What You Don’t See Can Hurt You

Rolling, compact shelving systems have been used successfully as part of a diverse overall system for science storage. These systems, although expensive, can eliminate the cost of additional floor space by providing very dense, uniform storage since the shelving sections roll together, requiring only a single aisle. However, it should be noted that this type of uniform shelving is inadequate when used alone. An assortment of various sizes and shapes of cabinets and drawers are needed to store the diverse science equipment and materials.

Industrial shelving and storage systems can also provide types of storage

Open Bin Storage

solutions not commonly thought of in planning science prep and equipment storage rooms. Bins in racks that slope toward the front can hold a variety of smaller items and the bin design allows the science teacher to see at a glance what they contain.

Chemicals should not be stored in the prep or equipment storage rooms, unless they are used in such very small quantities that a small, lockable chemical storage cabinet may be used. A separate, locked chemical storage room should be adjacent to and accessible only from the chemistry prep room. This space should have its own ventilation system, running 24/7, with vents at the floor and at the ceiling.

Specifically designed, UL approved cabinets for flammables and for corrosives should be used to isolate these items from other potential reactions. Flammables storage cabinets should not be separately vented (see NFPA 45 “Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals”) and should not be used to store corrosives, as they are not designed to withstand corrosive fumes. Shelving for the storage of chemicals other than flammables and corrosives should be designed so as to be non-reactive to the chemicals stored (wood with adjustable plastic supports, for example). Shelves should be shallow (12″ or less) so that no more than two containers may be stored front-to-back. Lips or horizontal rods on shelves may help to protect containers from dropping off shelves, particularly in seismically active zones. Chemicals must be stored according to compatibility and should be clearly labeled. MSDS sheets for all chemicals stored should be placed in a folder or notebook attached to the outside of the chemical storage room door and should also be on file in the principal’s and nurse’s offices.