Class of Chemicals

Recommended Storage

Chemical Examples

Incompatible Chemicals

Flammable Liquids

Flammable Storage Cabinet

Ethanol, Methanol, Acetone,
Xylene, Toluene

Acids, Bases, Oxidizers, Reactive

Toxics

Ventilated, Dry, Cool Area in Secondary Containment

Chloroform, Cyanides,
Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Mercury)

Flammable Liquids, Acids, Bases, Reactive, Oxidizers

Corrosive
Inorganic Acids

Corrosive Cabinet or Protective Shelving in
Secondary Containment

Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Chromic Acid,
Nitric Acid

Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Organic Acids, Bases, Oxidizers, Cyanides, Sulfides

Corrosive
Organic Acids

Corrosive Cabinet or
Protective Shelving in
Secondary Containment

Acetic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid,
Formic Acid

Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Bases, Inorganic Acids, Oxidizers, Cyanides, Sulfides

Corrosive
Inorganic Bases

Corrosive Cabinet or Protective Shelving away from Acids

Ammonium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydrodoxide

Flammable Liquids, Acids,
Organic Bases, Oxidizers

Corrosive
Organic Bases

Corrosive Cabinet or Protective Shelving away from Acids

Hydroxylamine, Triethylamine, Tetramethylethylamine Diamine

Acids, Inorganic Bases,
Oxidizers, Hypochlorites,

Flammable Solids

Cool Dry area away from Oxidizers and Corrosives

Paraformaldehyde,
Carbon, Charcoal

Acids, Bases, Oxidizers

Oxidizers

Secondary Containment
with Non-Combustibles or
Inorganic Material

Perchlorates, Permanganates, Nitrates

Flammables, Combustibles,
Organic Material

Water Reactive

Cool Dry Area Away from
Water Sources

Sodium, Lithium, Potassium Metals, Sodium Borohydride

Aqueous Solutions, Oxidizers,
Water Sources

Explosives

Secure Location Away
from other Chemicals

Trinitrophenol, Picric Acid, Diazoisobutylnitrile

See SDS

General Chemicals

Laboratory Benches or
Shelves with like Chemicals

Sodium Bicarbonate, Agar

See SDS

Always consult the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to storage or handling.