Hi Alex,

 Here’s my perspective and experience. In the laboratory setting, there are multiple drivers for segregation of chemicals; e.g. fire code, chemical reactivity, storage equipment compatibility, hazard communication, accessibility, efficiency, security, etc.  Often intuitional EHS policies have been “copy-past” from one version to another or one organization to another; resulting in loss of references or the “why” of a policy’s specification.  I think it would be good to review your policy and add in references or explanations for the policy—this would help with the questions.  A few chemical storage references that I use are listed below.

 As far as organic and inorganic base, they are not generally incompatible, however, I do segregate for the following reasons: 1. because the organic bases (generally alkyl amines) are combustible or flammable and we are compelled by code to store in a flammables safety cabinet.  Whereas inorganic bases are not flammable and take up valuable space in the cabinet. 2. Inorganic bases will corrode metals and for that reason should be stored in a (design specified) corrosives cabinet.  So, in this case the segregation drivers are fire code and storage equipment compatibility.

 References:

1.  Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards, Updated Version, National Research Council (US) Committee on Prudent Practices in the Laboratory; Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011.  See Chapter 5 (management of chemicals) and Supplemental Materials on CD.  Free access at the following URL.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55878/ [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

3.  Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards; L. Bretherick; 2016

Process Chemistry
jmmchemist**At_Symbol_Here**yahoo.com