A Brief Guide to Acid Storage

The following acts as a brief reference guide to your acid storage. 

1. Ascertain the nature of the acids:

• Inorganic also known as mineral, the most common are Hydrochloric, Sulphuric and Nitric acids.
• Organic acids for example, Acetic acid being the most common.
• Flammable acid, the only common example is Acetic acid.

2. Acids are frequently supplied as aqueous solutions. For example, the higher the concentration of an acid the greater the potential of fumes, which in turn can be very corrosive.

3. Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet which gives directions regarding storage and handling advice. Acids must be separated from other chemical types such as bases.

4. Having established the nature and quantity of acids present, and measured available storage space, you are now in a position to recommend specific asecos cabinets.

• Where acids are mildly corrosive the CS Line can be considered, but as they contain some metal components corrosion resistance is limited.
• For stronger acids use the SL Line which is highly recommended.
• In both cases extraction is recommended. Where segregation is required there are a number of products which may be considered such as the SL, CS or K Lines.

5. Check the client requirements for interior furniture within the cabinet, this depends on the size and number of containers being stored. With respect to storing acids if possible always recommend PE coated shelves or plastic pull out drawers if available, it helps reduce the risk of corrosion to those components.

6. We advise that in all cases cabinets are to be ventilated where acids are stored, acidic fumes are corrosive, so for example non-metallic components are to be used in the extraction hosing. In 2014 asecos are releasing a recirculating UFA extractor for acid fumes as an option.

7. Establish where the cabinet is to be delivered to, either to point of use to behind first door (goods-in).

Laboratory Safety Tips

All Chemical Spills vary from quantity area involved, substance in use and number of staff exposed. Importantly is to have a plan in place that has been practiced and tested and more importantly that all staff are properly trained to take action with the appropriate equipment on site.
The safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that where hazards and risks are involved that an action emergency plan must be in place. Chemstore offer this extensive tried and trusted training.
1) Have a laboratory site map on location showing access and egress routes, chemical storage cabinets, lab work stations and in addition the location clearly marked showing shower and eye wash station units, fire extinguishing and chemical first aid kits and spill kits. Vitally important is a complete record of safety data sheets (SDS) of all chemicals on site including quantities. Always ensure that the appropriate PPE is available on site.
2) Know the hazards, all staff must be fully aware with safety data sheet contents at all times ensuring correct action.
3) Write down spill response procedure and place in strategic positions with laboratory, again Chemstore offer the full correct training.
4) Have in place a communications procedure written for action,
A) Laboratory Response Team
B) Emergency Services Ambulance-Fire Brigade 999/112
C) Company Medical Response
D) Company Management
E) Company Safety Officer.
5) Ensure Immediate First Aid Response
6) Ensure Immediate Spill Action Response
7) Evaluate the Risk to
A) Staff
B) Property
C) Environment
D) Business Community
8) Maintain written accident incident report forms
9) Aftermath, Investigate the accident incident in detail to ensure prevention in the future and to improve the plans for response in place, this aspect should involve all staff and the use of a competent chemical safety company, Chemstore can train your company in all these aspects.
IF YOU HAVE A CHEMICAL HAZARD RISK- CHEMSTORE HAVE THE SOLUTION