Safety Alerts

Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately to avoid a hazardous reaction. View the simple chemical compatibility chart and review key points involving proper segregation of incompatible chemicals.

One particular chemical commonly used in lab areas that is found improperly stored is Nitric Acid. It is a strong oxidizing acid and can cause spontaneous fires when in contact with organic materials. It should be stored in its own separate containment tray inside a corrosives cabinet used for acids. In particular, NEVER store Nitric Acid with flammable solvents and combustibles such as Acetic Acid. Learn more about how to properly store nitric acid.

Wastes containing nitric acid must be treated prior to placing them into the waste Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA). Neutralization through bench top treatment will prevent safety hazards in the laboratory caused by inadvertently mixing with incompatible materials. Neutralization must be performed through a “bench top treatment” procedure approved by the Berkeley Lab Waste Management Group. Learn more about bench top waste treatment requirements.

Hazardous chemicals must be properly segregated by hazard classification when handled and stored in order to prevent unwanted reactions. These reactions can result in the generation of toxic gases, fire, and even explosions. Read more about how to safely store acetic acid. 

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) has a number of physical, chemical, and toxicological properties that make it especially hazardous to handle. Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, colorless, and highly corrosive liquid. HF shares the corrosive properties common to mineral acids, but possesses the unique ability to cause deep tissue damage and systemic toxicity including cardiac arrest due to hypocalcemia. Symptoms from exposure to dilute solutions can be delayed for a number of hours even though tissue damage may be occurring. Learn more about important precautions to take when working with HF.