This is how I have started storing our stock of wet and dry chemicals. Most labs have an abundance of both dry and wet chemicals that must be kept for reagent solutions, media mixes, pH calibration and other. Depending on the size of the lab, chemicals might be stored inside of specially designed cabinets that are prevent accidental spills. Sometimes the chemicals will be put on a shelf, countertop, refrigerator or freezer. This is an issue in most of the clinical, research and academic laboratories I have worked in and may be for many others. Over the years and out of want to be safe, I have designed a suitable solution for storing both wet and dry chemicals that is safe for everyone to use.
Chemicals can be hazardous if they leak, spill or come in contact with other non-compatible chemicals. Therefore is it the duty of someone who cares to make sure this never happens. For instance, I take chemicals very seriously, not because my mother was a chemist for so many years that she lost her sense of smell but because I was a victim of a small histology company and its lack of safety procedures.
The chemical storage protocol here has been modified from a hazardous waste guideline. This guideline provides details of specific chemicals that can and cannot go together as a waste stream. Therefore I conclude that these chemicals should also be stored in the same way. There are some obvious conditions I would like to point out anyway. Flammable cabinets should be used, not only for your sake, but for the firemen who might come to rescue you. This tells everyone to beware. This also goes for acid and base cabinets. I feel these are necessary for the Modern laboratory. Acids and bases do not go together, obviously. Secondary containers are helpful when space is limited and chemicals must be stored close together. The container would contain a spill or leak from reaching other non-compatible chemicals.
The chemical chart breaks down what chemical can and cannot be stored together, essentially making safety a top priority. The PDF of the chart is below and will also be placed in the protocols page.
I hope this helps.
How do you store chemicals in your lab?