simplify SDS management? Explore SwiftSDS and build a safer, more compliant workplace today.