You may find that a garage, linen closet, behind a door, or hallway closet works best for you. One rule you should always follow is that no cleaning products should be stored where young children, pets, or vulnerable adults can reach them. It's also always a good idea to get cleaning products off the floor.
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.
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.
Some household cleaners can cause dangerous reactions when mixed, meaning they shouldn't be stored with one another. Others can have hazardous reactions to extreme temperature fluctuations, which makes keeping them in cold garages or next to the hot water heater an absolute no-no.
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.
Cleaning chemicals should be stored in a clean, cool, dry space because certain cleaning solutions can react dangerously when they are exposed to high levels of humidity or extreme temperature fluctuations.
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.
Fuel and chemicals
All flammable substances, such as gas, oil, or other fuel, should be kept in a shed outside the house to reduce fire risk, and stored in approved fuel containers. Any cleaning chemicals should also be tightly capped and stored elsewhere to prevent fumes and container rupture from heat.
Use a separate storage unit within the garage to maintain stable temperatures. Can bleach and ammonia be stored in the garage? Yes, but they should be kept in well-sealed containers and stored separately to prevent any chemical reactions. It's also important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Store chemicals in the original containers (labeled with instructions and common name) in designated areas separate from food, equipment, linens, and utensils. Space chemicals apart from other items or partition them from other items, and always keep them under food, equipment, utensils, linens, etc., never above.
“The most important areas to clean frequently are kitchens and bathrooms, where germs tend to accumulate due to the frequent use, but also because of what we tend to do in these areas, such as prepare and eat food, brush our teeth, wash our faces, and more.”
Make sure products are kept in a safe location away from heat, light, water and electricity sources. They should be kept in a designated cupboard where possible, or in a storage area with adequate ventilation. If space is not adequately ventilated there is a risk of a build-up of dangerous vapours, or fumes.
The best location for storing chemical detergents and sanitizers is in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat sources. This is largely due to the fact that extreme temperatures and light can degrade the chemical composition of detergents and sanitizers, lessening their effectiveness.
Choose a well-ventilated cleaning cupboard storage area to prevent the buildup of fumes. Avoid storing chemicals near air vents or open flames.
Solid cleaning products, such as bar soaps, toilet bowl cleaners and soap scouring pads, can be safely disposed of in the trash. So can aerosol cans with product left in them. Remember, just as you shouldn't mix cleaning products together when using them, you shouldn't mix unused products during disposal.
The best way to store chemicals is to have a dedicated chemical storage shed, located away from hazards like machinery and hay, and away from personnel.
Only store flammable chemicals in flammable materials (lab-safe) or explosion-proof refrigerators or freezers. Don't use these hazardous chemicals in cold rooms. The lack of exhaust ventilation increases personnel exposure risks if you open chemical containers.
Among the options A) Labeling containers clearly, B) Storing chemicals in unmarked containers, C) Keeping chemicals in a well-ventilated area, and D) Using appropriate storage containers and cabinets, the one that is NOT a guideline for storage is B) Storing chemicals in unmarked containers.
Safely storing chemicals
Ensure all stored containers are in good condition, closed, and properly labeled. Store all hazardous materials in containers, cabinets, or on shelving compatible with the associated hazard or material. Segregate chemicals by hazard class (flammable liquids, organic acids, oxidizers).
F-style bottles: These HDPE bottles come in sizes as small as 8 ounces and as large as several gallons. Their rectangular shape makes them easy to store and stack, and their durability makes them perfect for holding chemicals and cleaners.
STEP 1. Identify the substances you are using. The first step in storing hazardous chemicals safely is to correctly identify each substance you have onsite. This step is crucial as identifying the chemicals you're carrying will provide you with the knowledge to understand their properties and hazards.