What is the importance of "compatibility" in HAZMAT storage?

The concept of "compatibility" in hazardous materials storage is crucial primarily because it directly ties to safety. Storing incompatible substances together can lead to dangerous reactions that may result in fires, explosions, toxic gas releases, or other hazardous situations. Each chemical may have unique properties that, when mixed with another, can interact in unpredictable and hazardous ways. Therefore, ensuring that incompatible materials are stored separately is essential to minimize risks and protect personnel, the environment, and property.

While optimizing space, proper labeling, and maintaining accurate inventory records are also important factors in hazardous materials management, the overriding concern remains the potential for dangerous reactions. Compatibility is fundamentally about safety, making it the most critical aspect when it comes to effective HAZMAT storage.