Where should flammable liquids be stored?

Three things are required for fire: fuel (such as a flammable liquid), air and ignition source.

Most workplaces these days will have at least a small amount of flammable liquid stored on the premises, such as paint thinners or petrol.

Whatever these flammable liquids are used for, the storage of these goods can prove very hazardous unless essential health and safety principles are followed.

What safety principles are associated with flammable liquids?

Any business that works with flammable liquids is subject to COSHH regulations, meaning the liquids must be stored in a colour-coded and marked cabinet specifically designed to keep these items.

Fortunately, here at Strip Curtains Direct, we have a wide range of COSHH cabinets that can help you to do this. Before we go into more detail on our COSHH range, however, you must understand all of the potential safety risks involved in working with flammable liquids, as they can have a devastating effect on your employees’ health if the proper health and safety processes are not in place.

What do you need to consider when storing flammable liquids?

Flammable liquids tend to release significant quantities of vapour even at room temperature. This vapour tends to ignite when mixed with air. If flammable liquids are spilt, they can also flow to an ignition source, and the resulting fire can flash back to the source of the spillage.

To help control the risks associated with flammable liquids, you can:

• Dispense and store flammable liquids in a safe place with good ventilation and no source of ignition
• Dispense flammable liquids over a tray and have non-flammable absorbent material at hand to mop up any spills
• Keep flammable liquid containers closed when not in use
• Store flammable liquids in a separate storage area or a purpose-built fire-resistant cabinet

Regulations relating to fire-resistant cupboards

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has specific legislation relating to flammable liquid storage requirements, called the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), which also covers general guidance for the performance requirement of fire-resistant cupboards and bins.

These regulations state:

• The materials used to form the sides, top, bottom, door(s) and lid are capable of providing the required fire resistance (30 minutes) and reaction to fire (minimal)
• The joints between the cupboard's sides, top and bottom should be free from gaps or openings
• The lid and doors should be close-fitting against the frame, so there is a slight overlap between the frame and doors/lid in their closed position
• The supports and fastenings should be of a material with a melting point greater than 750 degrees

The Highly Flammable Storage Cabinets from Strip Curtains Direct are designed to comply with flammable liquid storage regulations (1972), and Health & Safety Guidance notes HSG51 & CS19. They are also Manufactured from 1.2mm Sheet Steel for extra strength & improved protection from fire penetration.

COSHH cabinets are designed to store dangerous hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, gases, and solids to keep buildings safe. Browse our COSHH cabinet products today, or feel free to contact us and speak to a member of our friendly team if you would like some advice or more information.