The type of container in which a hazardous chemical is packaged may determine whether or not you purchase the chemical in the first place. For instance, most chemical suppliers package magnesium ribbon in a wax paper bag. H 2 O 2 bottle expands as oxygen is released. Excess chemicals sitting on your shelves year after year increase your overall storage risks, tie up valuable budget dollars, and create hazardous clutter. The shelf life of your chemicals is an important concern.
Some chemicals become more hazardous with age.
One labeling specification is that the purchase date appear on the chemical label. Having this information available will help you know how old your chemicals are and if a shelf life problem exists. In the long run, purchasing chemicals in smaller package sizes will save you money because you will be storing less material, which will ultimately lead to lower disposal costs. You might even save money on insurance premiums. Yes, some insurance companies may offer lower premiums to schools that have adopted chemical purchasing practices designed to promote safety.