The store will not work correctly when cookies are disabled.
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing to use the site, you indicate that you accept cookies. See our cookies policy here.
An essential guide to help you be better informed when purchasing chemicals.
Laboratory chemicals are essential in education, research, clinical environments and industrial applications. Although ordering chemicals may seem straightforward, selecting the correct grade, purity, packaging and storage conditions is critical for achieving accurate results and maintaining safety.
This guide outlines the key points to consider before purchasing, from intended use and chemical grade through to storage, compliance, traceability and disposal.
1. Identify Your Primary Use Case
The intended application determines the required purity, packaging and compliance level.
✓School / teaching labs
Safe concentrations, general-purpose reagents, smaller volumes and clear hazard labelling.
✓College / further education
Laboratory-grade chemicals with consistent quality and a wider reagent range.
✓Research / professional labs
High-purity chemicals, traceability, minimal contamination and reproducibility.
✓Clinical / diagnostics
Certified reagents, strict consistency and compliance with recognised standards.
✓Industrial / quality testing
Bulk quantities, batch consistency, cost efficiency and full documentation.
2. Understand Chemical Grades
Chemical grade determines purity and suitability for specific applications.
Technical Grade
Low purity; suitable for industrial or non-critical use.
Laboratory Grade (Lab Grade / LR)
Moderate purity; ideal for teaching and general laboratory use.
Analytical Reagent (AR / ACS Grade)
High purity; suitable for quantitative analysis and research applications.
HPLC / Spectroscopy Grade
Ultra-high purity; designed for chromatography and sensitive analytical techniques.
Pharmaceutical / Food Grade (USP, BP, FCC)
Meets strict regulatory standards for medical and food-related uses.
Always select the lowest grade that still meets your accuracy requirements to manage costs effectively.
3. Purity & Concentration
Ensure the chemical’s concentration matches your application.
Percentage (%) solutions, such as 70% ethanol
Weight/volume (w/v) or weight/weight (w/w)
Molarity (M)
Normality (N)
Consider
Whether you need pre-prepared solutions or raw chemicals.
The impact of impurities on experimental results.
Accuracy requirements for your work.
4. Packaging & Container Type
The container must be compatible with the chemical and intended use.
Common packaging options
Clear glass bottles for general-purpose use.
Amber glass bottles to protect light-sensitive chemicals.
Plastic containers (HDPE, PP) for impact resistance and many corrosive substances.
Metal containers for certain solvents and flammable liquids.
Additional features
Tamper evident seals.
Vented caps for pressure-sensitive chemicals.
Spill resistant designs.
Dispensing taps for bulk containers.
5. Chemical Compatibility & Storage
Improper storage can lead to dangerous reactions or product degradation.
Key compatibility risks
Acids vs. bases.
Oxidisers vs. organic materials.
Flammables vs. ignition sources.
Water-reactive substances.
Storage best practice
Use appropriate COSHH cabinets.
Follow Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines.
Segregate chemicals by hazard class.
Store away from heat, light or moisture when required.
6. Safety & Compliance
In the UK/EU, ensure compliance with COSHH regulations and REACH/CLP legislation. Legislation may change over time, so always refer to current UK government guidance and supplier compliance requirements.
Look for
Supplier labels and batch information.
GHS/CLP hazard symbols.
Hazard (H) and precautionary (P) statements.
Accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
At www.betterequipped.co.uk, look for the documentation tab of each chemical and click the Safety Data Sheet icon to view or download. Data sheets are also automatically emailed when any chemical is ordered.
Hazard pictograms include
Explosive, flammable and oxidising.
Corrosive and acute toxicity.
Hazardous to the environment.
Health hazard, serious health hazard and gas under pressure.
7. Shelf Life & Stability
Chemicals degrade over time, affecting performance and safety.
Consider
Expiry dates, such as hydrogen peroxide gradually decomposing.
Stability after opening, such as solvents absorbing moisture.
Sensitivity to light, air or temperature, such as reagents oxidising when exposed to air.
Buy quantities that match your usage to minimise waste.
8. Quantity & Cost Efficiency
Balance cost with practicality and safety.
Small containers are safer and reduce waste.
Medium packs are ideal for regular lab use.
Bulk quantities are cost-effective for industrial or high-use settings.
Avoid over-purchasing chemicals that may expire before use.
9. Supplier Quality & Traceability
Reliable suppliers ensure consistency and safety. Traceability is especially important for research and regulated environments.
Look for
Batch numbers and Certificates of Analysis (CoA).
Consistent product availability.
Detailed product specifications.
Established or reputable supplier brands.
10. Ease of Handling & Workflow Integration
Choose chemicals that fit your lab processes. Efficient packaging reduces handling errors and improves safety.
Pre-prepared vs. manual mixing.
Dropper bottles or controlled dispensers.
Compatibility with pipettes or dosing systems.
Clear labelling for easy identification.
11. Chemical Buying Checklist
Before purchasing, make sure you confirm:
1Identification & Specification
Correct chemical name confirmed.
CAS number verified.
Correct grade selected.
Concentration or purity specified.
Required quantity appropriate.
2Supplier & Quality Assurance
Reputable supplier with quality certification where applicable.
Certificate of Analysis available.
Batch or lot traceability provided.
Consistent supply availability.
Reliable delivery and packaging standards.
3Safety Data & Documentation
SDS obtained and reviewed.
Hazard classifications understood.
Exposure limits and handling precautions identified.
First aid and emergency procedures reviewed.
COSHH assessment completed where required.
4Hazard & Risk Assessment
Flammable, corrosive, toxic or oxidising risks identified.
Compatibility with other stored chemicals checked.
Need for segregation assessed.
Environmental hazards assessed.
Fire and spill risks evaluated.
5Storage Requirements
Suitable storage location available.
Temperature requirements known.
Light sensitivity considered.
Ventilation requirements identified.
Secondary containment available if needed.
6Packaging & Container Suitability
Container material compatible.
Container size practical for safe handling.
Leak proof and well sealed packaging.
Safety caps where required.
Clearly labelled with hazard warnings.
7Handling & Use
Appropriate PPE identified.
Special handling procedures required.
Safe transfer methods considered.
Training requirements identified.
Suitable equipment available.
8Transport & Delivery
Delivered in compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
Packaging intact on arrival.
Delivery documentation complete.
Storage immediately available upon arrival.
Emergency procedures in place for spills during delivery.
9Shelf Life & Stability
Expiry date or retest date provided.
Stability once opened understood.
Degradation risks known.
Stock rotation system in place.
Minimum stock levels defined.
10Disposal & Environmental Considerations
Disposal route identified.
Waste classification confirmed.
Disposal costs considered.
Neutralisation or treatment requirements known.
Compliance with local environmental regulations.
11Cost & Procurement
Price compared across suppliers.
Bulk vs small volume cost efficiency evaluated.
Delivery and hazardous handling fees included.
Total lifecycle cost considered.
Budget approval obtained.
12Good Practice Checks
Only purchase chemicals that are genuinely required.
Avoid storing excess hazardous materials.
Maintain an up to date chemical inventory.
Ensure labelling remains intact throughout use.
Legislation may change over time. Always refer to current UK government guidance and supplier compliance requirements.
Appendix. Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 & Poisons Act 1972
The Poisons Act 1972 and the Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 regulate the sale, supply, possession and reporting of certain hazardous chemicals within Great Britain. The legislation is designed to prevent misuse while still allowing legitimate business and professional use.
Under the 2023 Regulations, suppliers of regulated explosives precursors must verify the legitimacy of business and professional customers before dispatching goods. Suppliers are required to obtain and retain the business name and address, authorised purchaser name, photographic identification, the nature of the business or professional activity and the VAT registration number where applicable. Records must be retained for a minimum of 18 months.
Suppliers have a legal duty to identify and report suspicious transactions, attempted purchases, thefts or losses involving regulated or reportable chemicals. Orders to private or residential addresses may be subject to additional checks.
Ready to Choose Your Chemicals?
Browse our range of chemicals for schools, laboratories and professional environments.
Call us: 
Email us: 
