Where should alcohol and other flammable chemicals be stored?

The recommended storage for alcohol and other flammable chemicals is in an approved safety can or a storage cabinet designed specifically for flammable materials, located away from heat sources. This is crucial because safety cans and specialized cabinets are designed to contain spills, reduce the risk of ignition, and prevent vapors from escaping into the environment, minimizing the potential for fire hazards. Keeping these materials away from heat sources further ensures that they are not exposed to conditions that could lead to combustion.

Storing flammable chemicals in an unapproved manner, such as under a hood, can compromise safety because hoods may not provide adequate containment for spills or fires. Arranging chemicals alphabetically may facilitate identification but does not address the critical need for proper containment and fire safety. Storing them in a refrigerator is also a dangerous practice; standard refrigerators are not designed for flammable materials and can present significant ignition risks. Additionally, placing chemicals on low shelves does not provide the necessary protection and can lead to spills or accidents that would be more easily mitigated in a controlled storage environment.