How to store chemical raw materials properly: 5 rules from practice
Temperature, incompatible substances, FIFO, labelling and careful handling. Five practical rules that protect your raw materials, your people and your budget.
A well-organised warehouse is the foundation of safe work with chemical raw materials
Chemical raw materials are the backbone of production in dozens of industries – from cleaning products and cosmetics to construction. Storing them, however, follows strict rules, and underestimating them can lead to spoiled material, fines during inspections or, in the worst case, a health hazard for employees. Here are five principles that have proven themselves in our practice.
1. Keep temperature and humidity under control
Most surfactants, polyols and other liquid raw materials require storage at 5–35 °C. Lower temperatures risk crystallisation or separation of emulsions, while higher temperatures accelerate degradation. Hygroscopic materials (e.g. powdered sulphates) are also sensitive to humidity – always keep them in their original sealed packaging.
2. Separate incompatible substances
Acids never belong next to alkalis, oxidising agents never next to flammables. The basis is a storage plan built on safety data sheets (SDS) – every raw material in our catalogue comes with one. For smaller operations, spill pallets with a chemically resistant finish have proven useful, handling minor leaks at the same time.
Regular quality control extends the usability of stored raw materials
3. Watch shelf life – FIFO
Even stable raw materials have a limited shelf life, typically 12–36 months. Introduce a FIFO system (first in, first out) and label every batch with its receipt date. For older batches we recommend a laboratory check of appearance, pH and active matter before use.
4. Labelling and emergency preparedness
Every container must carry a label identifying the substance along with CLP hazard pictograms. The warehouse should include an emergency kit (sorbents, protective equipment) and all staff should know the procedure in case of a spill.
Careful handling reduces the risk of damaged packaging and leaks
5. Handle with care
The most common cause of chemical leaks is not corrosion but packaging damaged during handling. Use undamaged pallets, secure IBC containers against shifting and equip forklifts with protection against puncturing packaging.
Need advice?
Every raw material in our catalogue comes with complete documentation including SDS and technical data sheets, and we are happy to advise you on specific storage conditions. Get in touch – or browse our catalogue of more than 1,300 products.
