Chemical Storage Sorter

"Chemical Storage Sorter is designed to classify and sort laboratory chemicals for safe storage. Please provide a list of chemical names. For other chemical safety tasks, use a more appropriate tool."

Quick Check

python -m py_compile scripts/main.py
python scripts/main.py --help

Workflow

1. Confirm the chemical list, required inputs, and any special constraints (custom classifications, lab-specific rules).
2. Validate that the request matches the documented scope; stop if the task requires unsupported assumptions.
3. Run the script or apply the documented classification path with only the inputs available.
4. Return a structured result separating assumptions, deliverables, risks, and unresolved items.
5. If execution fails or inputs are incomplete, switch to the fallback path and state exactly what blocked full completion.

Fallback: If no chemicals are provided, respond: "No chemical list provided. Please supply chemical names via --chemicals or as a text list. Cannot sort without input chemicals."

Core Capabilities

1. Chemical Classification

from scripts.main import ChemicalStorageSorter
sorter = ChemicalStorageSorter()
group = sorter.classify_chemical("Hydrochloric acid")  # → "acids"

2. Compatibility Checking

compatible, message = sorter.check_compatibility("Hydrochloric acid", "Sodium hydroxide")
# → False, "INCOMPATIBLE: acids cannot be stored with bases"

3. Storage Plan Generation

groups = sorter.sort_chemicals(inventory)
sorter.print_storage_plan(groups)

CLI Usage

# Sort list of chemicals
python scripts/main.py --chemicals "HCl,NaOH,ethanol,H2O2"

# Check compatibility between two chemicals
python scripts/main.py --chemicals "HCl" --check "NaOH"

# List all storage groups
python scripts/main.py --list-groups

Parameters

Output Requirements

Every final response must make these explicit:

• Objective or requested deliverable
• Inputs used (chemical list) and assumptions introduced
• Classification method and any manual overrides applied
• Core result: storage groups with chemicals assigned, incompatibility warnings
• Constraints and risks (tool is first-check only; always verify with SDS)
• Unresolved items and next-step checks

Error Handling

• If no chemicals are provided, list the required input format and request it.
• If a chemical cannot be classified, assign to "general" and flag for manual review. Suggest: (1) provide the CAS number for lookup, (2) consult the SDS for GHS hazard classification, (3) contact the institutional safety officer.
• If scripts/main.py fails, report the failure point and provide manual classification fallback using the hazard group table above.
• Do not fabricate classifications or compatibility results.

Common Pitfalls

• Assuming dilute = safe: Even dilute acids/bases need proper storage
• Storing by alphabetical order: Acetic acid next to acetone — always prioritize compatibility
• Inadequate separation: Use physical barriers (cabinets), not just distance
• Outdated storage plans: Update documentation whenever chemicals are relocated
• Ignoring multi-hazard chemicals: Concentrated HNO₃ is both acid and oxidizer — store in most restrictive group; multi-hazard chemicals are automatically assigned to the most restrictive applicable group

Storage Requirements by Group

References

• OSHA Chemical Storage Guidelines: https://www.osha.gov/chemical-storage
• NFPA 45: Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals
• Prudent Practices in the Laboratory (National Research Council)