Moving into a new laboratory or taking the opportunity to reorganize existing laboratory storage offers a great opportunity to organize chemicals in a logical and safe manner. Some of the key benefits of organizing chemicals into compatibility groups include:

• Provides cost effective management and easy access to chemicals.
• Will lesson the risk of fire.
• Will help to prevent accidental mixing of incompatible materials.
• Will help to minimize the potential for inadvertent exposure to carcinogens and other toxic materials.
• Greatly improves the overall safety of the laboratory.

Before you begin!

The individual who is responsible for chemical storage must have a reasonable chemical knowledge, access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) on all of the products under his or her control, and a knowledge of Brown University General Guidelines for Chemical Storage. Essential resources to assist with hazard recognition and compatibility assignments may be obtained by clicking on the links available on the side side of this page. Additional assitance can be received by contacting EHS at 3-1737 or by emailing the University Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Steps to ensure chemical compatibility

Step 1 - Plan the layout of the laboratory

Step 2 - Separate solids from liquids

Step 3 - Separate organic from inorganic materials

Step 4 - Segregation into compatibility groups

Step 5 - Inventory all chemicals

Related Links:

NIOSH Pocket Guide

Reactivity Resource