Chem storage in lead tray

MSDSs, Storage, Handling, Transport, Labeling, computer management systems, and anything else to do with safety.
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Prima
Posts: 150
Joined: 02 Dec 2014, 11:20
Job Title: Lab assistant
State/Location: NSW

Chem storage in lead tray

Post by Prima »

Can anyone enlighten me? I have no idea why these trays/drawers were designed like this. The bottom half is empty and the top half is lined with lead. They are part of custom-made shelving and one is in my chem store room, holding lead nitrate bottles on porcelain saucers. They are also very heavy! Does anyone recognise them? Do they have a special purpose? Are they safe to store chemicals in, as long as on the bottom shelf/floor, due to weight?
Thanks
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melsid
Posts: 355
Joined: 07 Apr 2013, 07:11
Job Title: Lab Rat
School: PHS
State/Location: NSW

Re: Chem storage in lead tray

Post by melsid »

Maybe they were made to be used as a safe tray, and catch any liquid spilling out of a broken bottle??
bigmack
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Joined: 15 Dec 2015, 10:49
Job Title: Lab Technician
School: FCAC
State/Location: QLD

Re: Chem storage in lead tray

Post by bigmack »

We have a couple of lead trays here that our acid solutions have always been stored in .

It's strange that yours were in a drawer though .wouldn't have thought you would fit very high bottles etc in them . Unless it was those old reagent bottles with the ground glass lids . :unsure:
Lead tray.JPG
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Merilyn1
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School: Wollondilly Anglican College
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Re: Chem storage in lead tray

Post by Merilyn1 »

Should you even have lead at all these days? Especially such a large amount given possible contamination? Not sure on this, just a thought.
Prima
Posts: 150
Joined: 02 Dec 2014, 11:20
Job Title: Lab assistant
State/Location: NSW

Re: Chem storage in lead tray

Post by Prima »

That's why I am wondering as well, Merilyn1! Turns out there are quite a number of these drawers scattered around the old building, they've been stacked neatly so the lead was invisible. Sometimes I'm too scared to open unused cupboard doors, a treasure trove of headaches!

Bigmack, I'm relieved I'm not the only one with a large quantity of lead - I hope the acids spilling on the lead don't cause any dangerous reactions? 8O
bigmack
Posts: 816
Joined: 15 Dec 2015, 10:49
Job Title: Lab Technician
School: FCAC
State/Location: QLD

Re: Chem storage in lead tray

Post by bigmack »

I'm happy with it . I sometimes think we can get a bit carried away with lead Paranoia.
I was raised on tank water where the roof was full of lead head nails and lead flashing . I then had lead solder running through my fingers and breathed the fumes of it everyday for 25 years . Am I sick ?? maybe , maybe not . I don't feel sick .
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