Safe storage of chemical products at home
Store and use all chemical products according to the instructions on the package. Remember that chemicals can be toxic or flammable, and when they are mixed they can produce toxic gases or liquids.
Remember to keep chemical products in their original containers, not in cups or drink bottles.
11 safety tips for storing chemicals at home
Look at the label before you buy the product. Before using the product, please read the label and follow the instructions.
Try to find the safest products, especially when you have children at home.
Keep chemicals in a locked cabinet and keep out of the reach of children (including rock climbers). If possible, separate liquid chemicals from dry chemicals.
When you use chemicals, follow the instructions. Make sure you have the recommended protective equipment (such as gloves, goggles and masks) and work in a well ventilated place.
If you use chemical cleaners, clean the rags before you use them again or throw them away.
Keep chemicals in their original packaging so that you can easily identify them. Do not store chemicals:
A container with which the product may react or degrade
Unlabeled container
A container in which different products (especially food or drinks) are initially stored
Containers that cannot be sealed.
If you have to repack the product, be sure to label it clearly.
Do not use chemicals for other purposes. When you use up a chemical, don’t pour it into a drain, toilet or drain.
Observe any special storage instructions (e.g. flammable liquids should be kept away from heat sources, drugs should be kept in a cool place, acids should be kept away from alkaline products).
Regularly check the storage containers for damage or leakage, especially when storing chemicals for a long time.
And you have to store these poisons in containers that comply with the law.
Safe handling of household chemicals
Some household chemicals can’t be thrown into your daily garbage. The following chemicals require special disposal:
Ionizing smoke alarms – these are mild radioactivity. You can throw these alerts in your household garbage unless you have a lot of garbage (more than 10). In this case, call your local fire station for advice
Rechargeable battery – return the rechargeable battery to your supplier or battery recycling facility, such as one provided by your committee
Disposable batteries – recycle disposable batteries. There are battery recycling bins in Aldi supermarket
Lead acid batteries – Take lead-acid batteries to the Council’s waste disposal station
Fire extinguisher – return fire extinguisher to local fire station
Distress flares – contact the manufacturer to find out how to deal with distress flares
Medications – return old, expired or unwanted medications to your local pharmacist for proper disposal.
The local council’s home chemical collection is also an opportunity to deal with chemicals, used oil, paint, solvents, LPG tanks and rechargeable batteries. You can also take these products to municipal waste disposal stations.
Remember, don’t throw chemical products into toilets or sewers. Also, if you have empty chemical containers, wrap them up before you throw them away.
