Chemical Cabinets: Chemical Containers

2007-07-18 16:23:30

( Business )



Most laboratories, especially those dealing with chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical, and molecular biology research, are difficult to maintain. Chemical spills have to be avoided, and if they do occur, they have to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly. Gloves have to be worn at all times, and have to be changed whenever they are soiled or torn, entailing higher laboratory expenses. Floors and counters have to be constructed from sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials, which can be expensive to purchase and replace.

Laboratory reagents, moreover, have to be stored in the proper chemical containers, housed in the proper chemical cabinets, used in the proper conditions, and disposed using standard safety methods. Chemical containers, in particular, have to be designed according to safety standards, as many chemicals can be deadly if ingested, inhaled, or touched.

Chemical Storage Containers

There are three major classifications of laboratory chemicals: acids, alkalis (or bases), and organic compounds. Acids must be stored in glass chemical containers, and strong acids must be sealed completely, since their fumes can be dangerous if inhaled. Bases, on the other hand, can degrade glass, and should be stored in plastic chemical storage containers, unless the provider states otherwise. Organic compounds should be stored in chemical containers according to manufacturers’ specifications.

Reagent disposal is also important, as wrongly disposed wastes can endanger the lives of even those who are not working in the laboratory. Wastes can leach into groundwater and contaminate water supplies, or they can degrade building foundations or pipes. The same rules apply as in storage: acid wastes must be stored in glass chemical containers, basic wastes can be stored in either glass or plastic chemical containers, and acid and alkali waste must never be mixed. Organic wastes should be stored in a dedicated glass container, and should be kept away from heat and moisture.

Chemical Storage Cabinets

The chemical storage cabinets that hold the chemical containers should also be checked constantly for leaks, wear, and tear. Chemical cabinets can often be destroyed by acid fumes or organic poison leaks, and may need regular replacement.

The integrity of chemical containers can keep reagents from being degraded, and can prevent dangerous leaks or spills from occurring. If chemicals are stored, used, and disposed as are directed, then your laboratory work will flow smoothly, and your experiments will yield the results that you need.


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