1. (1) Store hazardous chemicals:

   1. (a) Separately, to prevent hazardous reactions. Label storage areas by category to prevent the mixing of incompatible types of chemicals. (Examples of categories include: flammable liquids, acids, bases oxidizers.)
   2. (b) In conformance with manufacturer’s instructions on the label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to prevent conditions that could adversely affect container integrity or product stability.
   3. (c) Separate from food and personal items to prevent contamination.

   4. (d) Separate from sources of ignition. In locations where flammable vapors may be present, take precautions to prevent fires by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition.

      NOTES: Division 4/L, 437-004-1440, requires that signs reading “No Smoking or Open Flame” or “FLAMMABLE — KEEP FIRE AWAY” be posted in areas where flammable liquids are received, stored or dispensed. Chemical storage areas should comply with appropriate state and local fire codes. Identify chemical storage buildings with a sign in accordance with NFPA 704. Examples of ignition sources include open flames; smoking; cutting and welding activities; hot surfaces and radiant heat; frictional heat; static, electrical, and mechanical sparks; and, chemical and physical/chemical reactions.

2. (2) Ventilate storage areas, as needed to keep air contaminants below 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

   NOTE: Permissible exposure limits (PELs) for substances listed in 4/Z, OAR 437-004-9000, Air Contaminants, also apply.

3. (3) Provide natural or artificial lighting equal to 20 foot-candles for safe entry into the storage area and to permit identification of chemical containers.

4. (4) Storage, handling, and removal of hazardous chemical containers must not cause hazards to workers.

   NOTES: Other Division 4 rules with requirements that may apply to chemical storage areas include: 4/H: OAR 437-004-0720 Flammable Liquids. 4/H: OAR 437-004-0950 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, when employees are required to cleanup certain emergency chemical spills. 4/K: OAR 437-004-1305(5) Emergency eyewashes and shower equipment, if required for emergency decontamination. 4/L, Fire: OAR 437-004-1430 through 1470, when storing or dispensing flammable liquids. 4/N: OAR 437-004-1610 General Requirements. 4/S, Electricity: OAR 437-004-2810 through 437-004-3075.

5. (5) The following additional requirements apply where storing Restricted Use Pesticides:

   NOTE: Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) are a category of pesticide products that pose a higher risk to people, animals, or the environment. They can only be purchased by and used under the supervision of a person with a pesticide license.

   1. (a) Lock the storage area to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

   2. (b) Provide separate sections within the storage area for each category of pesticide product. (Examples include: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fumigants.) Label these areas by general category.

      NOTE: The goal of separation is to prevent hazards to employees caused by the mixing of incompatible chemicals and the contamination of one type of product, or storage surface with a more toxic product due to a leak or spill.

   3. (c) Floors and shelves must be constructed of a chemically-resistant material; or coated, sealed, or provided with secondary containment that prevents the absorption of the hazardous chemicals.
   4. (d) When the storage area contains enough chemical that a leak or spill could cause the material to leave the confines of the building, there must be sufficient containment or other means to contain any leaks or spills within the storage area.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 654.001 - 654.295

History

OSHA 3-2014, f. & cert. ef. 8-8-14
OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98