Hi everyone,
Last year we had a work experience student with us from the local Tafe, and she gave me an interesting document regarding the storage of chemicals. The document is some 30 pages long, however I shall cut and paste the relevant details for you. I hope it helps!
AS/NZS 2243.10:2004
Australian/New Zealand Standardâ„¢
Safety in laboratories
Part 10: Storage of chemicals
S E C T I O N 3 R E Q U I R E D F E A T U R E S F O R A
L A B O R A T O R Y , S T O R E R O O M O R S P A C E ,
C H E M I C A L S T O R A G E C A B I N E T S ,
L A B O R A T O R Y C U P B O A R D S , R A C K S A N D
S H E L V E S
3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
This Section sets out requirements for features for a laboratory where chemicals including
gases are used, for a dedicated room or space where chemicals are stored, and for a room or
space where chemicals may be transferred from a package.
3.2 LABORATORY
A laboratory shall meet the requirements of AS/NZS 2982.1.
3.3 CHEMICAL STORAGE CABINETS
3.3.1 General
Chemical storage cabinets for the storage of dangerous goods are intendedâ€â€
(a) to protect the contents against damage;
(b) to provide segregation between incompatible substances;
(c) to contain spillages; and
(d) in the case of fire, to allow at least 10 min for escape of persons or use of firefighting
equipment.
3.3.2 Cabinet storage capacity
Cabinets shall not exceed 250 L capacity.
3.3.3 Design
Cabinets shall comply with the design criteria in the relevant Standard for the storage of
dangerous goods or shall comply with the design requirements in AS 1940. Additionally,
for cabinets containing Class 5.2 dangerous goods, the cabinet door shall have a door
closing mechanism that allows the door to open and pressure resulting from accelerated
decomposition to be released, e.g. a magnetic lock or a friction lock.
For Classes 5.1 and 5.2, a chemically resistant lining should be considered for the entire
interior of the cabinet as spill trays may not be sufficient to prevent contact of spilled
material with parts of the interior of the cabinet.
NOTE: Bare metal, rust or corrosion may catalyze decomposition of the spilled material.
3.3.4 Ventilation
Cabinet ventilation should not normally be required unless determined as an essential risk
control measure. Cabinet ventilation is not an alternative to vapour-tight closure of all
stored containers.
If ventilation is an essential risk control measure (such as could be the case for volatile,
extremely toxic or corrosive substances), the cabinet shall be vented to the external
atmosphere, i.e. outside the building, in a manner that allows safe dispersal of vapours,
fumes or dust without any entering the room in which the cabinet is situated. The circular
vents that are installed in the sides of some cabinets allow toxic or flammable vapours to
escape into the adjoining area shall be kept closed in a manner that will not be breached by
pressure build-up within the cabinet.
Accessed by CHISHOLM INSTITUTE OF TAFE (VIC) on 18 May 2006
AS/NZS 2243.10:2004
COPYRIGHT
16
The ventilation ducting shall provide at least the same level of fire protection as the cabinet
walls, be resistant to the vapours, fumes or dust and prevent the accumulation of residues
(e.g. condensation or dust) in the ducting. The ventilation for each cabinet shall be
completely independent to prevent cross-contamination or fire flashover. Where flammable
vapours or gases could be released, including from Class 4.3 goods, an assessment shall be
made and a permanent record kept as to whether electrical equipment (e.g. the fan drive or
airflow failure switch) needs to be of an explosion-protected design complying with the
relevant Standard.
NOTE: Explosion-protected electrical equipment may need to show that it has been approved as
compliant with the appropriate Standard. Relevant regulatory requirements should be checked.
3.3.5 Location
Cabinets shall not be locatedâ€â€
(a) one above the other;
(b) where they can jeopardize emergency escape;
NOTE: A minimum of 3 m is recommended between any cabinet and escape doors.
(c) under stairs or in corridors; or
(d) closer than 3 m to ignition sources other than ceiling lights unless a hazardous zone
assessment has been carried out in accordance with AS 2430.1 if the cabinets contain
flammable liquids or substances that can release flammable or fire-promoting vapours
or gases (including dangerous goods of Classes 4.3, 5.1 and 5.2 or those with a
subsidiary risk of Class 3).
3.4 LABORATORY CUPBOARDS
Laboratory cupboards used for the storage of hazardous chemicals shall be compatible with
the chemicals held or shall be suitably protected from the chemicals.
NOTE: The use of particle or similar boards is not recommended as they may fail when subjected
to moisture.
Laboratory cupboards shall be provided with spill trays. Where necessary, ventilation of the
cupboard shall be provided in accordance with the relevant requirements in Clause 3.3.4.
NOTE: Labelling of cupboards to indicate their contents is recommended.
3.5 DISPLAY OF HAZARD IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
The entrance to a room and the doors of a chemical storage cabinet where dangerous goods
are stored or handled shall display signage required for the goods determined from
National, State or Territory regulations.
NOTE: The information required may include class labels, packing groups and emergency contact
details.
3.6 STOREROOM OR SPACE
A dedicated room or space where chemicals are stored shall meet the appropriate
requirements of Section 5.
3.7 ROOM FOR OPENING PACKAGES
A room or space meant for transfer of contents of a package (see Section 7) shall meet the
requirements of Section 5.
3.8 SHELVES AND RACKS
Shelves and racks shall incorporate the features described in Clause 4.5.2.
4.5 METHOD OF KEEPING CHEMICALS
4.5.1 Enclosed storage
All chemicals should be stored in chemical storage cabinets or laboratory cupboards (see
Clauses 3.3 and 3.4).
4.5.2 Open storage
Chemicals kept on shelves or racks shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(a) For shelves over benches, chemicals shall not be stored on shelves higher than 1.5 m
from the floor.
(b) Shelving and its fixtures shall be compatible with the goods stored, or shall be
suitably protected from the goods.
NOTE: The use of particle or similar boards is not recommended as they may fail when
subjected to moisture or chemicals.
(c) The maximum holding capacity of the shelving systems shall not be exceeded.
To assist housekeeping, chemical packages should not be kept on the floor.
(d) Shelves used for chemical storage shall be restrained against lateral movement.
Liquids of any kind should not be stored above solids to reduce the risk of contamination.
Liquids should be stored as low as possible to reduce the risk of breakage and spillage.
4.5.3 Burettes
Where dilute reagents are in use for gravity feed burettes, the glass containers may be
stored on a higher shelf consistent with the operation. In such cases provision should be
made for spill control.