Chemical Storage Cabinet

Question: Can you give some recommendations on a chemical storage cabinet for our home? We just moved into a new house, at our old house the chemcials (wrongly) sat on a wooden shelf with easy access. We know we need to store chemicals for our pool and garden properly and all locked up (especially with grand kids around). Any advice would be appreciated! Allen, Gulfport, Mississippi

Answer: Allen, storing chemicals in a lockable cabinet in their proper containers is a must for chemical safety. However, DO NOT combine your lawn chemicals - insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in the same chemical locker as your pool chemicals. You need separate chemical storage cabinets for each of these functions. The chemicals may both be hazardous but serve to very different needs and you DO NOT want to take a chance of them being used improperly.

Storing garden and pool chemicals in a storage locker or cabinet provides a safety factor but also code compliance even with small quantities of hazardous material. Effectively safe-guarding potentially dangerous chemicals complies with Health and Safety requirements and regulations. It does not matter if we are talking about a home, business, nursery, greenhouse, farm or any type of service application or you just want safety and protection for children - locking up chemicals is a must!

Picking a Cabinet

When selecting a unit or cabinet for chemical storage of pesticide, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals you need to find one that best fits your needs.

The choosing the proper chemical storage cabinet is essential for compliance of codes, risk management and maximum service life. Cabinets come in a variety of sizes, colors, shelf, door and lock styles as well as construction materials. Most homeowners will not need something big enough to hold a 55 gallon drum but needs to be large enough to hold many of the 1 gallon and smaller containers found at most garden supply stores.

This cabinet should keep chemicals locked up to protect individually and the environment and restrict pesticide handling to authorized and trained users.

Most commercial chemical cabinets from companies like JustRite are double-walled, heavy-duty, welded of 18-gauge steel construction and include a locking mechanism. Storage shelves should support 200 lbs. each and be equipped with a corrosion-resistant polyethylene trays. The steel shelves should also adjust to accommodate a wide variety of containers. The cabinet should also meet OSHA and NFPA code 30 requirements.

Storing Chemicals

Chemicals should always be stored in original containers. When handling chemicals wear proper personal protective equipment including resistant goggles or face shields especially when handling corrosives. Never store chemicals on the top shelf of a storage unit, storage should be no higher than eye level. Cabinets should be off the floor where moisture can be a problem.

By centralizing storage chemical inventory can be accurately maintained and also prevent incompatible chemical storage - such as mixing garden chemicals and pool chemicals. When storing chemicals keep them only in containers which are chemically compatible to prevent leakage or damage. Dispose of any out of date chemicals as they can become unstable. Consider a retention tray to absorb liquids inside the chemical storage unit.

Chemical Safety

Before handling any chemical - READ THE LABEL - and follow the instructions provided my the manufacturer. Wear protective clothing, and safety googles. Keep the MSDS - (Material Safety Data Sheets) handy as this information is vital for first aid or contact the manufacturer/supplier for assistance. You must be responsible for the chemicals you handle and their storage.

A chemical storage cabinet is a tool which must be used properly. When used correctly chemicals are safe and you can rest easier knowing the chemicals are secure and properly managed.

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