Transferring chemicals from their original containers into secondary vessels is common in homes and workplaces. While this action seems simple, it introduces safety hazards that are often overlooked. The original packaging is engineered to be part of the chemical’s safety system, providing specific protection and information that secondary containers rarely duplicate. Moving a chemical is only safe when rigorous precautions are strictly followed, which is why safety professionals discourage the practice unless necessary.
Why Container Material Matters
Manufacturers specifically choose container material to withstand the substance it holds. This selection accounts for chemical compatibility, ensuring the container will not degrade, dissolve, or weaken under constant exposure to the substance’s properties, such as pH or solvent nature. Strong organic solvents, for example, can chemically attack incompatible plastics, leading to leaks or container failure. Highly corrosive substances like concentrated acids or bases can corrode metals not rated for the chemical, or even destroy materials like glass, as seen with hydrofluoric acid.
A physical danger involves the potential for pressure build-up inside a sealed, non-vented container. Some chemicals, such as hypochlorite solutions or formic and nitric acids, naturally off-gas or decompose slowly, producing gaseous byproducts. When moved into a tightly sealed container lacking a specialized vented cap, internal pressure can rise to dangerous levels, leading to rupture or explosion.
Many chemicals are sensitive to light and are packaged in opaque or amber-colored bottles to protect them from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure can compromise a chemical’s stability, degrading its effectiveness or altering its composition, sometimes creating new, more hazardous compounds. Transferring such a substance to a clear container significantly reduces its shelf life and compromises its intended function.
The Risks of Misidentification and Mixing
The greatest hazard posed by secondary containment is human error resulting from identification failure. Using food or beverage containers, such as old soda bottles, to store chemicals presents a danger of accidental ingestion, particularly to children. Serious injury or fatality has occurred when individuals mistake a toxic chemical for a drink because it was stored inappropriately. This practice also removes child-resistant closures legally required on many hazardous household products, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning.
Unlabeled or poorly labeled containers frequently lead to accidental chemical mixing and highly toxic reactions. A common household example involves combining chlorine bleach with ammonia or a strong acid like vinegar. This mixing can rapidly produce toxic gases, such as chloramine or chlorine gas, which cause severe respiratory damage or death. Lack of clear labeling prevents users from recognizing the residue of a previous chemical, setting the stage for a dangerous incompatibility reaction.
The original manufacturer’s container holds necessary information for safety and emergency response. This includes the product identifier, hazard statements, first aid instructions, and a reference to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Moving a chemical without transferring this information renders the substance an “unknown,” making timely medical treatment impossible following accidental exposure. In professional settings, failing to label a secondary container with the name and hazard of the contents violates workplace safety regulations, such as OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) standards.
Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Transfer
If transferring a chemical is necessary, the first step is selecting a clean, dry, and chemically resistant container. The new container must be compatible with the substance, certified for chemical storage, and rated to handle its corrosive or solvent properties. Never use a container previously used for food or beverages, due to the risk of accidental ingestion.
Immediately after transfer, mandatory and legible labeling of the secondary container is necessary for safety and compliance. The label must contain, at a minimum, the chemical name, product identifier, a signal word (like “Danger” or “Warning”), and a statement of the major health and physical hazards. In a workplace, the label must also reference the original SDS and may require specific pictograms.
The transfer process must be conducted with adequate ventilation to prevent the inhalation of fumes or vapors. The user should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and potentially a lab coat, as indicated by the original SDS. Using a funnel or a dedicated pump minimizes the risk of spills and subsequent skin contact or contamination.
It is best practice to retain a small amount of the chemical in the original manufacturer’s container. This ensures the original batch number, manufacturer information, and the complete, compliant label are preserved for future reference or emergency use. This step provides a reference point for quality control or for identifying the exact chemical composition if medical personnel require it.