STORAGE & HANDLING

ENGR. CHRISTINE MARIE L. PANGINDIAN

Senior Industrial Hygienist
Environment Control Division
Session Objectives

At the end of the lecture, the participants

would be able to know :
• the basic considerations of safe
storage of chemicals

• the precautionary measures in

handling chemicals

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Chemical Handling

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 What do we need to know on
safety in handling of chemicals?

• Safety : User is potentially exposed to

the chemical
• Risk / Consequences of lack of safety in
the use of chemicals
• Where is the chemical used/handled?
• Frequency / Quantity of Use
• How is the chemical used? Purpose

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 Precautions Before Handling
and Use of Chemicals
• Read & understand instructions on labels,
SDS & any information provided with the
chemical.
Note: When in doubt, ask assistance from Safety,
Health and Environment personnel or supervisor.
• User has received training
• Ensure that protective measures such as
local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or shielding
are present & functioning properly.

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 Precautions Before Handling
and Use of Chemicals
 Control the area where chemical will be used for
hazards that may pose a risk such as liquid or
gas & remove it before using the chemical.
 The integrity of any packaging & or transfer
containers should be assured.
 Check for availability of personal protective
equipment (PPE) & other safety equipment.
 Ensure that the emergency equipment is ready &
available and in good working order.

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 Precautions when handling
chemicals:
• Do NOT work alone. If you must work alone, notify
someone as to where you will be and when.
• Keep your hands and face clean. Wash thoroughly
with soap and water after handling any chemical
and whenever you leave the workplace.
• Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Keep
chemicals off your hands, face and clothing,
including shoes. Use appropriate PPE
• Smoking, drinking, eating and the application of
cosmetics is forbidden in areas where hazardous
chemicals are used or stored.
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 Precautions when handling
chemicals:
• Always use chemicals with adequate ventilation
or in a chemical fume hood. Refer to the SDS
and the Standard Operating Procedure to
determine what type of ventilation is needed.

• Use hazardous chemicals only as directed and

for their intended purpose.

• Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage

before adding a hazardous chemical. Do not
use damaged equipment.
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 Precautions when handling
chemicals:

Never use mouth suction to fill a pipette. Use a

pipette bulb or other pipette-filling device.

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 Precautions when handling
chemicals:
Electrically ground containers using approved
methods before transferring or dispensing a
flammable liquid from a large container.

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Chemical Storage

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 What are the reasons for proper
storage?
• To provide for effective management of
chemicals.
• To lessen the risk of fire and explosion.
• To prevent accidental mixing in
emergencies.
• To prevent unauthorized access to the
stored materials and minimize workers’
exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• To meet the requirement of codes and
standards and regulations.
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How do you store your
chemicals?

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 What are the general
considerations for storage?
1. Chemical Identification
2. Separation, Segregation and Isolation
3. Storage Facilities, Shelves and Containers
4. Ventilation
5. Access and Egress

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 1. Chemical Identification

• Check Labels
• Post Safety Data
Sheet (SDS)
• Update Inventory

Remember:
Knowledge about the chemical, sources of
information and emergency measures are best
obtained before an emergency occurs.
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 Chemical Labels
• Periodic inventories shall be conducted regularly*
• Proper labeling in accordance with the GHS must
be observed at all times*
• GHS compliant (Hazard pictograms)
• Keep chemical labels in good condition. Labels on
chemical containers are not to be removed or
altered. The labels serve as an important tool in
hazard communication.

*DO 136-14 Department of Labor and Employment

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 Chemical Labels
• Chemicals should be dated
 Date received
 Date opened
 Date prepared + name of Lab Analyst

• Three levels of complexity to labeling:

 original container
 secondary transfer containers, and
 small container (vials, flask, and beakers) for
immediate, same-day use.

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 Safety Data Sheets
• GHS Format 8. Exposure Control and
• Contents Personal protection
1. Identification of the 9. Physical and chemical
Chemicals properties
2. Hazards identification 10. Stability and reactivity
3. Composition/Information on 11. Toxicological
ingredients information
4. First-aid measures 12. Ecological information
5. Fire fighting measures 13. Disposal
6. Accidental release considerations
measures 14. Transport information
7. Handling and storage 15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
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 2. Separation, Segregation and
Isolation
Factors to consider:
• Quantity of chemicals for storage
• Size and resistance of containers
• Severity of hazards
• Reactivity of chemicals
 List of Incompatibility of Chemicals
 SDS
 Chemical Segregation and Storage Table*
https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Documents/General_Chemical_Storage_Compatibility_Chart
.pdf

*National Research Council 1995, University of Texas/Health Science at Houston and Boston University, EHS, adapted
from prudent Practices in the Lab

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2. Separation, Segregation and
Isolation

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 Chemicals with Multiple
Hazards
• Many chemicals belong to more than
one chemical family or hazard class.
• In this case, all storage rules must be
strictly observed.
• For example, acetic acid is both a
corrosive acid and combustible liquid
Corrosive acid – incompatible with – corrosive bases (NaOH)
Combustible liquid – incompatible with – oxidizing acid (HNO3)

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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
• Chemicals shall be segregated and stored
according to its hazard classification and
compatibility - NOT alphabetically
• No hazardous chemicals above eye level
• Chemicals shall not be placed directly on the floor,
secondary containment shall be provided
• Quantities of chemicals to be stored shall be kept
to the minimum amount*

*DO 136-14 Department of Labor and Employment

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 Incompatible Chemicals
• Strong acids and strong alkaline or
bases
• Flammables and oxidizers
• Acids and cyanides
• Organic solvents and corrosives
• Corrosives and other reactive
materials

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 Incompatible Chemicals*

Organic Chemicals
Inorganic Acids
Organic acids

Inorganic Chemicals
Alkali Oxidizing Acids
Reducing Agents

Chemicals of the type within each box can be

stored together
*ITDI, DOST Department of Labor and Employment
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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
• Bulk quantities of chemicals (i.e. larger than one
gallon) must be stored in a separate storage
area. Transfer of flammable liquid from 5 gallon
or larger metal containers may not be done in
the laboratory.
• Chemicals should not be stored near heat or
ignition sources such as steam pipes, ovens or
other heating equipment
• Chemicals should never be stored in direct
sunlight.

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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
• Chemicals should be stored in a dry place and
protected against moisture
• Keep containers closed when not in use
• Work near eyewash and emergency shower

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General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .

• Chemicals should not be

stored on the bench tops.
Each chemical should
have a specific storage
area and be returned there
after use.

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 3. Storage Facilities, Shelves
and Containers
Storage facilities:
• Each establishment should have adequate,
well-ventilated storage space for chemicals and
properly segregate chemicals in accordance
with its physical hazard criteria and storage
requirements as stated in the SDS*

*DO 136-14 Department of Labor and Employment

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 3. Storage Facilities, Shelves
and Containers
Storage facilities:
• Chemical storage inside production areas
and/or laboratories should be limited to those
chemicals and quantities necessary to
complete task requirements.
• Central chemical storage areas (e.g., rooms)
require specific design and equipment such as
construction materials, lighting, ventilation, fire
extinguishers, and housekeeping procedures
such as aisle space.

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 Storage Facilities
• The facility must have the means of
controlling a spillage.
 may be an impervious sill or low bund,
typically 150 mm high and big enough to
hold 110% of the contents of the largest
container;
 remote sump or separator.;
 Spill kits or absorbent granules or pads
• Storage surface or floor must be sloped so that
any spillage does not accumulate around the
containers but can drain to a collection / spill
control area.
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The floor should be impermeable and
inert with respect to the liquids stored.

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The facility should have a lightweight roof or wall
panel to act as explosion relief, provided the relief
can vent to a safe place.

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 Storage shelves / cabinets

Storage shelves must:

• have a raised edge,
chain, or guard rail to
prevent containers from
dislodging or falling.
• be securely fastened to
wall or floor.

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 Cabinet areas are to be marked with the
general class of chemical stored, and any
other pertinent warnings.

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Heavy and large containers are to be placed on
bottom shelves or lower shelves.

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 Storage Container
• All toxic substances should be procured with
consultation with the safety and health committee. No
container shall be accepted without an adequate
identifying GHS label and having an SDS supplied with
the container*
• Stored chemicals should be examined periodically for
replacement, deterioration and container integrity.
Storage temperature, humidity and ventilation
requirements as stated in the SDS should be followed*

*DO 136-14 Department of Labor and Employment

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 Storage Container

• The container size of frequently used

chemicals should be limited to smaller
sizes with minimum amount.
• Chemicals are kept in air-tight bottles,
not in beakers or open vessels.
• Regularly inspected for damage or
leaks.

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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
• Visual inspection of the material and its
container should be conducted
routinely.
• Indications for disposal include:
 Cloudiness in liquids
 Material changing color
 Evidence of liquids in solids or solids
in liquids
 Damage to the container
 Leaks
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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
Indications for disposal include:
 Pressure build-up within the bottle
 Obvious deterioration of container
 Corroded lids
 Spotting / discoloration of solids
 Caking of anhydrous materials

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 4. Ventilation

• Ventilation is needed for chemicals and

containers that may release dangerous or
damaging quantities of vapor or gases that
are flammable, corrosive, irritating or toxic
or with annoying odors. (Dilution
Ventilation)

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General or Dilution Ventilation

1. Natural 2. Mechanical
Ventilation Ventilation
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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .

• Fume hoods should

not be used as a
general storage
area for chemicals.
This may seriously
impair the
ventilating capacity
of the hood.

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 5. Access and Egress

• Quick access and egress shall be

provided for all storage facilities.
• A storage plan for all storage
facilities should be considered.
• There should be evacuation and
emergency procedures to be
followed in case of leak, spill or
fire within the room.
• Signages should also be provided.

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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
• There should be adequate security and
limited access to chemical storage areas*
• Limit access: Label “ Authorized Personnel
Only”.

*DO 136-14 Department of Labor and Employment

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 General Safe Storage
Procedures . . .
Other Reference, refer to:
• RA 9514 – The Fire Code of the Philippines, Revised
IRR, Revised 2019
- Chapter 3: Fire Safety for Hazardous
Materials
 Division 4 – Permissible Storage and Use Locations

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 Safe Handling & Storage
of Corrosives
• Store acids & bases
separately.
• Do not use metal containers
to store or dispose of acids. Acid
Storage
• Store acids in wooden Cabinet
cabinets with secondary
containment/spill tray/ or
“acid” cabinets.
• Store alkalis in dry place
separated from acids, metals
& organic peroxides &
protected against moisture.

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 Safe Handling & Storage
of Corrosives
OSHS Rule 1094.02 : Handling
 Should be handled in bulk by gravity system or
pressure pump system, extending to the point or
points of use so as to eliminate transporting in
small container
 Where portable receptacles are used, transport

inside the factories shall be preferably by

mechanical means preventing the escape of
mists.

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 Safe Handling & Storage
of Oxidizers
• Store separately from the rest.
• Store peroxides in amber bottles or
polyethylene carbuoy containers

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 Safe Handling & Storage of
Organic Peroxides
 Extremely sensitive to shock, sparks, and other
forms of accidental detonation. Sensitive to
heat , friction , impact and light, as well as to
strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Do not
expose to temperature exceeding 50OC
 Do not use metals spatulas to handle
peroxides – may lead to explosive
decomposition.
 Stored in amber/brown bottle. Although it is
extremely stable, the solution can start to
decompose when it comes in contact with light
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 Safe Handling & Storage of
Explosives
 Housekeeping should be of highest order.
 Limit access to explosives.

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 Safe Handling & Storage
of Flammables
 Be sure containers are
bonded and grounded
before transferring liquids.
 On bench tops, quantities
greater than 1 liter should
be kept in special safety Grounded Drums
cans designed for
flammable liquids.
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 Safe Handling & Storage of
Compressed Gases
• Ventilate area where gases are
used
• Identify cylinders by name, not
color
• Firmly close valve when not in use
• Keep safety cap on cylinder when
not in use
• Secure gas cylinders with belts or
chains and ideally using cylinder
clamps. Fasten cylinders ideally, or
at maximum, in pairs
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 Safe Handling & Storage of
Compressed Gases

 Do not expose to temperatures higher than

50oC to prevent explosion.
 Use the appropriate regulator and pressure
rated tubing on each gas cylinder.
 Monitor for leaks.
 Keep cylinders upright.
 Store full and empty cylinders in separate
places, clearly marked.

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 What to do?
Common Code of practice at the workplace.

 Make an inventory list of the chemicals used.

 Make a summary of the health effects of those
chemicals.
 Specify the route of exposure of those
chemicals.
 Check for the necessary equipment needed to
the work safely.

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 What to do?
Common Code of practice at the workplace

 Make a breakdown of operating procedures for

the equipment and measures in cases of
emergency situations
 Check for the availability of PPE
 Make a Monitoring Plan
 Train workers

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Case Studies

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 Case 1
• Hanging cabinets of
huge volume of various
chemical reagents in a
science laboratory
collapsed.
• Contamination affected
the school and
community
• School was closed until
completely cleaned up

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Spilled chemicals involved were:
Chemical Intrinsic Property
Hydrochloric Acid
Highly corrosive
Sulfuric Acid
Ammonia Pungent & suffocating odor;
should be treated as flammable
Formaldehyde
chemical
Methanol & ethanol
Flammable chemical

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 Recommendations
• Storage and hanging cabinets should be
inspected for wear and tear. Chemicals should
not be stored overhead or on the floor.
• Store enough volume of chemicals to be used.
• Storage area dedicated for chemicals should
be well-ventilated and flammable chemicals
should be well-grounded.
• Teachers, students and concerned school
personnel should be trained on chemical
safety.
• Emergency response plan must be instituted.

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 Case 2
• Mercury contamination
from a 50 grams of
elemental mercury (Hg)
contained in a beaker
• A teacher and 25 students
have been confined due
to signs and symptoms
attributable to mercury
poisoning.
• The school remained
closed until mercury
clean- up was completed.
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 Recommendations
• Review of policies in the use of hazardous
materials particularly mercury in schools.
• Proper handling procedures, management
including disposal and preparedness plans in
responding to emergencies must be
developed.
• Clean up standards for re-occupancy after
the spill must be established in schools.
• Accreditation of hazardous materials clean
up service providers.

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 Clear Points
The following should be considered in the
handling and storage of chemicals
 Chemical Identification
 Separation, Segregation and Isolation
 Storage Facilities, Shelves and
Containers
 Ventilation
 Access and Egress

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 Clear Points
“What do we need to know on safety in
handling of chemicals?”
• Safety : User is potentially exposed to the
chemical
• Risk / Consequences of lack of safety in
the use of chemicals
• Where is the chemical used/handled?
• Frequency / Quantity of Use
• How is the chemical used? Purpose
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 Remember

Every chemical is dangerous,

but if stored and handled
properly, the risks of accident
can be removed.

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Thank you for
listening…
Environment Control Division
Email: ecd_oshc@yahoo.com
Telefax No: (02) 8924 – 2412