Before you install flammable liquid storage, it’s important to be aware of the Australian Standards and what they need to be kept compliant, to ensure the utmost safety of your workers and the environment.
Cabinet Construction
When selecting a flammable cabinet, the most important thing to consider is if it is made with the Australian Standard (1940:2017) in mind. By choosing a compliant flammable cabinet, you’re remaining risk-free.
Key features of a compliant cabinet include:
- Any gaps must be sealed to prevent the spread of flames or heat radiation.
- Double-walled sheet steel construction for the entire cabinet with at least 40mm between the walls.
- Inner base of the cabinet must be a liquid-tight spill containment, not used as storage space.
- Shelving needs to be perforated and carry the maximum load.
- Doors must be self-closing and close fitting, held shut automatically by latches.
- Doors must have an automatic release when temperatures exceed 80°C.
Components must not melt at temperatures below 850°C.
Cabinet Location
Cabinet placement is vital to maintaining a safe environment in your workplace. Once you have a clear understanding of the cabinet placement requirements, your job will be much easier.
Some of the requirements (AS 1940: 2017) for flammable storage cabinet placement include: not impeding emergency exits, or putting cabinets close to emergency exits, each amount of aggregate must be placed at least 10m apart.
For cabinets with a capacity greater than 850L, there are additional requirements, they cannot be installed in hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, homes and commercial buildings. These cabinets should also be placed away from where they can be directly accessed, and not too close to walls.
Additional Considerations:
Flammable Liquids
It’s a well-known fact that flammable liquids are extremely volatile and can cause a lot of harm in the workplace. One of the main things to keep in mind is that ignition sources should stay 3m away from the cabinet.
Sources of ignition include electrical outlets, welding equipment, sparks and cigarette butts to other such flammable things, including vapors. In addition, these flammable liquids should be placed near chemical spill kits for additional safety.
Further Questions
Here are some other considerations to keep in mind to improve the safety of your organization.
- Are my staff trained to properly handle and store flammable liquids?
- Do my flammable cabinets require ventilation?
- Have I implemented a good inspection and maintenance plan?
- Do I have the resources to maintain the cabinets?
Do Your Cabinets Meet the Requirements? Spill Stations Do!
From the initial cabinet selection to the installation and maintenance of the cabinet, you are required to make sure your flammable cabinets stay compliant.
If you want to buy the best cabinets on the market, you must purchase your storage from Spill Station.
Each cabinet Spill Station makes comes compliant with Australian standards, so they will always keep your workplace safe, no matter what industry you work in.
For more information on Spill Station, click here.
