Can Different Chemicals Be Stored in the Same Cabinet?
Yes and no. Storing different chemicals in the same cabinet is a common practice in many facilities, but it must be done with caution.
Not all chemicals are compatible. Mixing incompatible substances in the same cabinet, even in sealed containers, can create serious risks if leaks, vapour release, or container damage occurs. In worst-case scenarios, incompatible chemicals can react, leading to fires, toxic gas release, or explosions.
As a general rule, chemicals should be stored based on their hazard class, not convenience.
For example:
Flammable liquids should be stored in flammable safety cabinets
Corrosive substances should be stored in corrosion-resistant cabinets
Oxidisers and acids should be segregated from organics and flammables
Incompatible chemicals should not be stored together unless proper segregation is in place. While most cabinets have physical segregation such as shelving, often they are not properly segregated and share the same air space and sump.
Chemical compatibility charts are a useful tool for identifying which substances can safely be stored together. These charts group chemicals based on how they react with one another and help prevent dangerous combinations.
It’s also important to consider:
Spill containment within the cabinet – does it have a built in sump? Can the substances mix safely?
Ventilation requirements – what do the safety datasheets recommend?
Proper labelling and identification
In many cases, the safest approach is to separate chemicals into dedicated cabinets rather than risk incompatibility.
Proper chemical storage is not just about compliance – it’s about preventing incidents before they happen.
View our chemical compatibility chart here: https://www.spilldoctor.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Spill-Doctor-Chemical-Compatibility-Guide.pdf
And our range of chemical cabinets here: https://www.spilldoctor.co.za/product-category/safety-storage-cabinets/chemical-safety-cabinets/