Posted By Andrew Mawson I have recently taken over responsibility for a packed chemicals warehouse. In it flammables, oxidisers and aerosols are segregated and appear to be well managed. Acids and alkalis do not appear segregated and i seem to remember that they must be. i would appreciate any guidance or direction along with a good publication that will assist me with storage rules etc Many thanks

Posted By B Gale Several issues are raised with this question. Acids and alkalis are often stored together but clealry if mixed there can be sevre exothermic reactions it is usual to segrate teh chemicals further one suggest: Acids-Non Water Reactive. These include all aqueous or non-aqueous inorganic or organic acids. They can be solid or liquid. Some organic acids are also flammable. If any of these are dissolved in, or mixed in the same container with, a flammable solvent or are flammable alone, they shoudl be sepearted acording to class Acids-Water Reactive. These compounds may or may not react violently with water, alcohols, etc. to create toxic and/or flammable gases and/or heat. They can be solid or liquid. Alkalis-Non Water Reactive. These include all aqueous or non-aqueous inorganic or organic bases. They can be solid or liquid. Some organic bases (amines) are also flammable. If any of these are dissolved in, or mixed in the same container with, a flammable solvent or are flammable alone, they shoudl be segrated acording to class Alkalis-Water Reactive. These compounds react violently with water or atmospheric moisture. When they react, they generate flammable gases that may 1) catch fire and/or 2) ignite the solvent they are dissolved or stored in and/or 3) explode. Pyrophoric materials ignite and/or explode upon exposure to the air. Take special precautions to protect these materials from container breakage The whole area of chemical segration is a complex one and requires some expert review. For example even Acetic Acid is incompatible with chromic acid, nitric acid