Flammable and Combustable Liquid Indoor Storage Requirements
It is recommended that all flammable chemicals be kept in a flame proof cabinet when not in use. It is required to store flammable liquids in appropriate storage cabinets when quantities exceed the Total Allowable Quantities.
For the purposes of this guidance flammable and combustible materials shall be divided into the following classes:
Examples include acetone, methanol, ethyl ether, toluene, benzene, and hydrazine
Examples include acetic acid, naptha, and Stoddard solvent
Examples include cyclohezanol, formic acid, nitrobenzene, and formalin
Total Allowable Quantities
Hazardous chemicals stored in the open in the laboratory/work area shall be kept to the minimum necessary for the work being done.
Not more than 10 gal (37.8 L) of Class I and Class II liquids combined may be stored in a single fire area (i.e. lab) outside of an approved storage cabinet or a separate inside storage area.
The quantity of Class I and Class II liquids in a flammable storage cabinet shall not exceed 60 gal (227 L).
Not more than 60 gal (227 L) of Class IIIA liquids shall be stored outside of an approved flammable storage cabinet or area.
When Class II or III liquids are stored within the same fire area as a Class I liquid, the quantity restriction for Class I liquids apply.
Container Size and Type
Glass containers for Class I liquids outside of an approved flammable storage cabinet/area should not exceed a capacity of 1 pt, unless in a container of no more than 2 gal (7.6 L) which has a spring closing lid/spout and flame arrester.
Exception: Glass containers as large as 1 gal (3.785 L) may be used if the required purity would be adversely affected by storage in a metal or approved plastic container.
Storage Cabinets
Cabinets must be conspicuously labeled in red letters on contrasting background FLAMMABLE- KEEP FIRE AWAY.
Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing, and equipped with a latch.
The bottom must be liquid tight to a height of at least 2 inches.
Metal cabinets shall be constructed of steel having a thickness of not less than 0.044-inch (18 gauge). The cabinet, including the door, shall be double walled with 1 ½-inch airspace between the walls. Joints must be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting.