{"id":21800,"date":"2021-05-07T09:48:13","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T08:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.manutan.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21800"},"modified":"2022-05-12T14:53:21","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T13:53:21","slug":"what-should-be-stored-in-a-flammable-storage-cabinet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.manutan.co.uk\/blog\/coshh\/what-should-be-stored-in-a-flammable-storage-cabinet\/","title":{"rendered":"What should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flammable storage cabinets such as <\/span>COSHH cabinets<\/span><\/a> are designed for the safe storage of flammable and combustible substances including gases, liquids and solids which are considered to be dangerous. Many workplaces such as factories, laboratories and cleaning companies will work with flammable materials regularly, so it is important that they have a secure storage space to keep these harmful chemicals out of harm’s way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below is a breakdown of what should be stored in a <\/span>flammable storage cabinet<\/span><\/a> in more detail:<\/span><\/p>\n

Flammable gases<\/span><\/h3>\n

If mixed with heat\/an ignition source or oxidant (such as oxygen), flammable gases (such as methane and propane) can burn and lead to fires or even explosions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Combustible and flammable liquids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Combustible liquids such as diesel have a flashpoint of over 38\u00b0C and can produce ignitable vapours in higher temperatures. Flammable liquids such as acetone have flashpoints under 38\u00b0C and can produce ignitable vapours in normal temperatures. As these materials may ignite, they must be safely stored away to reduce hazard risks in the workplace and the flashpoint of liquids should always be checked before entering a building.<\/span><\/p>\n

Combustible and flammable solids<\/span><\/h3>\n

You should always check the safety risks associated with any solids you are bringing into your workplace. An example of a flammable solid is picrate salt which can be found in locations such as dye laboratories and may react to heat and friction – not only is it very sensitive, but it is often used for making explosives which indicates just how dangerous it can be if not stored under the appropriate conditions. Another common flammable solid which may combust is photographic negatives, as many of these are made from cellulose nitrate, which is a highly flammable compound.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oxidising chemicals\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Oxidising chemicals need to be stored in a flammable storage cabinet separate to other chemicals because they can fuel fires, allowing them to spread faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemicals which are explosive\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

It is imperative that explosive chemicals are kept away from heat, shock and sunlight.\u00a0 They must be handled extremely carefully as some can be activated by slightly knocking a contained explosive chemical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also important to note that according to the <\/span>Health and Safety Executive (HSE)<\/span><\/a>, the maximum quantity of highly flammable\/combustible materials or those with flashpoints below the maximum temperature of the workplace area stored in a flammable storage cabinet should not exceed 50 litres. Furthermore, it is also advised that you do not store more than 250 litres of flammable liquids with higher flashpoints of up to 55\u00b0C in a flammable storage cabinet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) outline the potential risks of a workplace.\u00a0<\/span> A DSEAR risk assessment may need to be carried out to identify the measures that will need to be taken to ensure that the workplace conditions are as safe as possible for staff to work in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why use a flammable storage cabinet?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Having a flammable storage cabinet in your workplace is essential if it handles flammable or combustible materials. These are the main reasons why you should use a flammable storage cabinet:<\/span><\/p>\n