---
title: "Storage and handling of fat lime"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:storage-handling-fat-lime"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/storage-handling-fat-lime
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Storage and handling of fat lime

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 4: Lime

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra (new course), 2 marks
- Video: [Precautions in Handling Lime](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XnHdDpeJGg) — Ekeeda
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/storage-handling-fat-lime
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-4

## Question

Explain in brief about the storage and handling of fat lime.

## Short answer

Store quicklime in dry airtight sheds, use promptly to prevent air-slaking. Slaked lime is kept in covered pits with sand or water layer. Handle with gloves, goggles and mask; quicklime is caustic and reacts with moisture. Keep away from flammables.

## Answer

Fat lime reacts with moisture and CO₂ in the air, so it must be stored and handled with care.

1. **Quick lime:** store in a dry, airtight shed with a raised, waterproof floor, away from water and rain. Use as soon as possible, because it air-slakes.
2. **Slaked lime:** keep in covered pits or tanks and cover with a layer of sand or water to prevent carbonation. It improves with ageing in the pit for a few weeks.
3. **Handling:** use gloves, goggles and a mask. Quicklime is caustic and generates heat with water, so protect skin, eyes and lungs. Keep it away from flammable material.
4. Do not mix different lime batches, and transport in bags or covered vehicles.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Quicklime is stored in:
   A. Open yard
   B. Wet pit
   C. Tank of water
   D. A dry airtight shed with raised floor
   Answer: D. It air-slakes. (Key point: Quicklime storage)

2. Slaked lime is kept:
   A. In covered pits under sand or water
   B. In open air
   C. In dry bags
   D. Mixed with cement
   Answer: A. To prevent carbonation. (Key point: Slaked lime)

3. Handling needs:
   A. Nothing
   B. Gloves, goggles and mask
   C. Cotton only
   D. Perfume
   Answer: B. Quicklime is caustic. (Key point: Handling)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Fat lime versus hydraulic lime](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Afat-hydraulic-lime-difference) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 4, asked 3×
- [Fat lime composition, properties, uses](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Afat-lime-composition-properties-uses) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 4
- [Hydraulic and fat lime properties](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Ahydraulic-fat-lime-properties) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 4