Venting Requirements Chemical Storage Cabinets

When provisions of this code require that liquid containers be stored in storage cabinets such cabinets and storage shall be in accordance with this section.

Venting requirements chemical storage cabinets.

A storage in excess of 25 gallons of flammable liquids or 60 gallons of liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199 4 o f 93 o c formerly designated class iiib combustible liquids shall be within cabinets constructed to the requirements of nfpa 30. Section 4 9 5 of this standards states. If venting is being considered 9 5 4 2 addresses some minimal design requirements. Temperature fluctuations in many chemicals can serve to increase vapour emissions.

Venting a chemical storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection. Approved metal storage cabinets will be acceptable. Where ventilation is installed it shall be designed so that vapours are prevented from escaping into any room. 1926 152 b 2 iii cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering flammable keep away from open flames 1926 152 b 3 not more than 60 gallons of category 1 2 and or 3 flammable liquids or 120 gallons of category 4 flammable liquids shall be stored in any one storage cabinet.

Place chemical storage cabinets in a cool dry location out of direct sunlight and away from any possible heat or ignition source. The standard that sets out the ventilation requirements for flammable storage cabinets is as1940 2017 the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. The only time a chemical storage cabinet should be ventilated is if the ventilation in the laboratory or chemical stores area is inadequate or if state or local law requires cabinet ventilation. We ve outlined guidelines for ventilation in chemical storage units to help promote chemical safety in the workplace.

Before venting cabinets consider the following precautions and options. The only time you may want to ventilate a chemical storage cabinet is if the ventilation in the laboratory or chemical stores area is inadequate or you are required to provide cabinet ventilation because of state or local law. Cabinet ventilation is not an alternative. The australian standard that sets out the ventilation requirements for corrosive storage cabinets is as3780 2008 the storage and handling of corrosive substances.

It states if a storage cabinet is ventilated for any reason the vent openings shall be ducted directly to a safe location outdoors or to a treatment device designed to control volatile organic compounds vocs and ignitable vapors in such a manner that will not compromise the specified performance of the cabinet and in a manner that is acceptable to the ahj if the cabinet is not vented the nfpa code. Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters on contrasting background flammable keep fire away. Generally ventilation of chemical storage cabinets should not be required unless it is determined to be an essential risk and safety control measure or the standard requires it. Venting a chemical storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection.