Laboratory Sink Storage Guidelines
Laboratory chemicals, hazardous waste, radioactive materials (RAM), and biological materials should not be stored under sinks in laboratories due to several key reasons:
Storing chemicals and biological materials under sinks can lead to accidental spills. If there is a leak in the plumbing, this could compromise the integrity of the containers stored under the sink, plumbing, and surrounding area, potentially harming the environment. Additionally, moisture generated in the enclosed cabinet may also compromise the chemical.
Many hazardous materials require proper ventilation to avoid the accumulation of toxic fumes. Storing them under sinks restricts airflow and can lead to dangerous conditions.
Facilities personnel tasked with servicing sinks, such as addressing leaks or maintaining eye washes, may encounter improperly stored hazardous materials. This not only delays necessary repairs but potentially exposes personnel to health and safety risks.
Hazardous materials stored under sinks can accumulate unnoticed over time because these areas are not specifically designated for chemical storage. EH&S surveys often reveal chemicals that current laboratory personnel were unaware of, potentially leading to unsafe conditions and non-compliance with safety regulations.
Chemical containers, such as the Ethanol pictured below, should not be stored under your laboratory sinks:
An acceptable under sink storage is pictured below:
The following sticker will be distributed in your laboratories:
For any additional information or questions, please contact [email protected]