Using Safety Cabinets to Store Chemicals

When chemicals and other substances are handled and stored in a workplace, safety cabinets are necessary. Such safety cabinets are color coded to identify each type of hazard: yellow for flammable, red for combustible, blue for corrosives, green for pesticides, and white or grey for wastes. Regardless of the color used, incompatible liquids must be kept separate in storage in order to prevent explosions or fires.

NFPA Code 30 sets regulations for safety cabinets in order to protect internal contents from fires outside. Cabinets for flammables, corrosives, or pesticides need a capped bung opening for ventilation. Although not required by a federal regulatory agency, states may require them. If vents are used, they must be ducted directly outdoors and should not change the effectiveness of a cabinet during a fire. Cabinets containing pesticides, however, must not have ventilation.

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Excessive chemical vapors may be a concern when liquids are kept in safety cabinets. The cabinets, in this case, need to be in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.

Not all safety cabinets are made from the same materials. Cabinets for containing corrosives and acids, although not strictly regulated, are made from wood or polyethylene. The EPA requires that such cabinets contain spills and, as a result, polyethylene safety cabinets are welded at the seams in order to provide better spill protection.

All safety cabinets, according to NFPA Uniform Fire Code (UFC) 66, need self-closing doors, with self-latching offering better protection. Although not a national regulation, UCF 66 is followed by most sales and locales.

Before any chemicals are placed inside, make sure that no chemicals are stored alphabetically, as this could lead to a fire. Flammables and combustibles can be kept in the same cabinet, as long as the total amount does not exceed 120 gallons and no more than three cabinets are kept in the same fire area except by a separation of 100 feet.

All safety cabinets have maximum quantities for storage in order to prevent fires. Flammable, classified by class 1A, 1B, or 1C, and combustible, classified as class II or III, liquids are kept in 60 gallon drums or 660 gallon tanks. Class I and II liquids must not exceed 60 gallons each in storage. Class III liquids go up to 120 gallons. A combination of classes I, II, or III must not exceed 120 gallons, with no more than 60 gallons each from class I or II liquids making up this amount. A cabinet, as well, should never hold more than 120 gallons of class III liquids.

Using Safety Cabinets to Store Chemicals

What You Can Do to Maintain a Safe Environment When Working With Hazardous Chemicals

When working with any kind of hazardous chemicals, acids, corrosives, flammables and combustibles, it is important to maintain equipment and practice good housekeeping. Here are some things anyone working with these materials can do to keep the workplace safer for everyone.

Good Housekeeping Practices

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1. Maintain order and neatness in the workplace at all times.
2. Clean up spills promptly.
3. Clean up any chemical residues promptly.
4. Dispose of contaminated or unlabeled chemicals as hazardous waste, following protocols.
5. Remove all empty containers from work area promptly.
6. Empty containers may have chemical residue. Do not re-use them even if they appear totally clean. Treat these containers as hazardous waste.

Check Your Work Area For Safety

1. Ensure that all chemical containers are completely labeled and lids are tightly closed.
2. Maintain a MSDS for all chemicals on site. This must be readily available to all personnel.
3. Check to see that 'Warning' signs are on chemical storage areas and 'Acids/Corrosives', 'No Open Flames', 'Flammable' warnings are properly posted.
4. Are bulk storage areas properly identified?
5. Are 'No Smoking' areas well identified?
6. Is access to hazardous chemicals controlled?
7. Flammable storage cabinets should NOT be located near exit doorways, stairways, or any areas that would delay exit.
8. Do not mount any storage cabinet on the wall unless it has been specifically designed for this purpose and has the appropriate mounting accessories.
9. Do not locate any flammable cabinet near a direct heat source, open flame or in direct sunlight.
10. Flammable and corrosive/acid cabinets must be anchored seismically to prevent any spillage of contents.
11. Are safety storage cabinets maintained and containers checked frequently for leaks, etc.?
12. Are chemicals stored appropriately in regard to their incompatibilities?

Chemical Disposal Methods

1. Dispose of hazardous chemicals as hazardous waste, according to manufacturer's directions and facility protocol.
2. Never pour any corrosives or other chemicals down the drain. This can contaminate the storm water system.
3. Hazardous Waste containers must be clearly identified.

Know How To Handle An Emergency

1. Know emergency first aid procedures, such as using the eye wash station or full deluge shower.
2. Is first aid equipment available? What is their location?
3. Are emergency numbers readily available or posted?
4. Become familiar with spill cleanup procedures and location of spill kits.
5. Know location of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
6. Review the Emergency Evacuation plan in case of a fire or other incident.

Maintaining Your Safety

1. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
2. Do not smoke, drink, eat anywhere near chemicals or work area.
3. Do not touch your face or body during or after working with chemicals until you have thoroughly washed your hands.
4. Wash your hands; remove any contaminated clothing before leaving work site.

Maintenance Personnel Safety

1. Be sure maintenance personnel know the hazards of the chemicals in the worksite.
2. Be sure the maintenance personnel know any special precautions and procedures that are needed before they begin to work.
3. Be sure that these personnel know how to use PPE.
4. Monitor to see that PPE is being used appropriately and when necessary.

A safe work environment is a necessity and it requires that everyone knows the rules for and works together.

What You Can Do to Maintain a Safe Environment When Working With Hazardous Chemicals

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