Understanding Safety Storage Cabinets
One of the leading causes of industrial fires is the improper storage and handling of flammable liquids. To minimize such hazards, it is important to identify and inventory all chemicals in your workplace, and to store them in a code-compliant safety cabinet. | | | Safety cabinets serve several critical functions, including: - reducing the risk of fire posed by hazardous chemicals, protecting both personnel and facilities
- helping you identify, organize, and segregate dangerous liquids
- providing compliance with federal OSHA regulations and state and local fire codes
- improving efficiency by allowing solvents to be stored near points of use
- improving security with keyed locking mechanisms
| Be sure to review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical to determine characteristics and recommended storage practices. This will help you segregate incompatible chemicals which might otherwise generate toxic gas during storage or even cause a fire or an explosion. If the chemical being stored is flammable or combustible, OSHA 1910.106 applies. Your state and local codes are likely based on the National Fire Protection Association Code (NFPA 30) and/or the Uniform Fire Code (UFC 79). Section 4.3 of the 2008 edition of NFPA covers the design, construction, and minimum capacity of storage cabinets. Moreover, in addition to passing a fire test, NFPA requires specific cabinet construction. Whereas both metal and wood construction are acceptable, the most popular choice in industry is metal. One notable distinction in UFC 79 is the requirement that all flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets be self-closing. In addition to assuring that cabinets meet applicable codes, it's important to look for safety storage cabinets that carry independent third party certification, such as Factory Mutual (FM Approved) or Underwriter's Laboratories (UL Listed). However, be aware that codes vary internationally. For example, in some applications in Canada, the Canadian National Fire Code may require cabinets carry a ULC listing which requires a more stringent fire test than UL Listing. While NFPA does not mandate requirements for the storage of nonflammable acids and corrosives, these chemicals should be properly stored for maximum safety. A wide variety of code-compliant cabinets are available in sizes ranging from four gallons (15 liters) to 120 gallons (454 liters). Smaller cabinets allow solvents to be stored at worksite locations, saving costly trips to a central storage room. Undercounter, wall-mount and piggy-back cabinets add to safe storage, even when space is at a premium. For high capacity storage, including storage of 55-gallon drums, larger sized cabinets designed specifically to house 30-gallon (114-liter) or 55-gallon (208-liter) drums are available. However, it is important to note that OSHA Code 29 CFR 1910.106 states that not more than 60 gallons of stored chemicals may be Class I and II liquids. Custom sized cabinets are also available for unique requirements. - Appropriate regulatory agency approval
- Insulated, 18-gauge steel construction—double-walled, with 1 1/2" air space
- Chemical-resistant finish, inside and out
- Dual vents with built-in flash arresters
- Liquid-tight containment sump, at least 2" deep, to hold leaks
- Highly visible trilingual warning label "Flammable—Keep Fire Away"
- Easy close or self-latching doors; three-point latch for protection under fire conditions
- Self-closing doors with fusible link mechanism that holds doors open but melts at 165°F for automatic closure
- Built-in grounding connector for easy grounding
- Adjustable leveling feet for balancing on uneven surfaces.
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