What Is a Chemical Storage?
Chemical Storage is a special type of storage for storing chemicals or reagents.
They are used in testing and research facilities, factories, medical facilities, and educational institutions. The expected functions include properly sorting the chemicals, keeping reagent bottles from tipping over, ensuring that the chemicals do not change (use of constant ventilation or ventilation equipment), and being able to lock the door if necessary.
It is important that the functions of the Chemical Storage comply with the laws and regulations governing the chemicals to be stored.
Uses of Chemical Storage
Chemical Storage is used to store chemicals in controlled conditions in facilities where chemicals are used. They are used for the following purposes:
1. To Ensure Safety
Chemical Storage is expected to properly store chemicals and chemical agents and minimize risk from breakage, fire, and theft. For breakage, it is important that the body is sturdy and reagent bottles can be stored in a way that prevents them from tipping over.
Against fire, the use of flame-retardant storage units and placement away from combustible materials will reduce the risk. Against theft, measures are taken by locking the chemical storage in a sturdy steel chemical storage.
2. Quality Maintenance
Ensure that chemicals are stored under appropriate temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Many chemical storage rooms are designed to prevent light from entering, well-ventilated to prevent heat and moisture retention, and some are equipped with ventilation systems.
3. Durability
Since some reagents dissolve plastics or corrode metals, high durability is required in case of leakage or exposure to vapors. Many are made of polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel, or steel finished with durable paint.
4. Classification
One of the expected functions is to classify reagents for easy retrieval and management by organizing and storing them.
5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Major laws and regulations related to the handling of chemical substances include the following:
- Fire Service Act
- Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Control Law (former Pharmaceutical Affairs Law)
- Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law
One of the expectations of Chemical Storage is to be able to store chemicals under conditions that comply with these laws. For example, in the case of reagents designated as poisonous or deleterious substances, the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law requires that they be “always locked” in a “sturdy, lockable” storage area and that “key management” be performed.
In this case, select a Lockable Chemical Storage and label the storage location with “Non-Pharmaceutical Poisonous Substance” or “Non-Pharmaceutical Deleterious Substance” etc., depending on the reagent.
Principles of Chemical Storage
Chemical Storage is designed to meet the functions of not being damaged by chemicals and not allowing reagent bottles to tip over or contact each other. They are constructed of materials that are non-permeable and highly durable.
Partitions are typically provided between reagent bottles, which prevent reagent bottles from touching each other and damaging each other.
How to Select Chemical Storage
Chemical Storage units come in a variety of materials and shapes. Select the appropriate one for your purpose based on the following characteristics.
1. Material
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Excellent in chemical resistance, especially acid resistance. Small size is lightweight and suitable for carrying around.
Stainless steel
Excellent corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, and electrical conductivity.
Made of steel
Some products are alloyed hot-dip galvanized or coated with melamine baking paint to provide corrosion, water, and moisture resistance. They are available at lower cost than stainless steel.
2. Anti-theft Function
Chemical Storage also includes safe-type products used to store narcotics and other drugs. Some are installed by screwing the bottom of the box to the floor to avoid theft, and the material of those that emphasize theft prevention is often steel.
In addition to the locking function, those that can use biometric authentication for unlocking and those that can store unlock history electronically are also available.
3. Storage Conditions
For reagents that require light shielding, it is safer to employ a windowless storage unit, but if room light can be controlled, a windowed unit can be selected for ease of use with visibility inside.
If ventilation is particularly important, consider storage units with exhaust ventilation.
4. Size
The size of the items you wish to store should be considered. Reagent bottles are standardized and should be selected according to what you wish to use.
As for the size of the storage unit itself, some are portable. It is important to select the right size for your application, such as carrying them locked.