Flammable Chemical Storage

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 1:16 pm

I thought I remembered something in the OSHA requirements about the amount of stuff stored. Here is a copy of a section of OSHA rules relating to flammable storage. - Hope it helps. This goes to show that my memory has slipped. The cabinet mentioned in my earlier post was not Sheetrock, but two layers of plywood. I think my guys put Sheetrock on the outside of the plywood. I now remember the rabbeted joints. [see paragraph (b)(2)(I) below]

1926.152 - Flammable and combustible liquids.

(a) General requirements.

(a)(1) Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Approved metal safety cans shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities greater than one gallon, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping containers. For quantities of one gallon or less, only the original container or approved metal safety cans shall be used for storage, use, and handling of flammable liquids.

(a)(2) Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or normally used for the safe passage of people.

(b) Indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids.

(b)(1) No more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. For storage of liquefied petroleum gas, see 1926.153.

(b)(2) Quantities of flammable and combustible liquid in excess of 25 gallons shall be stored in an acceptable or approved cabinet meeting the following requirements:

(b)(2)(i) Acceptable wooden storage cabinets shall be constructed in the following manner, or equivalent: The bottom, sides, and top shall be constructed of an exterior grade of plywood at least 1 inch in thickness, which shall not break down or delaminate under standard fire test conditions. All joints shall be rabbeted and shall be fastened in two directions with flathead wood screws. When more than one door is used, there shall be a rabbeted overlap of not less than 1 inch. Steel hinges shall be mounted in such a manner as to not lose their holding capacity due to loosening or burning out of the screws when subjected to fire. Such cabinets shall be painted inside and out with fire retardant paint.

(b)(2)(ii) Approved metal storage cabinets will be acceptable.

(b)(2)(iii) Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable-Keep Fire Away."

(b)(3) Not more than 60 gallons of flammable or 120 gallons of combustible liquids shall be stored in any one storage cabinet. Not more than three such cabinets may be located in a single storage area. Quantities in excess of this shall be stored in an inside storage room.

(f) Handling liquids at point of final use.

(f)(1) Flammable liquids shall be kept in closed containers when not actually in use.

(f)(2) Leakage or spillage of flammable or combustible liquids shall be disposed of promptly and safely.

(f)(3) Flammable liquids may be used only where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition within 50 feet of the operation, unless conditions warrant greater clearance.

Here is a link to the OSHA pages - http://www.ehso.com/oshaConstruction_F.htm

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:51 pm

Not to say that any of the OSHA requirements can not be used by home shops, but they really only apply to businesses; non-businesses, that is, locations were there are zero employees, are not required to comply with these rules. We still have the freedom to choose our own way to safely handle chemicals.

Lodgepole · Post by **Lodgepole** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:57 pm

Here are a few websites you might want to look at:

http://www.americanwoodworker.com/20009 ... /main.html Their flammables cabinet is built out of plywood

The Kansas State Fire Marshall has an article, Fire Fact 042, on how to build a flammables cabinet.

Also, the Lawrenece Livermore National Laboratory has another article "Development of Flammable Liquid Storage Wooden Cabinets for Chemical Laboratories, UCRL-ID-115605.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:07 pm

[quote="a1gutterman"]Not to say that any of the OSHA requirements can not be used by home shops, but they really only apply to businesses]

You are absolutely correct in saying the OSHA requirements apply only to commercial/government establishments.

However, as a past Safety Air Force Officer, I must chime in. The requirements are all applicable (as specified), we (as home shop operators) are just not required to comply.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:01 am

Yeah, Tim, lodgepole, and Dusty! Right on! We are not required to comply with any OSHA rules. The reason I posted this section of OSHA RULES was to alert those concerned, that a simple double plywood cabinet, of a size to fit any shop, would make a safe storage place for your flammables. As Dusty said, OSHA's standards can be applicable to us if we want.

The previous discussion was about metal cabinets, vents, outside storage, fences, roofs, etc. If most shops are anything like mine, they only have a couple of gallons of flammable stuff. There is relatively little danger even if the shop does have a fire, firemen will be prepared for flammables. However for a little added safety, a double plywood cabinet would be a blessing for both firemen and you!

lodgepole, I couldn't find the article about fire cabinets in the Link you gave. I'll look in my past issues of American Woodworker.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:12 am

Hi Chuck,
I had no problem at all with your post about OSHA requirements. I know people that would read something like that and start to panic, thinking that they were breaking the law and wondering what the H*** they were going to do and how much it wood cost them to do it, to come into compliance. I was just clarifying that these requirements did not apply to a home/hobby shop that has zero employees.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 3:11 am

Now that I'm on this kick - Here is a more direct link to the Flammables Cabinet, in case anyone wants to build one.

http://www.americanwoodworker.com/aspx/ ... 4&PageNo=1

Sorry I couldn't find it first time, lodgepole!:o Thanks for your find!!!

Tim, knew just where you were coming from.