Reagents by definition are usually reactive chemicals, and so they can be harmful if accidentally spilled. Many reagents are acids or bases and so are very corrosive. Even small leaks, drips or spills can attack common materials such as metals, sometimes generating toxic fumes. Other reagents are solvents which can attack and weaken plastics. Still others can be dangerous if inhaled or touched, and some reagents may react together if mixed to form explosive or toxic products. For these reasons, reagents must be stored in a manner that prevents accidental release and ensures that the shelving material material can withstand contact with the reagents.
Many standard shelving materials are not safe when contacted with reagents. Metals such as steel will be corroded and weakened by acids or bases. Wood can act as a fuel and produce dangerously flammable mixtures with oxidizers and some solvents. Plastics can be quickly dissolved by common solvents. Reagent shelves must be able to withstand all these situations in the event of accidental spills or leaks. As well, shelves should be smooth, easily cleaned and readily sterilized. For this reason, reagent shelving is often made of a wood or fiberboard core coating with a chemical resistant laminate made from reinforced resin.
One danger with shelving is that reagents may fall off, breaking open and exposing lab personnel and potentially mixing and reacting. This could be the result of a person or cart accidentally bumping into a shelf, or an event such as an earthquake. For this reason, reagent shelving is made with a forward lip of approximately 1 1/2 inches in height to prevent reagents jars from slipping off the front of the shelf. This lip also helps to contain spills in the event of a liquid reagent accidentally spilling or leaking while on the shelf.
Lab personnel must be able to safely reach for reagents, so the placement of reagent shelves must be optimized to allow this. Shelves are normally situated no more than five feet above the ground. As well, shelving has to be well made and able to withstand the weight load of a reasonable quantity of reagents and also has to be firmly affixed to the wall.