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Chemical Storage and Colors

Properly storing chemicals is extremely important to prevent accidents and hazards. Labels are color coded with a numbering system to represent the degree of hazard. The numbering system starts at zero, meaning minimal hazard, and ends at four, meaning extreme hazard. Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets of all chemicals must be read for proper storage guidelines. Furthermore, labels that are striped or colored have the potential to react with other chemicals in the same hazard code.

  1. Green, Orange and Gray

    • General storage chemicals are indicated with a green, orange or grey label. They are placed on higher shelves of a chemical cabinet since the threat of a reaction or hazard is low. Although the threat may be minimal, chemicals are stored according to their compound nature.

    Blue

    • Blue labels indicate health and toxic hazards. These chemicals are a severe health risk if not handled appropriately and without the proper protective equipment. The number 4 on the blue label specifies death or permanent injury. However, even low numbers are accompanied by a skull and cross bone picture. These chemicals should be stored according to the nature of the compound.

    White

    • A white label signifies a contact hazard. White labeled chemicals cause burning, stinging, redness and other severe symptoms when they come into contact with eyes, skin and the respiratory or digestion system. These chemicals are stored in corrosive resistant or chemical resistant cabinets.

    Yellow

    • Reactive and oxidizers, such as sodium nitrate, are indicated by a yellow label. They must be stored away from flammable and organic materials. Typically, yellow-labeled chemicals are stored in a secondary container or corrosion-proof cabinet. Furthermore, oxidizers are stored away from reducing agents, such as active metals, to prevent a violent reaction.

    Red

    • A red label indicates flammable material. All red-labeled chemicals, such as phenol and other alcohols, must be stored in an approved flammable storage cabinet. Flammable-safe storage cabinets are explosion proof from the inside and are protected on the outside from external flames.

    Liquid Acids and Bases

    • Liquid acids and bases are generally corrosive immediately upon contact. Acids must be stored in a separate cabinet from bases since reactions between them releases heat and may cause an explosion. Moreover, organic acids, such as acetic acid, must be kept separate from oxidizing acids, such as nitric acid. Acids and bases are identified with a white dot or label and accompanied by a corrosive sign detailing a vial being poured on a disfigured hand.

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