Flammable Storage Cabinet: Do I Need One?

 

What is a flammable storage cabinet?

A flammable cabinet, also known as a flammable storage cabinet or flammable liquid cabinet, is a storage unit specifically designed to keep flammable chemicals safe and secure. If a fire should occur, the unit keeps its contents from contributing to the fire and protects against the spread of flames. 

These units are often used to store chemicals that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines as flammable or combustible. This is “any liquid having a flashpoint at or below 199.4ºF and having a boiling point at or below 95ºF.”

Which chemicals need to be stored in a flammable cabinet?

You should be familiar with a chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that lists all hazards and risks of a particular chemical. Section 9 of the SDS will show the Flash Point and Boiling Point for each of the liquids at your facility. The chart below will help you determine if the chemical needs to be placed in a Flammable Safety Cabinet or not.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106(a)(19)(i-iv)

Category 1 = Flash Point <73.4°F (<23°C); Boiling Point ≤95°F (≤ 35°C) (Equal to Class IA)
Category 2 = Flash Point <73.4°F (<23°C); Boiling Point >95°F (> 35°C) (Equal to Class IB)
Category 3 = Flash Point ≥73.4°F & ≤ 140°F (≥ 23°C & ≤60°C) (Equal to Class IC and Class II)
Category 4 = Flash Point >140°F & ≤199.4°F (>60°C & ≤93°C) (Equal to Class IIIA)

No Category for Class IIIB

When a liquid with a Flash Point greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) is heated for use to within 30 °F (16.7 °C) of its Flash Point, handle it as a Category 4 flammable liquid. [OSHA: 1910.106(a)(19)(v)]

If your facility follows the NFPA Standards, note that they still use the term “Class” instead of “Category” to classify flammables.

How do you know if you need a flammable storage cabinet?

Check with your local government or your organization’s safety lead to find out if you need a flammable storage cabinet for your workplace. These units provide many safety benefits and prevent damage. 

1. To Prevent Accidents

Flammable cabinets are made to OSHA standards with safety and security in mind. When stored in such units, chemicals are protected from extreme temperatures, impact, cross-contamination, and more. 

2. To Stay Organized

When handling flammable chemicals it is important to stay organized. Knowing where and how these hazardous materials are stored is part of a good safety strategy. A flammable storage cabinet can help your team:

• Know where to find specific chemicals. 
• Create an easy-to-follow categorization and labeling system. 
• Track proper amounts of each chemical.
• Ensure incompatible chemicals are separated appropriately. 
• Reduce the chances of mistaking one chemical for another. 

3. To Prevent Damage or Injury

Flammable cabinets can help prevent damage to workplaces, equipment, and injury to others. If a hazardous chemical leaks when it is not stored properly, it can cause erosion or other damage to its surroundings. Injury can also occur if a flammable material is met with impact or mixed with other liquids.

Many flammable cabinets have a built-in sill or sump to collect any leakage. These should be checked and cleaned regularly. 

4. To Prevent Explosions

When flammable chemicals are exposed to high heat, they are likely to explode. This is one of the top reasons professionals opt for flammable cabinets. 

Flammable cabinets undergo a 10-minute fire test. During this test, the units must withstand high temperatures for more than 10 minutes without any damage, must stay closed, and cannot reach an internal temperature of 365º. 

Some flammable cabinets have a sealing feature that allows the unit to self-close and seal when an increase in temperature is sensed. 

5. To Provide Added Security Against Unauthorized Access

According to OSHA Standards, flammable cabinets should have a door with a three-point lock. This means a lock that immobilizes the top, bottom, and middle of the door and is more effective than a single-point locking system. In addition, while it is not required to have self-closing doors, many cabinets may have this option.

These security features are built to make sure that whether children, criminals, or other unauthorized users try to get in, it is almost impossible. Those untrained to handle flammable chemicals should speak with the right safety authority in your organization if they believe they need access.

6. To Comply with Local or Federal Regulations

Flammable cabinets are required by law for storing many hazardous chemicals. 

In addition, all flammable cabinets must meet a set of requirements from OSHA in order to be used in commercial settings. The requirements include placement, quantity limits, construction, and more. 

Here are some general guidelines for flammable cabinet usage:

• Flammable cabinets should not be placed in the way of exits, stairs, walkways, or doors. 
• Some categories of flammable liquids may not be stored in basements.
• Flammable cabinets must be able to seal completely to prohibit the spread of flames.
• Improper venting can allow oxygen to continue to enter the cabinet and feed the flames.
• Flammable cabinets are constructed to withstand a 10-minute fire test. During the test, the cabinet doors must remain closed, and the internal temperature of the cabinet must not exceed 325ºF. 
• You can store up to 60 gallons of any category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquid in a flammable storage cabinet. For category 4 flammable liquids, you can store up to 120 gallons in the same cabinet. 
• All flammable cabinets must be labeled, “FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY.”

You can find the full list of detailed requirements on OSHA.gov. 

What type of flammable cabinet do I need? 

Lastly, depending on your location, local authorities may have different requirements for flammable storage cabinets. You should also ask yourself the following questions when looking for a cabinet:

• What quantities of flammable liquids do you plan/need to store?
• What size are the containers?
• Do you want to use the bottom of the cabinet for storage or do you want to keep all containers off the floor? (Some local codes may prohibit the storage of flammable liquids on the bottom shelf.)
• How many cabinets will the local authority having jurisdiction (typically a fire marshal) allow in the location where you wish to place the units?
• Where will the Flammable Safety Cabinet be located? There are cabinets built for countertops, others that can be mounted on walls, some that will fit under counters, and many more options.