Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why should I buy a SciMatCo metal-free acid cabinet?
2) What is the difference between wood and metal flammable cabinets?
3) Should chemical storage cabinets be ventilated?
4) What is the proper method for ventilating a chemical storage cabinet?
5) What are the regulatory manufacturing specifications for wooden flammable liquid storage cabinets?
6) What are the class definitions for flammable or combustible liquids?
1) Why should I buy a SciMatCo metal-free acid cabinet?
SciMatCo acid cabinets are manufactured without using any metal components. Acids readily oxidize metal—SciMatCo cabinets contain no metal. Even if metal is coated or painted, a single scratch will break the protected surface and the oxidation begins to spread rapidly.
The pictures below depict a metal, epoxy-coated acid cabinet. The cabinet is less than 3 years old.
 |
| |||
|  | |||
 |
|
2) What is the difference between wood and metal flammable cabinets?
While the benefits of a wooden Acid/Corrosives cabinet (no rust) are immediately obvious, the benefits of the SciMatCo wooden flammables cabinet are far less obvious, but equally as important.
Although both cabinets’ construction are recognized by OSHA, NFPA, and UFC (with self-closing doors) as meeting the standards for a flammables cabinet, we think the choice is obvious. Wood is the best alternative for protection against the heat and flame of a fire. Why not get more protection? You have the protection you deserve with a SciMatCo flammables cabinet.
Wood vs. Metal
A wooden flammables cabinet? Is it possible? Yes, not only possible, but better. Below are a few comparisons between wooden and metal flammable cabinets and their performance during a fire.
Wood | Metal |
| Protection from the Flames of a Fire | |
| Yes wood burns, but a cabinet constructed with 1” plywood using specifications developed by both OSHA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) , and the UFC (Uniform Fire Code) will meet all the requirements for a flammables cabinet. The question is, how long will the wooden flammables cabinet protect the materials inside from flame? The answer; just as long as a metal flammables cabinet. | Metal does not burn and will protect against the flame of a fire very well. |
| Possible Structutral Damage Sustained in a Fire | |
| Wooden flammables cabinets do not distort or bend when involved in a fire. The only way for the fire to get inside is to burn all the way through. | Metal flammables cabinets can bend and distort in a fire, opening themselves and the contents to the flames. |
| Protection from the High Temperature of a Fire | |
| A wooden flammables cabinet is a thermal insulator. The rapid rise in temperature due to a fire will have little or no impact on the inside temperature of the cabinet, thus protecting the contents from the high temperature of a fire. | Metal is a heat conductor. Metal flammables cabinets can and will pass the rapid rise in temperature on to the contents in the flammables cabinet. Glass bottles in a metal flammables cabinet have been known to break, releasing their vapors and liquids. Metal containers can pop their lids due to high temperatures experienced during a fire. Metal cabinets become ovens when involved in a fire. |
3) Should chemical storage cabinets be ventilated?
Proper room ventilation with adequate air exchanges will eliminate most unsafe chemical vapors. 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. National Fire Protection Association NFPA #30, 4-3.2 | |
The cabinet is not required to be vented for fire protection purposes, however, the following shall apply: (a) If the cabinet is vented for whatever reasons, the cabinet shall be vented outdoors in such a manner that will not compromise the specified performance of the cabinet, as acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. (b) If the cabinet is not vented, the vent openings shall be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet or with bungs specified by the manufacturer of the cabinet. A-4-3.2 Venting of storage cabinets has not been demonstrated to be necessary for fire protection purposes. Additionally, venting a cabinet could compromise the ability of the cabinet to adequately protect its contents from involvement in a fire since cabinets are not generally tested with any venting. Therefore, venting of storage cabinets is not recommended.” | Vent openings are often provided by manufacturers because some jurisdictions mandate that the cabinet be vented to prevent vapor accumulation in the cabinet and because some users desire this feature if the cabinet will be used for toxic or noxious materials. It should be understood that venting the cabinet may defeat its fire integrity. If it is not necessary or required that the cabinet be vented, then the vent openings should be kept tightly capped with the metal bungs provided for that purpose. If the cabinet must be vented, then these procedures should be followed:
|
4)What is the proper method for ventilating a chemical storage cabinet?
It is recognized that some state and local jurisdictions may require storage cabinets to be vented. Safety cabinets should be vented from the lower vent opening with make-up air supplied to the upper vent opening. Mechanical exhaust ventilation is preferred and should comply with NFPA 91-199 Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying Vapors, Gasses, Mist, and Non-Combustible Solids.
In such cases, the ventilation system should be installed so as not to reduce the fire protection capabilities of the safety cabinet during a fire. Means of accomplishing this may include thermally actuated dampers on the vent openings or proper insulation of the vent piping system. Manifolding the vents of multiple storage cabinets should be avoided. Any make-up air to the cabinet should also be arranged in a similar manner. Remember, the intent of a flammables storage cabinet is to keep the contents of the cabinet away from the fire. The ductwork of the cabinet should have the same intent.
5) What are the regulatory manufacturing specifications for wooden flammable liquid storage cabinets?
Flammable liquid storage cabinets are required to meet the specifications
set up by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA
#30) and OSHA (29CFR1910.16). Additionally, some states and/or
local agencies may require that the cabinets also follow the specifications
under the Uniform Fire Code (UFC 79.202) which requires
flammable storage cabinets to have self-closing doors.
- Prior to purchasing any chemical storage cabinet, familiarize yourself with the local and state codes.
- With any code, make sure the chemical you are intending to store is compatible with the other stored chemicals.
- Corrosive liquids are not usually covered under the same specifications as flammable and combustible materials.
- Corrosive chemicals should be stored separately from flammable and combustible chemicals.
- Make sure the chemical that you are intending to store is compatible with the material of the cabinet.
- Carefully check to make sure you are required to meet the specifications for self-closing doors. It will add cost to the purchase price of your cabinet.
| NFPA #30 4-3.2.2 Wooden cabinets constructed in the following manner are acceptable. The bottom, sides, and top shall be constructed of exterior grade plywood at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness, which shall not break down or delaminate under fire conditions. All joints shall be rabbeted and shall be fastened in two directions with wood screws. When more than one door is used there shall be a rabbeted overlap of not less than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Doors shall be equipped with a means of latching, and hinges shall be constructed and mounted in such a manner as to not lose their holding capacity when subjected to fire exposure. A raised sill or pan capable of containing a 2-inch (5 cm) depth of liquid shall be provided at the bottom of the cabinet to retain spilled liquid within the cabinet. OSHA 1910.106 (d) (3) (ii) (b) Wooden cabinets constructed in the following manner shall be deemed in compliance. The bottom, sides, and top shall be constructed of an approved grade of plywood at least 1 inch in thickness, which shall not break down or delaminate under fire 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. Hinges shall be mounted in such a manner as not to lose their holding capacity due to loosening or burning out of the screws when subjected to the fire test. | Uniform Fire Code 79.202 (c) Storage Cabinets 1. General. When other sections require that liquid containers are stored in storage cabinets, such cabinets and storage shall be in accordance with this subsection. 2. Quantities. The combined quantity of Class I and Class II liquids in a cabinet shall not exceed 60 gallons, and the total quantities of all liquids shall not exceed 120 gallons. 3. Construction. A. Labeling. Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters on contrasting background FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY. B. Doors. Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing and equipped with a latch. C. Bottom. The bottom of the cabinet shall be liquid-tight to a height of at least 2 inches. D. Materials (I) General. Cabinets shall be constructed of wood or metal and approved by the chief. Cabinets shall be listed or constructed in accordance with Section 79.202(c) 3D (ii) or (iii). (iii) Wooden cabinets. Wooden cabinets, including doors, shall be constructed of not less than 1-inch exterior grade plywood. Joints shall be rabbeted and shall be fastened in two directions with wood screws. Door hinges shall be of steel or brass. Cabinets shall be painted with an intumescent- type paint. |
6) What are the class definitions for flammable or combustible liquids?
Definition of Flammable or Combustible Liquids
|
NOTE: Before purchasing any chemical storage cabinet, familiarize yourself with all local and state codes from the appropriate agencies having jurisdiction in your area.
