All chemicals must be properly labeled and stored separate from food, food equipment, and preparation areas. Keep chemicals stored in their original containers and, if transferred to smaller containers or spray bottles, label the new container with the same name.
Store chemicals away from food storage and contact areas. Chemicals can easily get into food or spill onto food-contact surfaces if they are stored incorrectly. A separate area should be used for chemical storage to make sure your food and equipment stay safe.
Use Caddies and Bins on Shelves
Use separate caddies for your bathroom, kitchen, and living areas with the right type of cleaners and supplies in each one. If you like to keep extra products on hand, use clear plastic labeled bins, so you can quickly see what you have on hand.
Food and chemicals such as detergent should not be stored together.
Store chemicals away from food and put them back when you are finished using them. Be aware that some people can suffer asthma or allergic reactions from certain types of spray cleaners, perfumes and liquids. Always read and follow label directions and any other usage instructions.
Chemicals such as cleaners and sanitizers should be stored away from food and clean equipment, 3 inches above the floor, and on the shelf above food and utensils to prevent contamination and accidents.
Chemical contamination occurs when food is contaminated by chemicals. Some of the most common causes of chemical contamination are cleaning products or pesticides and herbicides from unwashed fruit and vegetables. Examples of chemical contaminants are: industrial chemicals.
Chemicals utilized as cleaning products, sanitizers, polishes, and lubricants often contaminate foods when stored or used improperly. Use these substances according to the manufacturers label instructions. All chemicals must be properly labeled and stored separate from food, food equipment, and preparation areas.
NEVER, EVER transfer or store a chemical into a FOOD OR BEVERAGE container. Buy child-resistant containers whenever possible. Avoid food-scented products, if possible, because they increase the risk of unintentional ingestion.
Storing items on wall-mounted shelves or utilizing useful vertical space in a utility room, laundry room, or even in the garage is a great place to start." If you don't have the space for any over-the-door storage, Lubega says that you can put your products in leak-proof, labeled containers in a secure cabinet.
“I would also avoid putting hazardous materials in your pantry. Storing cleaning products, batteries, and the like can be dangerous. The risks of ingestion or accidental contamination of food items are too significant to overlook,” says Parks.
Use over-the-door storage racks with narrow shelves or hang a shoe bag with clear pockets to organize supplies and keep them locked away. To make more space in a cabinet, you can install a towel bar or tension rod to hang spray bottles.
Chemical contaminants are substances that are unintentionally present in food or feed. These substances may be present in food as a result of various stages of its production, processing or transport. They might also result from environmental contamination. Chemical contaminants may be harmful to humans and animals.
General Storage Requirements
All chemicals must be stored in a safe, secure location. Hazardous chemicals must be stored below eye level. Do not store chemicals on the floor, window ledges, or balconies. Keep containers closed unless you are dispensing a chemical or adding to the container.
For example, acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide both start with “A” but are incompatible with each other, and should not be stored together.
Cleaning chemicals should be stored away from the food preparation areas and should not contaminate food. Cleaning materials and equipment: Separate materials and equipment must be used for cleaning and disinfecting raw food handling areas, from cleaning materials and equipment used in the rest of the kitchen.
Store in a clean, cool, dry space. Some cleaning chemicals can have hazardous reactions when they experience extreme temperature fluctuations or high levels of humidity. Store in well-ventilated areas, away from HVAC intake vents. This helps prevent any fumes from spreading to other areas of the facility.
Food should never be stored near chemicals or cleaning supplies.
Many corrosives need to be separated from other incompatible substances to prevent toxic reactions and explosions. Securing cleaning chemicals in a safety cabinet away from food preparation and service areas is a great way to reduce the risk of harm.
In High Places: Heavy objects should not be stored high up as they can fall and cause injury. On Scaffolds: Storing materials on scaffolds is dangerous due to instability and potential falls.
A separate and designated closet or storage area for cleaning supplies is highly recommended. This prevents any accidental mixing of chemicals and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination with food or food-contact surfaces.
Fundamentals of Hazardous Chemical Storage
OSHA safety standards require all employers to keep storage areas free of hazards, debris, clutter, and other materials that could lead to fire. Furthermore, OSHA recommends placing all hazardous materials at least 10 feet from exterior walls.