Improperly storing flammable and combustible liquids is one of the top causes of industrial fires. Using a flammable cabinet helps prevent facility damage, protect personnel, improve workplace efficiency, meet local and federal fire codes, and comply with OSHA safety regulations.
Flammable Cabinet Safety Guide
Understand the purpose, regulations, and key features of a flammable cabinet to improve chemical storage and stay compliant.
Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
OSHA and the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) require approved flammable cabinets in commercial and industrial facilities that use or store flammable liquids. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes construction, performance, safety, and quality standards. The NFPA Code 30 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 (Flammable & Combustible Liquids Codes) are evaluated by either Factory Mutual Research (FM) Approval Standard 6050 or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1275 for approval. The following is a brief description of the minimum criteria required for compliant flammable cabinets:
Maximum total storage capacity is 120 gallons (455 L)
Minimum steel thickness of 18 gauge (0.048")
Double wall construction with 1 1/2" (38 mm) airspace
All joints welded, riveted, brazed, or equal
Doors with a 3-point, non-sparking locking mechanism
2" leak-tight spill sump of at least 2" deep (51 mm)
2 – 2" vents with flame arrester baffle and plugs
Grounding wire connection on the lower outside
Self-closing doors require a fusible link (212 degrees F)
Markings: MFG name, address, model #, maximum capacity
"Flammables-Keep Fire Away" label with 2" letters
Instruction sheet, legible markings, factory I.D.
Load testing-72 hours at maximum capacity
Fire exposure test-10 minutes at 1300 degrees F
Continuous piano hinges
Shelf capacity rating of at least 350 lbs.
Door Styles
Flammable safety cabinets are available in one- or two-door configurations, as well as in four door styles: Manual, Self-Closing, Sliding Self-Closing, and No-Door. OSHA codes accept any of these styles; however, States that have adopted the Uniform Fire Code require self-closing doors, which provide an extra measure of protection.
Cabinet Capacity
Flammable cabinets come in sizes ranging from 2 to 120 gallons, depending on the type of container you need to store, such as 12-ounce aerosol cans, 1-gallon paint cans, 5-gallon gas cans, 30-gallon drums, or 55-gallon drums. For example, a 45-gallon flammable storage cabinet will hold 9-5 gal containers. Style options include floor, countertop, under-counter, wall-mount, stackable, space-saver, and drum-storage models. All styles have adjustable shelves to accommodate various container sizes.
Chemical Storage & Cabinet Colors
Safety cabinet colors help separate, organize, and identify the chemicals inside. This organization will assist first responders in case of an emergency. While no official codes regulate flammable cabinet colors, the industry has accepted the following standards:
Yellow: Flammable Liquids
Red: Combustible Liquids
Blue: Acid & Corrosive Liquids
Construction Materials
Safety cabinets are available in baked-on powder-coated steel with steel shelves for storing flammable liquids, corrosives, and pesticides. For highly aggressive acids like nitric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric, polyethylene cabinets offer better resistance. Accessories, such as poly shelf liners, bonding wires, extra shelves, and ramps, are available to enhance safety and convenience.