In laboratories, chemical products such as acids, hydroxides, and solvents are frequently handled by operators. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to be aware of and apply regulatory measures regarding the organization and storage of these substances to ensure operator safety.
STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
Chemical Products in Laboratories:
Manage risks, ensure safety!
What is a chemical product?
A chemical product is a natural or manufactured substance that can exist in various states (solid, liquid, gas). Present in our daily lives, chemical products can cause health issues in humans and environmental degradation.
The harmful effects of a chemical product depends on its properties (physical nature, toxicity level), the route of entry into the body, as well as the duration and rate of exposure.
To mitigate risks associated with chemical hazards, it is essential to understand the difference between the organization and storage of chemicals.
What is the difference between organizing and storing chemicals?
In a laboratory, organizing and storing chemical products are two distinct but related concepts.
- Organizing refers to the arrangement of chemicals in a workspace to facilitate daily use. For example, solvents in a laboratory may be placed on shelves, stored in filtration cabinets, or directly positioned on workbenches during use.
- Storing, on the other hand, involves keeping chemical products (ethanol, acetone, etc.) in secure conditions when they are not actively used. This requires specialized storage solutions designed to minimize risks associated with potentially hazardous substances.
Examples of storage solutions include dedicated storage rooms, safety cabinets, or cold storage units, some of which are equipped with environmental controls such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
In summary, organization focuses on the efficient arrangement of chemicals within a work environment, whereas storage ensures the long-term preservation of chemicals under optimal safety conditions.
Why is proper organization of chemicals essential?
The importance of properly organizing and storing chemicals in laboratories is evident in the potential consequences of poor management. These include risks to operator health (poisoning, burns) and overall safety (spillage, explosion (ATEX*), fire, or environmental pollution).
These risks may arise from improper cabinet organization, inadequate storage space layout, or unfavorable environmental conditions (humidity, excessive heat, direct light, extreme cold, etc.).
To minimize risks, it is essential to:
Opt for a filtration cabinet or a safety cabinet for chemical storage
- Allocate a dedicated room specifically for chemical storage
- Read the chemical label and verify its compatibility with existing chemicals in the cabinet before adding it
- Position glass bottles containing liquids at the lowest level in the cabinet to limit potential spill height in case of an accident
Further detailed recommendations can be found on the website of the French National Institute for Research and Safety.
Thus, optimal organization of chemical products is essential to ensuring a healthy work environment and increased user safety.
Innovative filtration technologies, such as those offered by Erlab, play a key role in protecting operators from chemical hazards.
*ATEX zone (EXplosive ATmosphere): A mixture of air and flammable substances creating an explosion-risk environment.
Erlab’s role in user protection.
As an expert in air filtration, Erlab has observed that, in most cases, laboratory personnel or industrial operators (in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries) do not properly store their chemicals, endangering their health.
Erlab’s role in user protection
As an expert in air filtration, Erlab has observed that, in most cases, laboratory personnel or industrial operators (in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries) do not properly store their chemicals, endangering their health.
Erlab is fully aware of the health risks posed by these chemicals. The air we breathe in laboratories can be contaminated with toxic and harmful substances, compromising user safety.
In enclosed spaces, the risk of inhalation exposure and development of diseases related to chemical use is significantly higher. According to the French National Insitute for Research and Safety, 30% of recognized occupational diseases in Europe are chemically induced.
For these reasons, Erlab offers filtration cabinets designed for chemical storage.
For these reasons, Erlab offers filtration cabinets designed for chemical storage. By eliminating hazardous emissions released by chemicals, air filtration effectively protects users, ensuring their safety.
Filtration cabinets emit no pollutants into the air or atmosphere. Without the need for ductwork, they guarantee clean air inside and outside, providing a level of protection exceeding even the strictest standards, such as EN 14470-1 and AFNOR NF X15-211 (classes 1 and 2).
In addition to these filtration solutions, other alternatives can be considered, such as filtration units, which further enhance the filtration of the safety cabinet.
Why use a filtration unit
Chemical organization in laboratories is crucial for ensuring product accessibility, a safe working environment, and the security of laboratory technicians.
However, this alone does not always provide sufficient protection against vapor emissions. This is where filtration units come into play.
Erlab filtration units provide additional protection to safety cabinets, offering both fire and inhalation protection by eliminating harmful chemical vapors stored in the filtration cabinet.
Compatible with multiple safety cabinets, these units filter the air inside the cabinet, capturing toxic vapors at the source and ensuring the release of clean air into the laboratory.
Erlab’s filtration units offer an effective solution for eliminating harmful emissions, contributing to better air purity in the laboratory. They purify the air inside the storage cabinet, enhancing overall laboratory safety.
A rigorous management of chemical organization and storage is essential in laboratories.
Organization facilitates daily use, while storage ensures the long-term safety of chemicals in dedicated spaces. These practices are crucial for operator safety, risk reduction, and equipment durability.
Additionally, integrating filtration solutions enhances laboratory protection by improving chemical vapor capture.
Do not risk your health, adopt the right safety practices today!
