What Should be Stored in a Flammable Storage Cabinet?
26 Sep 2019 Warehouse Equipment
Knowing what should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet will help ensure that you are properly protecting your employees from potentially dangerous substances. At Commander Warehouse, they want to help you keep your workspace as safe as possible. That is why they carry a range of safety storage cabinets, such as flammable storage cabinets.
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Since flammable and combustible liquids, such as petrol, paints, paint thinners, and alcohols, automatically ignite when they reach a certain temperature, it is important to ensure that these types of liquids are safely handled at all times. To prevent flammable and combustible liquids from endangering employees in the workplace, make sure to confirm the flashpoint of each liquid (the lowest temperature at which the material gives off enough vapour to start burning) and ensure that they are stored in the appropriate flammable storage cabinet.
Flammable Gases
When mixed with an oxidant like air and provided an ignition source, flammable gases will burn, becoming even more dangerous. It is important to note that, even when sealed in containers, flammable gases can still be dangerous because small quantities can escape. In order to prevent a fire or explosion, flammable gases—propane, acetylene, carbon monoxide, methane, etc.—should be safely stored in a flammable storage cabinet.
Explosive Chemical
Explosive chemicals that can be activated by heat, friction, or shock are particularly dangerous, as they can be activated simply by brushing against the container. The danger associated with these particular chemicals, such as those containing acetylides, oxamides, and haloamides, can also decrease as the chemicals degrade over time, so it is extremely important to ensure that these chemicals are being properly handled and stored.
Oxidizing Chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, concentrated Nitric acid, and bleach, can spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating, releasing oxygen that can accelerate a fire and increase the risk of property damage. Oxidizing chemicals should be contained in a secure flammable storage cabinet to help reduce the threat of potential accidents and should always be kept separate from other chemicals that can cause combustion.
Certain Solids
Some solids can be quite dangerous because they catch fire easily and can spontaneously combust, such as picrate salt which is commonly used in creating explosives and in dye manufacturing and laboratories. These types of solids can be very sensitive and will react to heat, shock, or friction.
If you would like to learn more about what should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet, or if you are interested in one of their safety storage cabinets, please contact Commander Warehouse at one of their four locations across Western Canada or by filling out a contact form on their website.
