Understanding the Safety Cabinet: the role of prevention in your operations
One leading cause of industrial fires is improper storage and handling of flammable liquids
One of the leading causes of industrial fires is the improper storage and handling of flammable liquids. To avoid generating toxic gases and to prevent fires and explosions, it is important to segregate incompatible chemicals. A fire can race through your facility in minutes, so any prevention point is very important.
You should identify and inventory all chemicals in your workplace. Review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for each chemical to determine characteristics and recommended storage practices.
Some local regulations require positive-pressure ventilation. Justrite cabinets offer fire-baffle protected vents to connect to these systems.
If the chemical being stored is flammable or combustible, OSHA 1910.106 applies. Your state and local codes, in all probability, are based on either the National Fire Protection Association Code (NFPA 30) and/or the Uniform Fire Code (UFC 79). Section 4.3 of the 2000 edition of NFPA covers the design, construction, and capacity of storage cabinets. In addition to passing a fire test, NFPA further requires specific cabinet construction.
Both metal and wood constructions are acceptable, but the most popular choice in industry is metal. One notable distinction in the Uniform Fire Code 7902.5.9.3.2 is the requirement that all flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets shall be self-closing.
Third party certifications for safety cabinets
In addition to assuring that cabinets meet applicable codes, it’s important to look for safety storage cabinets which carry independent third party certification, such as Factory Mutual (FM Approved) or Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL Listed). Codes vary internationally. For example, in some applications in Canada, the Canadian National Fire Code may require cabinets to 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 4-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 piggyback style 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. It’s important to note that OSHA Code 29 CFR 1910.106 states that not more than 60-gallons may be Class I and II liquids. Custom sized cabinets are also available for unique requirements.
Safety storage cabinets serve several critical functions:
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Safely contain hazardous chemicals to reduce the risk of fire, protecting both personnel and facilities
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Identify, organize, and segregate dangerous liquids
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Offer compliance with federal OSHA regulations and state and local fire codes
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Improve efficiency by allowing solvent to be stored near points of use
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Improve security with keyed locking mechanism
For more information, contact Cisco-Eagle.
Further Reading: Safety Cabinets |
