Small But Mighty
When working with flammable, volatile, or biohazardous materials in laboratory environments, safety starts with proper storage. That means investing in the right cold storage solutions—specifically, lab freezers, lab refrigerators, and, where required, an ultra-low temperature freezer. These units aren’t just conventional fridges with a scientific sticker; they’re purpose-built for risk reduction, temperature stability, and compliance with stringent Australian and international safety standards.
In Australia, AS/NZS 2243.10:2004 outlines specific safety requirements for the storage of chemicals in laboratories, while WorkSafe and Safe Work Australia provide further guidance for the handling and containment of hazardous substances. Aligning with these protocols isn’t just good practice—it’s mandatory.
Let’s explore how to store hazardous materials safely and effectively using the correct refrigeration equipment.
Understand the Risk Categories
Hazardous materials can be broadly grouped into three categories for cold storage:
- Flammable or Combustible Liquids – such as ethanol, acetone, and xylene.
- Volatile Chemicals – including certain solvents or reagents that emit vapours at room temperature.
- Biohazardous Samples – such as blood, pathogens, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Each of these materials carries specific risks in storage, especially when housed in unsuitable or domestic-style refrigeration units. For example, storing flammable substances in a non-spark-proof fridge can create a dangerous ignition risk.
Use Purpose-Built Cold Storage Equipment
The first rule of safe cold storage is using certified lab refrigerators and lab freezers designed for hazardous environments. These units come with specialised features like:
- Explosion-proof or spark-free interiors to prevent ignition in flammable vapour environments.
- Ventilated storage compartments to reduce fume build-up.
- Door alarms, temperature logging, and lockable compartments for secure, compliant handling of sensitive materials.
Ultra-low temperature freezer units (typically -80°C) are essential for preserving certain biological samples, including viral vectors, vaccines, enzymes, and long-term tissue storage. They must be validated and properly maintained to avoid sample degradation or catastrophic loss during power failure.
Segregate and Label Contents Clearly
Whether you’re working in a university research lab, pharmaceutical company, or hospital pathology department, good lab practice begins with clear labelling and organisation. Keep different types of hazardous materials in separate compartments or units and avoid overcrowding.
- Label everything with content description, hazard classification, and date of storage.
- Avoid mixing chemical types, particularly oxidisers and flammables, in the same cold storage unit.
- Use secondary containment trays or sealed containers to minimise cross-contamination or spill risk.
Monitor and Maintain Correct Temperatures
Hazardous samples often have narrow storage temperature requirements. Lab freezers and ultra-low temperature freezer units should be monitored using calibrated, digital data loggers with remote alert systems where possible. This is particularly critical in ultra-low applications, where a fluctuation of even a few degrees can ruin biological samples.
Routine maintenance includes:
- Verifying calibration at regular intervals.
- Cleaning filters and internal components.
- Inspecting door seals for leaks or condensation.
Have Emergency and Backup Systems in Place
Power failures and mechanical malfunctions can happen without warning. If your lab houses temperature-sensitive hazardous materials, make sure you have:
- Redundant freezer units or backup ultra-low temperature freezer capacity.
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or backup generators.
- SOPs for transferring samples in an emergency.
For high-value or irreplaceable samples, consider cloud-connected monitoring systems that alert personnel instantly via text or email in the event of temperature deviation.
Train Your Team and Document Procedures
No matter how advanced your equipment is, its effectiveness depends on trained personnel. Staff should receive formal training on:
- The hazards associated with stored materials.
- Proper handling and PPE use.
- Emergency procedures, including chemical spill containment.
Maintain up-to-date SOPs, maintenance logs, and training records to ensure compliance with NATA and ISO standards, especially in regulated lab environments.
Safe Storage of Flammable, Volatile or Biohazardous Samples in Purpose-Built Refrigerators and Freezers
Safely storing hazardous materials is a non-negotiable aspect of any laboratory operation. Using specialised lab refrigerators, lab freezers, and ultra-low temperature freezer units not only safeguards staff and facilities, but it also ensures the integrity of your research or clinical outcomes. With rigorous procedures, proper training, and lab cold storage equipment tailored to your storage requirements, your lab can minimise risks and maintain full compliance with Australian standards.