CHEM-STOR-203 safety system_error ai_generated true

AI advises storing nitric acid in a metal cabinet or on a wooden shelf, or storing it near organic solvents like acetone or ethanol

ID: safety/chemical-incompatibility-storage

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
93%Fix Rate
86%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-05-10First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 (2024) active — — —
NFPA 400-2022 (Hazardous Materials Code) active — — —
USP <800> (Hazardous Drugs) - 2023 active — — —

Root Cause

Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts violently with organic materials (wood, paper, solvents) and many metals (except stainless steel and aluminum) producing toxic nitrogen dioxide gas and potential fire/explosion; proper storage requires dedicated acid cabinets made of polyethylene or polypropylene, segregated from flammables and combustibles.

generic

中文

硝酸是一种强氧化剂，与有机材料（木材、纸张、溶剂）和许多金属（除不锈钢和铝外）发生剧烈反应，产生有毒的二氧化氮气体并可能导致火灾/爆炸；正确储存需要使用由聚乙烯或聚丙烯制成的专用酸柜，并与易燃物和可燃物隔离。

Official Documentation

https://www.osha.gov/chemical-hazards

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Store nitric acid in a dedicated acid storage cabinet made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, with a spill containment sump. Label the cabinet clearly: 'NITRIC ACID ONLY - STRONG OXIDIZER - KEEP AWAY FROM ORGANICS AND REDUCING AGENTS'. Ensure the cabinet is ventilated to prevent accumulation of NO2 gas. 
    Store nitric acid in a dedicated acid storage cabinet made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, with a spill containment sump. Label the cabinet clearly: 'NITRIC ACID ONLY - STRONG OXIDIZER - KEEP AWAY FROM ORGANICS AND REDUCING AGENTS'. Ensure the cabinet is ventilated to prevent accumulation of NO2 gas.
  2. 90% success Segregate nitric acid from all organic materials (including solvents, paper, wood, plastics not rated for acid) by at least 3 meters (10 feet) or a fire-rated barrier. Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Example segregation plan: 'Acid Cabinet A (HNO3) located in Room 101, minimum 5m from Solvent Cabinet B (acetone, ethanol) in Room 102.' 
    Segregate nitric acid from all organic materials (including solvents, paper, wood, plastics not rated for acid) by at least 3 meters (10 feet) or a fire-rated barrier. Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Example segregation plan: 'Acid Cabinet A (HNO3) located in Room 101, minimum 5m from Solvent Cabinet B (acetone, ethanol) in Room 102.'
  3. 88% success Use chemical compatibility charts (e.g., from the manufacturer or NOAA CAMEO) to verify storage groups. For nitric acid, the incompatibility group includes: 'Organic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines, ammonia, bases, metals (except stainless steel and Al), carbides, cyanides, sulfides, and all combustible materials.' Document the segregation plan in the lab's chemical hygiene plan. 
    Use chemical compatibility charts (e.g., from the manufacturer or NOAA CAMEO) to verify storage groups. For nitric acid, the incompatibility group includes: 'Organic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines, ammonia, bases, metals (except stainless steel and Al), carbides, cyanides, sulfides, and all combustible materials.' Document the segregation plan in the lab's chemical hygiene plan.

中文步骤

  1. Store nitric acid in a dedicated acid storage cabinet made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, with a spill containment sump. Label the cabinet clearly: 'NITRIC ACID ONLY - STRONG OXIDIZER - KEEP AWAY FROM ORGANICS AND REDUCING AGENTS'. Ensure the cabinet is ventilated to prevent accumulation of NO2 gas.
  2. Segregate nitric acid from all organic materials (including solvents, paper, wood, plastics not rated for acid) by at least 3 meters (10 feet) or a fire-rated barrier. Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Example segregation plan: 'Acid Cabinet A (HNO3) located in Room 101, minimum 5m from Solvent Cabinet B (acetone, ethanol) in Room 102.'
  3. Use chemical compatibility charts (e.g., from the manufacturer or NOAA CAMEO) to verify storage groups. For nitric acid, the incompatibility group includes: 'Organic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines, ammonia, bases, metals (except stainless steel and Al), carbides, cyanides, sulfides, and all combustible materials.' Document the segregation plan in the lab's chemical hygiene plan.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 85% fail

    Flammable storage cabinets are often made of steel with flammable-rated coatings; nitric acid can corrode the metal, and if organic vapors are present, the oxidizing nature of nitric acid can cause a fire or explosion

  2. 80% fail

    Wood is organic and will react with nitric acid if spilled, producing nitrogen dioxide gas (toxic) and potentially igniting; secondary containment may not prevent the acid from contacting the wood if the tray is overfilled or tipped

  3. 90% fail

    Refrigerators often contain organic materials (food, plastics) and may not be spark-proof; nitric acid can react with organic vapors in the enclosed space, and cold temperatures can cause crystallization or phase separation of some acid concentrations