Why do you need a flammable cabinet?
A flammable cabinet is essential for any workplace that involves hazardous items. A flammable cabinet helps contain the fire risk that comes with using certain chemicals or materials and prevents dangerous fumes from affecting workers in the area. Additionally, a flammable cabinet helps mitigate the risk of an accidental fire caused by an open flame near hazardous substances. The use of a flammable cabinet ensures that your workplace is safe and secure.
When Is A Flammable Storage Cabinet Required?
A flammable cabinet is essential whenever hazardous materials are present in a workplace. It is also necessary when open flames are in the vicinity, as these objects can spark an accidental and dangerous fire. When any type of chemical or fuel is stored, a flammable cabinet is required by law to store it safely and prevent it from leaking or causing injury. Additionally, a flammable storage safety cabinet also prohibits fumes from entering the work environment and affecting workers. Any workplace where hazardous material or open flames are present must have a secure, closed-door flammable cabinet in place for everyone’s safety.
What needs to be stored in a flammable storage cabinet?
Flammable storage cabinets are designed to store hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane, kerosene, paint thinners, cleaners and degreasers, certain glues and adhesives, oil-based paint or varnish, lacquers, hydraulic fluids, and other combustible liquids. The cabinet must be kept closed at all times when not in use and should be clearly labeled with a warning that it’s for storing flammable liquids. It should also be out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source.
When storing material in a flammable liquid or storage cabinet, be sure to follow these instructions:
- Place all material in the cabinet away from any open flame or spark.
- Put all containers securely in the cabinet and make sure they are sealed before closing the cabinet.
- Make sure that no liquid can spill out of the container by placing it into an appropriate secondary container such as a tray.
- Check for any signs of rust, damage, or corrosion regularly to ensure that the cabinet is safe for use.
- Keep all combustible material at least 18 inches away from each other inside the cabinet to prevent any fire outbreaks due to chemical reactions between them.
- Make sure to clean spills immediately and dispose of any unwanted material outside of the building in accordance with local regulations.
What is the OSHA requirement for a flammable storage cabinet?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all flammable chemicals in storage cabinets must meet the following requirements:
- Be made of at least 18-gauge steel or heavier
- Have double-walled construction with a minimum 1 ½ inch space between walls
- Have at least two self-closing doors that open outward, with each door having a flush edge on the outside
- Have venting capabilities that allow air to circulate around stored materials
- Have an average temperature value of no more than 325 degrees Fahrenheit when tested for fire resistance
- Have strong enough shelves to support stored material without collapsing
What is the NFPA requirement for flammable storage cabinets?
Similar to OSHA, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all flammable chemical storage in cabinets must meet the following requirements:
- Be made of at least 18-gauge steel or heavier
- Have double-walled construction with a minimum 1 ½ inch space between walls
- Have three-point latching and self-closing doors that open outward
- Have gasketed around the doors or secured with rivets and other fastening material to prevent the escape of any flames inside the cabinet
- Have ventilation capabilities that permit air to circulate around stored materials
- Have at least a two inch air gap between the floor and bottom of the cabinet
Can you store items on top of flammable cabinets OSHA?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), items should not be stored on top of flammable storage cabinets, as this increases the risk of fire. If items must be stored on top of a cabinet, they should be placed in non-sparking containers and the weight of the items in safety cabinets should not exceed what is safe for that particular cabinet.
Can Flammables and Combustibles Be Stored Together?
No, flammable liquids and combustible materials should not be stored together. Flammables are liquids or gases that can burn quickly and easily whereas combustibles are materials that will burn slowly. When storing these materials, they should each have their own dedicated storage area away from sources of heat or flame. In order to reduce the risk of fire, all containers should be labeled appropriately and securely closed when not in use.
