How to store chemicals safely?

[Tachiao41]

My husband and I recently bought a 41' ta chiao. We have a 2 year old and are expecting another in a few months. We are living full time on board. With limited space/temperature/ventilation conditions/and baby on board, does anyone have any suggestions on where to store all the chemicals that come with maintaining a boat?

[Roy M]

One way is to simply have a deck locker. You can store paint, gasoline, acetone, hydrochloric acid, and other nasty stuff in it, you can use waterproof plastic containers inside for additional protection. On my boat I have a number of "wet lockers" that drain over the side (actually, through the underwing). Some contain propane tanks for the stove, others contain paint and other vaporous products, another has lye, oxalic acid, hydrochloric acid and other nasty stuff, each in a waterproof container and secured against rolling and spilling.

[thinwater]

The question itself begs a question. Which chemicals, because the storage conditions are very different. Flammables (gasoline and propane) are different from corrosives (HCl, caustics, etc.). As for babies, simply closing lids tightly will keep small fingers at bay. I'm pretty sure there were no special precautions when I was small.

If I were particular, I would put a hasp on the relevant lockers. As for ventilation, flammables go in a special locker (safety issue, not related to baby) and the others should not be leaking. Simple.