Chemical storage safety can take on many forms. No single solution works for everyone because not all facilities are the same. But there are a few steps you can and should take. So, how should chemicals be stored? Check out the tips below.

1. Keep it clean. A sloppy storage facility doesn’t just look bad, it can be deadly. A chemical storage area should be kept as clean as possible so you can identify unusual safety hazards right away and so you don’t cause new ones.

2. Keep it on the level. We mean eye level. Anyone working with or around chemicals should have a clear line of sight. By placing chemicals at eye level or below, you reduce the risk of unwanted surprises that could happen while an employee is scrambling in search of a specific chemical.

3. Invest in climate control. Depending on the chemical, fluctuations in temperature can cause a lot of problems. You could damage the chemicals or even trigger your more volatile chemicals to react in a dangerous way. With comprehensive climate control options, you can ensure temperatures are what they need to be and that they remain so.

4. Stay out of the sun. Sunlight can devastate your chemicals, if you’re not taking the right precautions. As a rule of thumb, never place chemicals in an area of your facility where sunlight is prevalent. High or swinging temperatures from sunlight can cause a lot of damage.

5. Label everything. Your employees can’t assume what’s in a chemical drum based solely on its current location. Highly visible labels are the only way to eliminate the guesswork entirely. Labels should identify the chemical, summarize the major hazards and indicate optimal storage practices. Similarly, your facility should include signs wherever possible. Signs should help employees quickly identify risks, understand safety protocol and know what to do in the event of an emergency.

6. Keep your staff in the loop. Maybe it’s common sense to you, or maybe you read it in a trade magazine that hasn’t quite made the rounds. Either way, you can’t assume your employees are always up to date on best practices. Make an effort to train them frequently and in a hands-on manner.