Flammable Storage Cabinets
A. Scope
This document applies to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign laboratories
only, but should be used as a guideline for University non-laboratory areas.
B. Definitions
Flammable liquid: those liquids having a flash point below 100 degrees F. and a
vapor pressure not to exceed 40 psia at 100 degrees F. All flammable liquids are
classified as Class I liquids.
Combustible liquid: Those liquids having a flash point above 100 degrees F.
Combustible liquids are subdivided as follows:
- Class II: Liquids with flash points at or
above 100 degrees F. and below 140 degrees F.
- Class IIIA: Liquids with flash points at or
above 140 degrees F. and below 200 degrees F.
- Class IIIB: Liquids with flash points above
200 degrees F.
C. Need for a Flammable Storage
Cabinet
The need for a Flammable Storage Cabinet is
driven by the class of flammable or combustible liquid present as well as the
total quantity and location of these liquids. The total amount of flammable and
combustible liquids allowed shall be in accordance with the amount shown in the
applicable table below.
Table 1: Maximum Quantities of Flammable and
Combustible Liquids in Non-Sprinklered Labs
| Flammable or
Combustible Liquid Class |
Maximum
Quantity per (100 sq. ft.), not stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per Laboratory, not stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per (100 sq. ft.), including that stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per Laboratory, including that stored in a Cabinet |
| I* |
7.5L (2 gal) |
284 L (75 gal) |
15 L (4 gal) |
570 L (150 gal)
|
| I*, II and IIIA |
15 L (4 gal) |
380 L (100 gal) |
30 L (8 gal) |
760 L (200 gal) |
*This category includes Class I flammable
liquids and liquefied flammable gases.
Table 2: Maximum Quantities of Flammable and
Combustible Liquids in Sprinklered Labs
| Flammable or
Combustible Liquid Class |
Maximum
Quantity per (100 sq. ft.), not stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per Laboratory, not stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per (100 sq. ft.), including that stored in a Cabinet |
Maximum
Quantity per Laboratory, including that stored in a Cabinet |
| I* |
7.5 L (2 gal) |
570 L (150 gal) |
15 L (4 gal) |
1136 L (300 gal) |
| I*, II and IIIA |
15 L (4 gal) |
757 L (200 gal) |
30 L (8 gal) |
1515 L (400 gal) |
*This category includes Class I flammable
liquids and liquefied flammable gases.
Departments can request an exemption to exceed
the total quantities of flammable and combustible liquids outlined in the tables
in order to meet research needs. For an exemption, the Department should contact
the Division of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) at (217) 244-8346.
D. Venting Flammable Storage Cabinets
Venting of flammable storage cabinets is not recommended due to the fact that it
could reduce the fire protection effectiveness of the cabinet. It is recognized
that some individuals and departments may want to vent these cabinets to reduce
odorous vapors emanating from the cabinet. This is particularly true when the
cabinet is located in an occupied area. To minimize the affect on the fire
resistance of the cabinet the following criteria should be followed:
- Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be
utilized. Exhaust shall be discharged above the roof using an existing lab
exhaust system or as an independent system.
- The cabinet shall be vented from the bottom
with fresh air being supplied from the top. The flame arrestor shall remain in
both the lower and upper bung holes. The bung holes should be regularly
inspected and cleaned to prevent them from becoming blocked.
- The exhaust duct provided shall be a
material of equivalent strength (or better) as the material used for the
cabinet's construction (a minimum of 18 gauge sheet steel). The exhaust duct
shall also be a material compatible with the liquids stored inside the
cabinet.
- The exhaust duct shall be welded. The use of
stove pipe, dryer vent and PVC is prohibited.
- E. Other considerations concerning
Flammable Storage Cabinets
Never locate the flammable storage cabinet by an exit door.
- Flammable Storage Cabinets must be listed by
Factory Mutual, Underwriter's Laboratory or other qualified testing agency.
- Materials stored inside of the Flammable
Storage Cabinet should be compatible with the cabinet's design and
construction.
- The Flammable Storage Cabinet must be
clearly labeled with a sign which reads: "Flammable - Keep Fire Away."
- Acids should generally not be stored in a
flammable storage cabinet due to the corrosion of the cabinet and
incompatibility with organic solvents.
Please contact the Section with other questions
concerning the use and/or limitations of flammable storage cabinets at 244-8346
or e-mail to j-pingel@uiuc.edu.
References:
- National Fire Protection Association (1996),
NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Batterymarch, PA: NFPA
- National Fire Protection Association
(1996).NFPA 45: Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Batterymarch,
PA: NFPA
- OSHA (1996).General Industry Safety and
Health Standards 29CFR 1910.106. Washington D.C.: Bureau of National Affairs,
Inc.
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