They should always be
stored in dark coloured bottles and kept still in a cool, dark room away from
strong odours. Due to the flammable nature of the oils they need to be stored
in a locked fireproof cupboard. Storage of the oils should take into account
the Health and Safety regulations of the site and also the Offices, Shops and
Premises Act 1963 and the COSSH regulations.
Always ask for the safety
data sheets when buying oils which will cover you for the HSWA. These must be
kept with the oils.
The room where the oils
are used should also be adequately ventilated so that the oil doesn’t linger
after use.
In general the oils last 2
years although the citric ones (lemon, orange, grapefruit, neroli, bergamot
etc) only last 6-9 months as do carrier oils (almond, grapeseed etc). Thus it
is important to ask for the “best before” dates. If you blend some oils and
store them for later use the shelf life is 3 weeks. Care should be taken when
disposing of used oil and it must not go down a storm drain but in the drainage
system where it will be treated and flushed down with plenty of water. If you
have bottles of essential oils to be disposed it would be best to take them to
the chemist to dispose.