Class 3 flammable liquids must be kept properly in a flammable liquid cabinet because they readily combust and release their energy which can cause destruction, injury and death.
Being the most commonly used of the dangerous goods and found in most workplaces, class 3 flammable liquids require adequate protective measures to be taken for proper handling and storage.
Our modern society finds flammable liquids to be extremely useful in powering engines, for transportation and producing electricity as well as a vital ingredient for solvents, cleaning agents, paints, varnishes, thinners, adhesives, waxes, polishes and other industrial uses.
Because of the risks involved with using and storing flammable liquids they must be stored safely and in a compliant manner.
The best way to do this is by keeping them in a suitable compliant flammable liquid cabinet
Design of flammable liquid cabinets
Flammable liquid cabinets or Flammable Storage Cabinets are designed to contain flammable liquids and prevent them from spilling into the environment where they can present a danger to personal, property or the environment
Section 3.3 of AS/NZS 2243.1 states: that a flammable liquid cabinet are cabinets specifically designed and made to store class 3 flammable liquids and they are intended to:
- Protect the contents of the flammable liquid cabinet against damage
- Provide areas to completely segregate incompatible chemicals
- To contain any spills or leakage
- To be able to provide at least 10 minutes of fire containment for their contents to allow any personal in the area to escape or deploy the necessary firefighting equipment
Why is a flammable liquid cabinet important?
Flammable liquid cabinets protect the contents against damage.
When these chemicals are used it’s important to protect the packaging against damage to prevent the leakage of toxic and flammable fumes as well as the liquids themselves.
The fumes if not dispersed can cause respiratory and irritability problems, breathing the vapours can cause vomiting drowsiness and unconsciousness.
If these vapours that are highly flammable meet an ignition source such as a spark or flame they can ignite resulting in a serious fire with the potential to cause harm to personal, property or the environment
Properly constructed flammable liquid cabinet
AS1940 states that a properly constructed flammable liquid cabinet will be made of steel sheets with dual skinned walls that are fully enclosed.
They must have doors that are close fitting and self closing to keep any other substances out that have the potential to mix.
They must also be able to segregate incompatible chemicals
New regulations also demand that a spill response kit must be positioned within 15 metres of the flammable liquid cabinet fill point.
This spill kit should consist of
- Absorbent pads and loose absorbent containment bags for waste
- Brooms and other suitable equipment for gathering waste and a spill clean up
- Housed in an easily identifiable and suitable container with a cover or lid that contains absorbent materials
- Contain suitable personal protective equipment
A suitable flammable liquid cabinet can be purchased to ensure your company complies with all the necessary regulations and safeguards your staff, property and the environment.