Storage Groups are groups of chemicals that will not react violently if mixed together. Stanford’s Storage Group System was developed for laboratory-scale storage applications, and should not be routinely applied to non-laboratory storage situations.

Compatible Storage Group Chemical Classification System

Other classification systems attempt to define compatible groups by hazard classification. The Stanford Compatible Storage Group Chemical Classification System classifies storage groups independent of main hazard classes, allowing the number of Storage Groups to be as low as possible. It is possible that two chemicals classified in separate storage groups are nonetheless compatible since the groupings are generalizations. Based on specific knowledge or information, two chemicals from separate storage groups could be stored together.

The various storage classifications are summarized in a PDF. To find the appropriate storage group for a given chemical, check your lab's online chemical inventory or search Stanford’s Chemical Safety Database.

For questions, call EH&S Hazardous Materials at (650) 723-0448.