SECTION I - SECTION II - SECTION III - SECTION IV - SECTION V (APPENDICES)
III.Cover | III.A | III.B | III.C | III.D | III.E | III.F

Section III.B.8: Safety Equipment

III.B | III.B.1 | III.B.2 | III.B.3 | III.B.4 | III.B.5 | III.B.6 | III.B.7 | III.B.8

8. Corrosive/Acid Liquid Storage Cabinets

1. There are three types of corrosive/acid liquid storage cabinets commonly used in laboratories. These storage cabinets can be freestanding or installed beneath chemical fume hoods. Selection of the storage cabinet must be based on a full understanding of the hazard potential of the chemicals being stored.
   
   
• Polyethylene is the most common material used for corrosive/acid cabinets because of chemical compatibility and the fact that polyethylene can be welded at the seams to provide better spill protection. Corrosive/acid storage cabinets should be built to contain any possible spills.
• Some corrosive/acid cabinets are made of w ood. If corrosives/acids are stored in wood cabinets, chemical handling and storage practices should be closely evaluated since several acids are incompatible with wood and could ignite if spilled (i.e., Perchloric Acid). Wood cabinets may have an epoxy coating to stop corrosion or resist oxidizers.
• Metal cabinets are also used for storing corrosive/acid chemicals; however, metal should be the last option because of incompatibility (rust and corrosion). Metal cabinets may have an epoxy coating to stop corrosion or resist oxidizers.
  
  
2. Many cabinets come with venting options. Corrosive/acid storage cabinets made from polyethylene or wood are usually not vented; therefore, the manufacturers normally do not provide bungs. However, some manufacturers will custom make the cabinets with bungs for areas requesting venting. Metal cabinets most likely will need to be vented to prevent rusting and corrosion. PVC or epoxy coated items are the best material for venting corrosives.
   
   
3. Limit storage of chemicals to the smallest quantity appropriate for the expected use. Corrosive liquids should be stored in an area which is cool but maintained above the freezing point of the chemical. The area should be dry and well ventilated.
   
   
4. Bottles and jars that have a potential for leaking and spillage should have secondary containment. Secondary containment can be basins for individual bottles or deep trays for a group of bottles. Secondary containers should be made of chemical-resistant materials and be leak proof.
   

For additional information regarding corrosive/acid storage and incompatibilities, see Section II.B Chemical Procurement, Distribution, and Storage and Section IV.C Laboratory Chemical Safety - Supplemental Information . For assistance, contact EH&S at 335-3041.