One cannot be too careful when storing or disposing of chemicals especially if they are old and are not well labeled. This point became especially clear this past February when in the process of disposing of chemicals previously owned by a recently retired Laboratory employee, it was discovered that some of the chemicals were potential explosives. Appropriate handling and storage procedures were immediately implemented and there was no release to the public and no harm to public or employee health. MSDSs were not available for all the chemicals involved, and, when one did exist, provided little information about the chemical's explosive nature.
Conflicts exist among reference books providing information on chemicals.
Also, guidance from regulatory agencies sometimes does not address the chemicals of concern as happened in this case. Information passed on by the previous owner did not include critical safety details about the chemicals. Ownership transfer of chemicals may include an inventory of chemicals but not the hazards associated with the inventory. They can provide the needed guidance.