OSHA Approved Storage Cabinets | Flammable Liquids and Solvents
Fire protection has a variety of definitions; however a core fundamental of fire protection is the use of flammable storage cabinets for safety in the workplace or public environment. National organizations have developed thorough safety codes and guidelines to help improve safety across our nation and help mitigate risks that are associated with the storage of paints, solvents, fuels and other combustible liquids. Each of the three major organizations including OSHA, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as well as the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) have special requirements for flammable storage cabinets that must be met to become approved for usage.
These specific requirements are meant to improve safety in the event of an accident or fire disaster. When you look at the code 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(a) available publicly via the OSHA website it states that a metal cabinet shall be constructed in the following manner:
- Cabinet must be doubled walled with 1½" airspace
- Joints shall be riveted, welded or made tight by some equally effective means
- Door shall have a three-point latch
- Door sill shall be raised at least 2" above the cabinet bottom to retain spilled liquid within the cabinet
- Cabinet shall have a "FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY" legend
- Bottom, top and sides of cabinet shall be at least No. 18 ga. sheet steel
The Uniform Fire Code also adds an additional requirement to the metal cabinet with the use of a self closing door(s).
Additional Resources for review and comparison:
National Fire Protection Association
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
National Fire Protection Association, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook, Sixth edition, ed. Robert Benedetti, 1996.