Business Protections Against Fire | Cannabis Facilities

By Shelley Swearingen | September 29, 2020


Coastal Pacific states are currently battling raging wildfires. These western states are no stranger to fire, but the losses don’t always have to be catastrophic. Protecting cannabis dispensaries, pharmacies, growers, producers, and secure transporters from natural disasters is possible; it just takes planning.

Records Protection


Most states have laws requiring the digital tracking of product from seed to sale. Many states also require customer databases be kept & maintained to abide by quantity limits. This data is pertinent to stay within compliance and safeguards must be in place to protect this data. It’s also important to select servers that protect against fire AND water. A unit should be able to withstand the fire and the efforts to put out the fire.  



The ioSafe protects data from fire and water. It can withstand temperatures up to 1550°F for 30 minutes, and water submersion at 10 ft for up to 72 hours.  The internal capacity maxes out at 16TB, and it it’s compact in size: 12 inches high and weighs less than 30lbs.


Businesses, no matter how tech savvy they may be, will always need to store some hardcopies. For this reason, a traditional fire-safe file cabinet should be procured.


FireKing manufactures the best fireproof filing options available. Other brand names only offer half the fire safe protection. These cabinets are available in legal or letter size and multiple drawer options.

Chemical Storage

The cannabis industry is highly regulated. Growers & producers must abide by traditional guidelines for the safe storage of insecticides, pesticides, and other chemicals as well as cannabis specific regulations just to stay in compliance. 

Fire or other natural disasters can cause hazardous chemicals to turn deadly. If not stored properly, fire could cause ignition and explosion. The acquisition of proper storage can prevent against additional damage.

The AG400 is the best choice for the storage & safe handling of chemicals. This unit is rated to meet OSHA requirements and withstand up to 4 hours of fire.

Product Storage

Cannabis regulators are primarily concerned with safeguarding citizens against the proliferation of marijuana on the black market. For this reason, many businesses will implement security provisions that prevent surreptitious entry but may not prevent against mother nature.


There are various safes and vaults that can be manufactured to tailor to the specific needs of your business. Protect product from natural forces as well as theft.


Vault doors protect cash and product from diversion as well as natural disasters. Fallen trees could compromise the integrity of a traditional locked door thus enticing those that may wish to profit from your misfortune.  

For smaller quantities of product, a high security safe may suffice. This featured safe is manufactured with narcotic storage in mind – sure to pass compliance inspections. It’s also fire tested to 1850°.

No matter the scale or size of your operation…

KL Security can help facilitate compliance and protection. We’ve helped numerous cannabis facilities nationwide assemble license applications, maintain compliance standards, protect against diversion, and drive revenue. Our consultants are knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to assist.

Call 866-867-0306 or email [email protected]

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only.

STORAGE OF FLAMMABLES, COMBUSTIBLES & EJECTION BOOSTERS IN AVIATION

The aviation industry is rife with numerous chemicals, compounds and ejection-seat-storage-magazines-dayboxmaterials  that qualify as either “flammable”, or “combustible” , or “explosive” according to The National Fire Protection Association standard 30 (NFPA 30). According to NFPA 30, a “flammable” liquid is any chemical that has a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while a “combustible” liquid is any chemical that has a flashpoint above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most commonly encountered NFPA 30 chemicals that are encountered in the aviation industry are; acetone, ammonia, asbestos, carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbon 113 (CFC 113), ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). More chemicals can be found for all industries listed on the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which should be on site at any facility storing any of the 0ver 4,000 chemicals listed on this list.

Aviation chemicals may be stored by four separate methods; aboveground tanks, below ground tanks, storage tank buildings, and container / locker storage. All aviation chemicals to be stored in a container / locker MUST adhere to NFPA 30 Sec. 9.5.3 which states that a “flammable storage cabinet” must be designed to limit the internal temperature of the container / locker to no more than 325 degrees Fahrenheit from the center of the cabinet to within 1” of the top of the cabinet when subject to a 10 minute fire test.

Aircraft Ejection Seats & Explosives Storage

Certain materials used in aircraft ejection seats may be required to be stored in qualified storage magazines, day boxes or Type 2, Type 3 or Type 4 cabinets and boxes. These may include cartridge activated explosive devices, boosters, or impulse cartridges. 

Cartridges are typically stored where they are not exposed to direct sun or high temperatures, this generally means storage in a cool, dry place or storage magazine. Local jurisdiction will provide requirements for storage of percussion-fired cartridges.

Large quantity storage regulations for propellants, pyrotechnics and explosives may include fire walls, operational shields, substantial dividing walls, blast resistant roofs, containment structures, and earth-covered magazines in accordance with NASA-STD-8719.12

COMMON AVIATION CHEMICALS AND THEIR INDUSTRY USES

Acetone – Acetone is an organic compound that is extremely flammable. It is used as a solvent, and in the degreasing process. Primary aviation uses are in the area of painting and buffing of aircraft.

Ammonia – Ammonia is a colorless compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with a very pungent odor. It’s primary uses in the aviation industry is the base ingredient in many aviation cleaning products.

Asbestos – Asbestos derives from a group of chemicals occurring naturally in the environment that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These threads are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, and do not conduct electricity. Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was found many places in the aviation industry including the engine, insulation, brakes, cockpits, heating systems, heat shields, torque valves, gaskets, electrical wiring, and insulation. Once the carcinogenic effects of asbestos were thoroughly examined, the aviation industry began to phase out the product. It is not very rarely found, and then predominantly in adhesives and epoxies.

Chlorofluorocarbon 113 – (CFC 113) CFC 113 s a organic compound formed from carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, and is produced as a volatile derivative of methane, ethane, and propane. CFC 113 is commonly known by its DuPont trademark name “Freon.” CFC 113 is used in aviation primarily as a refrigerant. Use of CFC 113 was severely curtailed in the 1980s when its negative effects on the ozone layer were discovered.

Ethylene glycol – Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet tasting syrup that is used in the manufacture of polyester fibers and antifreeze. It is used in aviation primarily as the main component for de-icing fluid.

Methylene chloride – Methylene chloride (commonly known as Dichloromethane, or “DCM”), is a colorless, odorless, volatile organic compound with a moderately sweet aroma that is predominantly used as a solvent. The primary uses of DCM in the aviation industry are as a paint stripper, degreaser, and aerosol propellant.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) – MEK (commonly known as butanone) is a colorless organic compound with a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and ammonia. It is commonly used as a solvent, and plastic welding agent. Its primary use in aviation is as a cleaner for bare metal surfaces.

Ammonia Products/Materials & OSHA & ATF Approved Storage

Storage of Ammonium nitrate, blasting agents and compounds from Ammonia are easy with our complete Storage Cabinets and Buildings

There are a wide variety of ammonia based materials, compounds and products that require secure, safe and OSHA Approved or ATF Approved storage cabinets and storage buildings.

Whether your needs are for the job-site or need to be mobile or simply need cabinets for the storage of mining, blasting or quarry materials, we can help.

Our full line of OSHA Approved Storage Buildings and ATF Storage Magazines are designed to meet your exact needs.

We can also custom build a solution that is right for your storage requirements.

AMMONIA – Ammonia is a colorless, odorless compound of nitrogen and hydrogen gas intended for use as a fertilizer. Ammonia is shipped under pressure as a liquid. In any form, ammonia is corrosive to aluminum, tin, copper, lead, silver, zinc, and their alloys.

OSHA STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

ATF STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

AMMONIUM NITRATE – Ammonium nitrate is a prill used extensively in the mining industry as a solid oxidizer ingredient for explosive compositions. Ammonium nitrate is very soluble with water and does not precipitate with any other common chemicals. Ask us how we can help you with Storage of Ammonium nitrate.

AMMONIUM NITRATE LIQUOR (ANL) – Ammonium Nitrate Liquor is a clear, colorless liquid that is heated to greater than 225 degrees fahrenheit to keep salt dissolved in a solution. ANL is infinitely soluble in water, and does not precipitate with any common chemical. ANL is predominantly used in the mining industry.

AQUA AMMONIA – Aqua ammonia is synonymous with ammonium hydroxide. Both distinctions are defined as a solution of ammonia in water. These high purity solutions are produced using demineralized water. Aqua ammonia can is a preferred form or ammonia for users who need to avoid storage of compressed gasses.  This form of ammonia can be injected as a liquid and vaporized with the addition of heat into water vapor and gaseous ammonia. Aqua ammonia is also used as a base to neutralize acidic conditions.

Stay in Compliance with Standards & Regulations set forth by the following organizations:

Bureau of Mines

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)

Compressed Gas Association

Department of Transportation

International Fertilizer Industry Association

Institute of Makers of Explosives

MSDA = Ammonia Materials Safety Data Sheet

  • # 1020
  • # 1026
  • # 1129
  • # 1132

National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association

The Fertilizer Institute

BLENDED NITRIC ACID (BNA) – Blended nitric acid is a clear and colorless (to slightly yellow) liquid that can come in varying strengths.  BNA is created by oxidizing anhydrous ammonia over a platinum catalyst at extreme temperatures. The resulting gases (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) are cooled and demineralized into water. BNA is used for nitration of organics for production in plastics, surface coatings, dyes, pesticides, and explosives.

CARBON DIOXIDE LIQUID (CDL) – Carbon dioxide liquid is a colorless, odorless gas that is shipped under pressure as a liquid. This liquid absorbs readily into water to form carbonic acid, which is typically referred to as carbonated water.

DIESEL EXHAUST FLUiD (DEF) – DIesel exhaust fluid is a urea solution produced by combining pure liquid urea with clean plant stem condensate to produce a desired concentration. DEF is marketed as an ultra clean liquid fuel for catalytic abatement of nitrogen oxide emissions.

MIXED ACID – Mixed acid is a blend of strong nitric acid (98%) and oleum (sulfuric acid saturated with sulfur trioxide). Mixed acid is designed as a nitrating agent for industrial processes. Mixed acid reacts violently with oxidizable organic substances, to the point that ignition can occur. Mixed acid is used in the nitration of organics, as well as for production in plastics, surface coatings, dyes, pesticides, and explosives.

REFRIGERATION AMMONIA – Refrigeration ammonia is a colorless, odorless gas that is shipped under pressure as a liquid. Refrigeration ammonia has a pungent odor that is irritating to the mucosal membranes of the eyes and lungs. Contact with refrigeration ammonia liquid can cause frostbite. Refrigeration ammonia absorbs readily into water to form alkaline ammonium hydroxide solution, which is used as a refrigerant. Refrigeration ammonia can be easily compressed into a liquid, and back into a gas. Refrigeration ammonia is corrosive to aluminum, tin, copper, lead, silver, zinc, and their alloys.
UREA AMMONIUM NITRATE (UAN) – Urea ammonium nitrate is a solution created by dissolving amide nitrate salt in water. UAE produces a slight ammonia odor. It is predominantly used in fertilizer solution.

UREA FEED GRADE (UFG) – Urea feed grade is a small spherical white solid that is easily decomposed to ammonia and carbon dioxide by heating, and is soluble in water. UFG is added to cattle feed to boost protein content. UFG may also be used as a slow release fertilizer.
UREA PRILL –  Urea prill is a small, spherical white solid that is soluble in water. It is suitable for use as an agricultural and forestry fertilizer, as well as having other industrial applications which require a high quality nitrogen source.

UREA SOLUTION – Urea solution is a dissolution of pure amide directly into clear condensate so no ions of any metals are present. Urea solution is marketed as an ultra clean liquid fuel for catalytic abatement of nitrogen oxide emissions.

Storing and maintaining hazardous materials in the Chemistry stockroom

List of materials found in a typical high school or college chemistry stockroom and laboratory that based on respective MSDS sheets, should be stored in a fire cabinet, hazardous materials cabinet, or corrosive materials storage cabinet.

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Storage and Safety in High School Chemistry Classrooms and Laboratories is of utmost importance to the students, staff and parents.

One of the more tedious things for a secondary science educator is to properly maintain and take inventory of their chemical stockroom. This needs to be done every couple of years for effective safety measures. It is a well-known fact that certain chemicals should be stored in certain areas, and many of these hazardous chemicals may need to be stored separately within said safe storage vessel. After taking inventory in my stockroom with the help of some of my upper level students, I compiled what my total inventory consisted of, along with the conditions each chemical was in, shelf life of each chemical, and where it is safely stored. In this post, you will find a glossary of the types of chemical and compounds that need to be stored in an OSHA compliant storage cabinet. This post will be broken down into two main categories of chemical based on their proper storage area. A brief description of each chemical, along with its inherent hazards based on MSDS sheet will also be provided.

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Flammability ratings are as follows:

Flammability (Red Label)

4 Danger Flammable gas or extremely flammable liquid
3 Warning Flammable liquid flash point below 100°F
2 Caution Combustible liquid flash point of 100° to 200°F
1 Combustible if heated
0 Not combustible

If a chemical has flammability ratings of 1-4, it must be stored in an OSHA compliant fire safety container. The following is what my classroom currently stores in terms of flammable materials. All of these materials are stored in a Flammables Cabinet.

Acetone: Dimethyl ketone, or more commonly referred as Acetone, is an extremely flammable Solvent used in numerous chemical applications. It is a great solvent in the lab (which translates to great for cleanup after lab exercises) and is used in gas chromatography as well. It is an extremely flammable category 2 liquid. Also causes eye and respiratory problems if directly exposed.

Amyl Alcohol: Also commonly referred to as Pentyl Alcohol, is a class two flammable organic alcohol. It is commonly used as a solvent to dissolve resins and some oily compounds. It is also commonly used to manufacture a number of other chemicals both on a small scale and large commercial type lab operations. It is a volatile compound that can cause issues in the respiratory tract if inhaled directly. Must be used in a ventilation hood or ventilated area.

Carnoy’s Solution: Carnoy’s solution is a mixture of multiple volatile compounds that is used in numerous biological laboratory tests. Its uses range from the treatment of specific types of tumors, to the fixation of cell samples in the lab. The primary ingredients in this mixture are Ethyl Alcohol and Chloroform, both of which are extremely flammable and should be stored in the proper cabinet.

Ethyl Alcohol: This alcohol is also the alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages. It is used as a common laboratory solvent that can be used for numerous applications, and also an additive in gasoline referred to as gasohol. It is a category two flammable liquid, possessing chemical properties that produce a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It also is harmful if swallowed, and can cause eye damage and irritation. Due to the possibility of this being a possible form of substance abuse for the students, and the high flammability of the compound itself, it must be stored in a locked flammables cabinet.

Ethylene Glycol: Although Ethylene glycol is not inherently a high risk flammable compound, it is still considered a class one flammable compound, which still needs to be stored in the proper cabinet. Ethylene Glycol is also extremely poisonous, even at very small doses. It is common uses in the lab include the precipitation of proteins from solution, fractionation, purification, and crystallization.

Isopropyl alcohol: a very common compound found in many medicine cabinets, first aid kits, and cleaning supply cabinets. It most commonly used as an antiseptic in minor cuts and scrapes, or as a cleaning solution for white boards and electronics. Isopropyl alcohol also has numerous uses in the biology and chemistry classrooms. In biology it is used to extract DNA from solutions of cellular material, which separates the DNA from the rest of the solution. It can also be used to preserve and or subdue live specimens for examination, mainly in the dissection lab. It is also commonly used in the chemistry setting to react with various substances. Considered a category two flammable liquid, isopropyl alcohol is a liquid that is commonly stored incorrectly. It is so common, that it is often stored on the shelf in the stockroom, but it is highly flammable and needs to be relocated to its proper storage container.

Methanol: Methanol is another alcohol that needs to be stored in a flame retardant cabinet. A toxic compound, which can cause blindness when ingested in small amounts; or can cause death if larger quantities enter the body. It is used in the synthesis of many organic compounds in the lab. It is also a common laboratory solvent, and is also used in High Performance Liquid Chromatography.  Methanol is a Category three volatile substance that must be stored within an OSHA approved flame retardant cabinet.

Mineral Oil: also commonly referred to as “baby oil” or Paraffin oil is commonly found in the chemistry stockroom to store highly reactive metals such as Calcium, Potassium, Cesium, and Sodium. It is used to prevent water vapor in the air from contacting these highly unstable pure metal samples. It is also considered a flammable compound that should be stored in the proper storage cabinet.

Petroleum Ether: A category two flammable liquid and carcinogen, Petroleum ether is a compound that must be stored properly, and handled with extreme care. Over time, exposure to this compound can cause mutagenicity in human cells, resulting in various types of cancer. A natural byproduct in the making of gasoline also referred to as “benzene”; this chemical is commonly used as a solvent for many organic chemistry applications. It can also be used as a glue or adhesive remover.

Tolulene: This compound is extremely dangerous for multiple reasons, the most immediate threat is it is a class two flammable liquid. Toluene is a common solvent that is able to dissolve paint, paint thinners, silicone, and rubber. It is also used to make numerous products in the lab; the most famous of these is Tri-Nitro-Toluene or more commonly referred to as TNT. It should never be stored with any acids, especially any of the nitrogen containing acids. It also has applications in making plastic polymers. Toluene also has been shown to cause reproductive failure and cell degeneration in the reproductive organs of lab animals. Safe handling and storage is a must for this chemical.

Xylenes: found in the group of aromatic hydrocarbons, this compound is one of the more flammable compounds found in the chemistry lab. It is a class three flammable liquid and vapor, which also is internally and externally toxic to human beings as well. Mainly used in histology for the fixation of cellular samples, it does have some chemistry applications as a solvent as well.

Storage of other hazardous materials such as acids (Class “E’ materials or Corrosives) is very similar to storing flammables in a special cabinet. My stockroom has a corrosives cabinet that is used to store all of my concentrated lab reagents. There are however, specific rules for storing acids in your stockroom that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. Although the inert risk of flammability of pure acids and bases are not an issue, their seamless ability to react with other compounds stored near them is a danger in itself. Sometimes this requires certain lab reagents to be stored within a container or compartment separate from the rest of the acids within the cabinet. Special consideration needs to be made when determining what chemicals are going to be stored together.

Many corrosives are characterized by the following abbreviations:

  • C- Combustible liquid or solid
  • HT- Highly Toxic
  • O- Oxidizer
  • PEC- Potentially Explosive Chemical
  • T- Toxic
  • WR- Water reactive

An acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions. Because of this, when an acid is dissolved in water, the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions is shifted. Now there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions in the solution. This kind of solution is acidic.

A base is a substance that accepts hydrogen ions. When a base is dissolved in water, the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions shifts the opposite way. Because the base “soaks up” hydrogen ions, the result is a solution with more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. This kind of solution is alkaline.

Anything stored in a corrosives cabinet usually has a pH of below 2 and above 12 on the pH scale. A reagent with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic and above 7 is considered basic. The scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14

Corrosive materials also have a myriad of side effect upon exposure, either directly, or from the toxic vapors they emit. Concentrated acids should always be diluted in a chemical hood and always handled with proper eye, body, feet, and hand protection. These concentrated chemicals are extremely dangerous.

Many people think that because something is on the basic side of the pH scale (pH of 7 through 14) that it is not as dangerous as a corrosive that is on the lower end of the pH spectrum. This is not the case; bases tend to cause more damage to tissues because they penetrate deeper into the skin, causing much more damage to the lower layers of skin on the body.

Below you will find a list of acids that are currently stored within my OSHA compliant Corrosives storage cabinet in my stockroom.

Ammonium Hydroxide: One of the least dangerous acids in my cabinet (although still very dangerous!). Very dilute ammonia solutions are sold over the counter as a house hold cleaning agent, but lab grade concentrated ammonia is very dangerous. Due to its high pH level, ammonium hydroxide solutions are alkaline. As a result, it is a severe eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant that readily burns tissues it comes in direct contact with. Most commonly used in the chemistry lab to neutralize strong acids for proper disposal.

Hydrochloric Acid: hydrochloric acid is one of the most used lab reagents in the lab. This acid has a very wide use in high school chemistry. For me personally we use it for titrations involving acid base neutralizations. It is also commonly used in dilute forms for geological identifications of different types of rocks, or to show chemical weathering to simulate acid rain with different rock samples. Considered extremely corrosive in higher concentrations, it must be stored in a corrosives cabinet. It also must be diluted within a chemical hood because the fumes when adding the acid to water can severely damage the respiratory tract. Full protective equipment is an absolute must when handling this acid.

Nitric Acid: Most commonly used in the production of farm grade fertilizers, rocket propulsion, metal finishing, and explosives; Nitric acid is commonly found in high school chemistry labs as well commonly used for lab demonstrations and dehydration reactions. Extremely corrosive and fatal if swallowed, nitric acid is another extremely dangerous acid to handle and store. In addition to being stored within a corrosives cabinet, Nitric acid must be stored separately within the cabinet itself (My OSHA corrosives cabinet has a separate compartment to store nitric acid within). It is not to be stored with other acids, mainly ammonium hydroxide because of the inherent risk of explosive compounds being inadvertently formed during long term storage.

Sulfuric Acid: one of the most important industrial chemicals in the United States, more of this acid is made than all of the others combined annually. It is used to make many of the other acids mentioned earlier, along with the manufacture of fertilizers and manufactured goods. It is also the main component of traditional batteries, especially automotive batteries. For high school chemistry, it is used to react with many metals as lab demos, or to produce hydrogen gas for demonstration as well. Once again, another highly corrosive substance that needs to be stored in a corrosives cabinet. It also needs to be handled with extreme caution while also wearing all of the necessary protective clothing.

After reading this article, it is very apparent that student safety is the most important thing to consider when storing and handling these types of chemicals in the lab. Proper storage and safety drastically reduces the risks of injury or damage to the building. It is imperative that the instructor practices and teaches students the importance of how to handle these chemicals safely. This is just a very small list of all of the different types of hazardous compounds that may be found in a common chemistry lab. There are numerous others that are not mentioned in this article, so it is always important to keep MSDS sheets handy when an instructor or student is unsure of the risks involved with many of these chemicals. It is also extremely important that the building administrator be aware of where the MSDS sheets are located in the event of an emergency so that proper care can be taken during the situation. Stay safe and good luck!

Jacob K Hogan

Chemistry, Biology, and AP Environmental Science Teacher

Oregon Davis High School

 

MSDS & OSHA Safety in the School System

flammable-storage-cabinet-acid-corrosives
MSDS Sheets are a vital part of chemical lab safety. REMEMBER: Compounds that are considered highly volatile need to be stored in their own cabinet so the fumes cannot react with other compounds in storage.

Teaching Chemistry in a high school or college setting involves a variety of safety hazards. When people think about safety in schools, topics like bullying and students bringing weapons to school are at the forefront of news media, however, there is another important school safety issue that teachers and administrators may not even know exists – chemical lab storage and stock room safety. Improper storage is more than an OSHA violation. If these chemicals are not stored properly, or if the teacher does not have the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to accompany every material (acids, corrosives, flammable materials) in the stock room, the safety of the building and therefore, everyone inside the school could be at risk. These two factors remain one of the most important aspects of maintaining a comfortable learning environment, and improper chemical storage can have very negative consequences if not handled correctly.

Why MSDS Sheets are important to chemical storage safety

In the chemistry lab, the teacher and students are often handling very hazardous and flammable substances and materials – all with an inherent risk of injury at any moment’s notice. This is why Students need to be taught proper lab safety when performing any type of hands on activity. Additionally, this is also why the chemistry teacher need to have their MSDS sheets (Materials and Safety Data Sheets) on hand in the room. A compilation of the MSDS sheets allows the teacher to effectively determine every single type of hazard that any given chemical can cause. From Flammability to corrosiveness and even if certain chemicals have inhalation hazards. These sheets also provide extensive information on how to store these volatile chemicals safely in OSHA approved storage cabinets in the stock room.

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OSHA Approved Chemical Storage Cabinets

One thing that sometimes goes unrecognized as a teacher and or building supervisor is proper OSHA storage of certain lab chemicals, mainly acids and flammables. Possessing and maintaining a proper storage cabinet for these types of chemicals is a necessity in a chemical store room to contain hazardous materials. For example, when referring to the common types of lab grade acids you may find in a high school chemistry lab, many of these acids have storage risks associated with them over time. Everyone knows the dangers of handling acids, but many are not aware of the types of explosive compounds these acids can form if not properly stored. Nitric acid is a very common lab reagent, and it requires a separate compartment within the OSHA compliant safety cabinet to be stored properly. The reason for this is that nitric acid being an organic acid, if stored with inorganic acids such as acetic or formic acid can create toxic and or flammable fumes within the safe storage cabinet if they are next to each other. This is why nitric acid should be stored separate from all other acids within the acid storage cabinet or inside its own acid storage cabinet. Once again, this is why MSDS sheets are extremely helpful in determining safe storage of chemicals. Flammable materials should also be stored in a flammable materials cabinet. Compounds that are considered highly volatile need to be stored in their own cabinet so the fumes cannot react with other compounds in storage. These compounds include any alcohol, acetone, mineral oil, or “ene” compounds (xylene, toluene, hexene…). This also keeps all flammable items away from any type of heat source i.e. a heater or electrical equipment that could ignite flammable vapors inadvertently. The chances that something would react during storage are slim, but these are the types of scenarios that usually end in serious injury to staff and students if not properly maintained at the school.

These are just a few of the reasons teachers and administrators need to stay up to date on the types of chemicals stored in the classroom, and above all if they are stored properly. Ordering proper storage cabinets is a cheaper alternative to lawsuits filed by staff and parents in the event an accident happens. It is also cheaper than the fines dealt out by OSHA if a problem is detected in your building. These regulations are meant to do one thing, keep the building safe. It is extremely important to remember that a safe building fosters learning and a sense of security for staff and students.

Outdoor Safety Storage Buildings for OSHA Compliance

Outdoor Safety Storages: Lockers and Buildings

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Let us help you with outdoor OSHA Approved safety storage of flammables, hazmat or combistibles. Call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

Following OSHA and NFPA regulations for storing hazardous liquids outdoors ensures the safety of employees, your community, and the environment. Further, when done properly, it keeps your company safe from any violation of the law. Securall will help in meeting these standards.

The following are important considerations to make when choosing your outdoor safety storage.

  • Lockers are used to store chemicals not exceeding the control area, while buildings are used to store chemicals exceeding the control area.
  • Classify your chemicals according to hazard.
  • OSHA Approved Outdoor storage buildings & units can be designed to separate incompatible materials.
  • Securall Outdoor Storage units should be placed outside on level ground or a concrete slab.
  • There are various building codes to meet, including: UBC, SBC, UFC, NEC, AND CAC.
  • There are various industry construction standards to meet: NFPA, BOCA, AWS, AISC, ANSI, ASTM, ICC, AND USPC.
  • The are federal regulations to meet, including EPA and OSHA.
  • The floor area should not exceed 1500 square feet.

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Outdoor Storage Lockers and Buildings safely store hazardous materials, flammables, pesticides, herbicides, and other agri-chemicals. To prevent leaking and contamination, Securall safety products are equipped with a sump area. The capacity of the sump ultimately determines the storage capacity. OSHA requires sump capacity to contain 25% of the total holding capacity or 100% of the largest container (whatever is greater). Securall has standards sizes or custom-design options to meet these requirements.

Securall Outdoor storage is approved for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids (except the storage of Class 1A and the dispensing of Class 1A and 1B Flammable Liquids). Explosion Relief, which is found in Securall Haz-mat storage units, is required for storing and dispensing Class 1A and 1B Flammable Liquids.

For additional information regulating the proper application of storing flammables, please visit www.osha.gov or www.nfpa.org

Selecting the Best Safety Storage Cabinet for Combustibles & Flammable Liquids

Are you struggling with how to properly store flammable liquids or combustibles in an OSHA approved storage cabinet?

We help clients choose the best cabinets at the best prices to meet OSHA compliance, Call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306 today.

 

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When storing Class IA, IB, IC flammables, you may be required to have and OSHA rated Cabinet. For help selecting, buying and getting prices, Call 1-866-867-0306

Flammables, Liquids and Classifications for Storage Requirements

A flammable liquid is any liquid with a flash point below 100℉ (37.8℃) or higher, making up 99 percent of the total volume of the mixture. These liquids fall under Class I.

Class IA flammables are liquids with a flash point below 73℉ (22.8℃) ; boiling point below 100℉ (37.8℃). Examples include: acetaldehyde, butyne, chloropropylene, dimethyl sulfide, ethyl chloride, ethyl ether.

  • Class IB flammables are liquids with a flash point below 73℉ (22.8℃) ; boiling point at or above 100℉ (37.8℃). Examples include: acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, gasoline, hexane, isopropanol, methanol, toluene.
  • Class IC flammables are liquids with a flash point at or above 73℉ (22.8℃), but less than 100℉ (37.8℃). Examples include:  amyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, methyl isobutyl ketone, styrene, turpentine, xylene.

Combustibles and Combustible Storage Cabinets

A combustible liquid is any liquid with a flash point at or above 100ºF (37.8ºC). Combustible liquids are broken into two classes: Class II and Class III.

Class II combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 100℉ (37.8℃), but less than 140℉ (60℃). This does not include any mixture having components with flash points of 200ºF (93.3ºC) or more with a volume making up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. Examples include: No. 1, 2 and 3 fuel oils, kerosene, and hexyl alcohol.

Class III liquids is any liquid with flash points at or above 140ºF (60ºC) and are broken into two subclasses.

combustible-storage-cabinet-OSHA-rated-safety
Safety of Employees requires OSHA Approved storage. We help people like you with selection of the best cabinets for combustible storage safety, Call 1-866-867-0306

Class IIIA combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 140℉ (60℃), but less than 200℉ (93℃). This does not include any mixture having components with flash points of 200ºF (93.3ºC) or more with the total volume making up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.  Examples include: aniline, benzaldehyde, butyl cellosolve, nitrobenzene and pine oil.

  • Class IIIB combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 200℉ (93℃). Examples include: animal oils; ethylene glycol; glycerine; lubricating, quenching, and transformer oils; triethanolamine; benzyl alcohol; hydraulic fluids and vegetable oils.

There are several things to consider when storing flammable and combustible liquids.

In a single cabinet, a maximum of 120 gallons of Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids can be stored.

  • In a single fire area, there cannot be more than 3 cabinets.
  • In a single fire are, additional cabinets are limited to groups no larger than 3 with 100ft of separation between groups
  • In any one group, the maximum number of cabinets can increase to 6 if stored in an Industrial Occupancy Facility equipped with an automatic sprinkler system meeting NFPA 13 standards.

Securall Storage Cabinets provide several features to ensure safety.

  • 3-point, non-sparking button latch rod system
  • leveling legs that level cabinet, ensuring closure every time
  • models with self-close doors have Fusible Links to hold doors open (in case of a fire, the links will melt at 165F, automatically closing the doors)

Flammable storage cabinets from Securall are OSHA approved and designed to meet NFPA Code 30 standards. Whether you need to store cans of gasoline or kerosene or are required to protect employees from the danger of explosion hazards, Securall has a large selection of models and sizes to store flammable cans (Models #A30, #A305, #A145, etc.) or drums (Models #V260, #V1110, #H160, etc.).

OSHA Compliance & Storage Cabinet Requirements

OSHA Compliance and Safety Cabinets: Your Responsibilities  

Are you struggling with how to properly store flammable liquids in an OSHA approved storage cabinet?

The “Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970” (Public Law 91-596) was passed to ensure workers are not killed or seriously harmed at work. The law requires workspaces to be free of any known danger, including safety from dangerous liquids. The Act outlines the duties of employers and the penalties for failing to address such duties.

Storage & Safety Cabinets for OSHA Compliance can be complicated, call our expert team at 1-866-867-0306 for assistance.
Storage & Safety Cabinets for OSHA Compliance can be complicated, call our expert team at 1-866-867-0306 for assistance.

Section 5 states the duties of the employer. Each employer:

  1. “shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees”
  2. “shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.”

Further, (29 USC 654), “Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct”

Section 17 of the Act outlines the penalties of failing to address the act: “Any employer who willfully or repeatedly violates the requirements of section 5 of this Act, any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to section 6 of this Act, or regulations prescribed pursuant to this Act, may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $70,000 for each violation, but not less than $5,000 for each willful violation.”

The OSHA, NFPA, and FM too have regulations for storing flammable liquids.

The Solutions

Flammable Storage Units (OSHA 1910)

A flammable liquid is any liquid with a flash point below 100℉ (37.8℃) or higher, making up 99 percent of the total volume of the mixture. Measuring flash point is important because it is directly related to a liquid’s volatility, and vapor is a key factor in determining fire hazardness. Generally, liquids with low flash points display a rapid rate of flame. Flammable liquids are Class I liquids and are divided into 3 subclasses.

Class IA flammables are liquids with a flash point below 73℉ (22.8℃) ; boiling point below 100℉ (37.8℃).

  • Class IB flammables are liquids with a flash point below 73℉ (22.8℃) ; boiling point at or above 100℉ (37.8℃).
  • Class IC flammables are liquids with a flash point at or above 73℉ (22.8℃), but less than 100℉ (37.8℃).

A combustible liquid is any liquid with a flash point at or above 100ºF (37.8ºC). Combustible liquids are broken into two classes: Class II and Class III.

Class II combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 100℉ (37.8℃), but less than 140℉ (60℃). This does not include any mixture having components with flash points of 200ºF (93.3ºC) or more with the total volume making up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture

Class III liquids is any liquid with flash points at or above 140ºF (60ºC) and are broken into two subclasses.

Class IIIA combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 140℉ (60℃), but less than 200℉ (93℃). This does not include any mixture having components with flash points of 200ºF (93.3ºC) or more with the total volume making up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.

  • Class IIIB combustibles are liquids with a flash point at or above 200℉ (93℃).

Characteristics of an OSHA Compliant Cabinet (OSHA 1910, NFPA 30, FM 6050)

There are important features to consider with choosing a storage unit to meet regulations. These include:

Reinforced 18-gauge construction

  • Top, bottom, sides, back and doors with double wall construction and 1 1/2” airspace
  • Leak proof sill 2” deep
  • Two vents with flash arrestors
  • Non-sparking, 3-point self-latching doors
  • Adjustable leveling legs
  • Locking handle
  • Static grounding bolt OSHA compliant
  • Large Warning Label

As an employer, it is important to be knowledgeable of safety regulations and the best ways to store your flammable liquids. For more information on the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA guidelines, visit osha.gov.

Choosing a Safety Cabinet for Flammable and Combustible Liquids

There are number of Securall Safety Storage Cabinets that ensure flammable liquids are organized and stored safely, limiting employee exposure. If not stored correctly, hazardous liquids can cause explosion, release of pressure, fire, reactivity, overexposure, or environmental contamination. Understanding the NFPA’s Flammable and Combustible Classes helps you properly meet your storage needs, avoiding harm or breaking the law.

We help clients choose the best storage cabinets at the best prices to meet OSHA compliance, Call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306 today.