If flames come knocking
If flames come knocking
Flammable liquids, chemicals, and other hazardous materials could exacerbate an already dangerous situation if things go up in flames … Scott Whitaker, general manager of environment, health, and safety provider Spill Doctor, explains how the right flammable safety cabinet could provide precious extra time if flames come knocking.
Flammable safety cabinets are specialised storage units designed to securely house flammable liquids, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. These cabinets play a crucial role in protecting these substances from external fires for an extended period.
This extra time allows both staff members and emergency responders to safely evacuate the building or premises and take necessary measures to control the fire. Without flammable cabinets, there’s a heightened risk of endangering employees, as fires could quickly consume the area where these chemicals and flammable liquids are stored. When hazardous materials are exposed to fire, they are likely to ignite, burn, and/or release flammable vapours, exacerbating the situation for emergency responders.
Flammable cabinets are equipped with several safety features to safeguard against accidents, even if safety procedures aren’t strictly followed. These features may include automatic closing doors, ventilation systems, and spill containment systems. Additionally, safety cabinets enhance workplace efficiency by allowing materials and liquids to be stored conveniently near the workstations where they are used.
Safety cabinets serve multiple purposes, such as protecting contents from damage or spills, segregating incompatible chemicals, and preventing the ignition or escalation of fires. Storing flammable liquids in designated cabinets is a critical part of fire safety and hazmat storage regulations. Failing to adhere to these regulations can result in injuries, fatalities, environmental harm, and substantial fines.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLAMMABLE SAFETY CABINET
Selecting the appropriate flammable safety cabinet requires careful consideration of your storage and safety needs. Here are some steps to help you make an informed choice:
Identify materials: Examine the contents you intend to store and assess their flash point and boiling point. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a regulatory agency of the US Department of Labor, provides insightful guidelines regarding the maximum amount of liquids that can be stored in one cabinet and which substances can be stored together. Segregating incompatible liquids in the same cabinet is essential for safety.
Classify materials: Determine which class the materials fall under, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidisers, poisons, infectious substances, radioactive materials, or corrosive substances. Adhering to OSHA regulations, remember that no more than 60 gallons (228 litres) of category I, II, or III flammable liquids and no more than 120 gallons (456 litres) of category 4 flammable liquids should be stored in a single cabinet.
Consider location: Take into account where the cabinet will be placed and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, which limit the number of flammable storage cabinets in a particular area to three.
Local regulations: Research local requirements for flammable cabinets and select one that complies with these regulations. Opting for a cabinet with third-party certification, such as Factory Mutual Global (FM) Approved, ensures rigorous testing and reduces the risk of malfunctions.
Door type: Determine whether you need self-closing or manual-closing doors. In South Africa, for instance, all flammable cabinets must have self-closing doors according to the South African National Standards (SANS) 54470-1 code. All of Spill Doctor’s flammable cabinets meet this code. You can search this link for the full reference: https://www.spilldoctor.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SANS-54470-1-Spill-Doctor.pdf.
Grounding: While grounding might not be mandatory in your area, it’s recommended to choose a cabinet with grounding lugs. Grounding minimises the risk of static buildup, which can lead to fires if not managed correctly.
In conclusion, prioritising quality and approved safety cabinets over cheaper alternatives is crucial to ensure the safety of your staff and the surrounding environment. The right storage cabinets and precautionary measures create a secure working environment. If you still have questions about which flammable storage cabinets are suitable for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact Spill Doctor on 010 003 6060 or sales@spilldoctor.co.za.
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