Storage of flammable liquids outside of a storage cabinet should avoided when possible. Flammable liquids that are not in use should be stored in an appropriate cabinet. The maximum quantity of flammable liquids permitted to be stored in a laboratory outside of a flammable-liquids cabinet varies depending on the design of the research building. Flammable liquids should not be stored in a refrigerators unless it is UL approved for flammable liquid storage. Storage of flammable liquids in household grade refrigerators is a fire hazard.
Stability refers to the susceptibility of the chemical to dangerous decomposition.
Ethers, and olefins form peroxides on exposure to air and light. Since these chemicals are packaged in an air atmosphere, peroxides can form even though the containers have not been opened. Write the date received and date opened on all containers of ether. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of ether should be discarded after 1 year. Open containers of ether should be discarded within 6 months of opening.