containment of water sprinkler runoff because of the insidious threat to personnel and animals of
the hazardous materials stored in the poisons storage areas. Incidents which result in the release
of any carcinogen, identified in 29 CFR 1910.1003, into any area where workers may be
potentially exposed, must be reported within 24 hours to the nearest OSHA Area Director. A
follow-up written report is required within 15 calendar days.
D. Applicable HCCs. The following HCCs should be stored in storage type T:
1. K1, Infectious Substance.
2. K2, Cytotoxic Drug.
3. T1, DOT Poison - Inhalation Hazard.
4. T2, UN Poison, Packing Group I.
5. T3, UN Poison, Packing Group II.
6. T7, Carcinogen.
E. Storage Arrangement. Pallet racks, box pallets, or shelving should be used when vertical
storage is required. Poisonous materials should be stored in a manner that will prevent direct
contact of the material with the floor. Only compatible materials of the same hazard class should
be placed in any single vertical rack. Materials with multiple hazard classes should be placed in
separate vertical racks. Poisons should never be stored, even temporarily, next to food, food
items, or other items intended for consumption by humans or animals. Cyanides and cyanide
mixtures must not be stored with acids or acidic materials to prevent their accidental combination
and the subsequent release of hydrogen cyanide.
1. Access to areas where cytotoxic drugs are stored should be limited to authorized personnel.
Such areas should be posted with a large warning sign, a list of all drugs covered by cytotoxic
drug policies, and a sign detailing spill response procedures. Detailed spill procedures are
contained in Chapter 7. If possible, facilities used for storing cytotoxic drugs, should not be used
for other drugs and should be designed to prevent drugs from falling to the floor. Warning labels
should be applied to all containers as well as to shelves and bins where these containers are
permanently stored.
2. To prevent diversion to unlawful use, cyanide in pellet or other easily pilferable forms shall
be accorded high security, sensitive item storage status.
F. References. Additional information is available in:
1. Title 29 CFR, section 1910.106, Criteria for Flammable and
Liquid Warehouses or Storage Buildings.
2. Title 40 CFR, section 165.10, Recommended Procedures and Criteria for Storage of
Pesticides and Pesticide Containers, and NFPA standard 43D, Procedures and Criteria for the
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