Keep Your Cool - How To Store Chemicals Over The Hot Weather

Warmer weather can affect chemical storage conditions, particularly where flammable liquids, volatile solvents or pressurised gases are kept. A few practical checks can help reduce avoidable risk during hot periods.

Chemical Store Checks

• Inspect ventilation in the chemical store and keep vents clear of furniture, debris and dust build-up.

• Make sure ventilation runs 24/7 and is not connected to the light switch.

• Add a suitable fan into the store if temperatures increase too much.

• For certain flammable chemicals, trays of water may be used to help keep bottles cool. Wrap the bottle in plastic to prevent the label washing off. This is not suitable for concentrated acids.

• Check that suitable fire extinguishers are accessible, correctly located and in date.

What Not To Do

• Do not leave the door open to aid ventilation, even when the store feels warm.

• Do not leave the light on when the room is not in use.

• Do not store flammable material in or near highly flammable chemicals.

• Do not store gas canisters with other chemicals. They should have a separate store.

Flammable, Flashpoint and Auto-Ignition Temperature

• Flashpoint: The lowest temperature at which a chemical gives off enough vapour to ignite when exposed to a spark or flame.

• Flammable: A chemical with a flashpoint at or below 37.8°C.

• Auto-ignition temperature: The temperature at which a chemical or chemical vapour can ignite spontaneously without an external spark or flame.

Flammable vs Combustible Liquids

• Liquids with a flashpoint lower than 37.8°C are classed as flammable and can ignite easily at ambient temperatures.

• Liquids with a flashpoint between 37.8°C and 93.3°C are considered combustible. These are generally less hazardous than flammables, as they need higher temperatures to produce burnable vapours.

• Most flammable liquids will not spontaneously combust under normal storage conditions. However, highly flammable vapours can ignite when exposed to a hot surface, spark or flame.

Common Higher-Risk Chemicals in School and College Stores

The most highly flammable chemicals that may be found in a school or college chemical store include acetaldehyde, also known as ethanal, diethyl ether and n-pentane.

Reference: PubChem

Further Chemical Storage Guidance

For detailed chemical storage guidance, refer to CLEAPSS or SERC in Scotland. You can also view our laboratory chemical range below.

View our Chemical Range