Fire Safety Cabinets for Flammable Liquids Storage

The flammable storage container cabinets come in yellow high gloss powder finish with red warning, grounding attachment, 3-point key lock, and 2" raised leakproof door sill. Each shelf is adjustable, supported by four brackets, and can support 350 pounds. All of our metal cabinets meet NFPA Code 30 and OSHA requirements.

Flammable cabinets help keep flammable liquids near work areas safely with flammable liquid cabinets for storage. All of our flammable cabinets for liquid containers are constructed of 18-gauge steel. The flammable liquid storage cabinets cupboards are constructed of 18-gauge steel and feature reinforced double-wall construction with air space on sides, top, bottom, back, and doors.

Flammable cabinets, also known as fire cabinets, come in standard design, tower cabinets with legs, wall mounted cabinets, under counter cabinets, and add on cabinets. Examples of these cabinets are the standard 9010X, tower 9010XLEGS, wall mounted 1975X, under counter 1971X, and add on ADD14XWHTE.

Eagle’s mini cabinets are made for smaller storage needs. These are perfect for workshops and processing areas that need to store chemicals close to point of use. Available in  2, 4 and 12 gallons, with a depth of only 18 inches, these mini storage cabinets fit nearly anywhere.  

Eagle offers fire cabinets with legs for ease of cleaning and movement. These tower cabinets have fork pockets so they can be easily relocated with a forklift or powered industrial truck. Four-inch legs provide space for sweeping or mopping and help to keep the area under the cabinet clean. These cabinets have adjustable shelves rated to hold up to 350 pounds. All tower cabinets with legs are OSHA and NFPA approved and FM compliant.

Add on cabinets increase flammable materials storage capacity by up to 15 gallons. These cabinets have a depth of 18 inches, which make them an ideal solution for tight spaces. Add on cabinets hold small containers and can be placed on top of existing cabinets to create additional storage. All add on cabinets are OSHA and NFPA approved and FM compliant.

Flammable and combustible liquids have different definitions depending on where you look. Two of the most important sources for these definitions are the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

OSHA is a U.S. government agency established by Congress in 1970. OSHA’s purpose is to set standards that protect the health and welfare of workers. The organization also provides training and assistance to help businesses comply with its rules.

The NFPA is a non-profit organization with the goal of reducing injury and loss as a result of fire and electrical hazards. The NFPA writes codes and standards to help businesses protect themselves from these risks. Each of these groups is concerned with the safe storage and handling of flammable materials

OSHA 1910.106(a)(19) defines flammable liquids based on their flashpoint and boiling point. Flammable liquids are divided into four categories, with Category 1 being the most flammable and Category 4 being the least. Dangerous Category 1 materials have a flashpoint of less than 73.4oF and a boiling point of less than 95oF.

The most important point to remember is that low Category or Classification numbers represent more dangerous materials. OSHA and NFPA both generally agree that a liquid chemical with a flashpoint below 200oF (OSHA specifies 199.4oF) is a liquid That poses a safety risk. Information on the flashpoint and boiling point of chemicals is listed on the Safety Data Sheet that accompanies the shipment of material.

Fire cabinet requirements are the same between OSHA and NFPA, but the maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) of flammable and combustible may differ between the two organizations. According to OSHA 1910.106(d)(3), up to 60 gallons of Category 1, 2 or 3 flammable liquids (flashpoints < 73.4oF to 140oF) may be stored in a single fire cabinet. These fire cabinets from Eagle are great choices for this purpose. Up to 120 gallons of Category 4 liquids (flashpoint 140oF – 199.4oF) may be stored in a single fire cabinet.

*Boiling point may determine classification but will not affect fire cabinet requirements

Fire safety cabinets are designed to store various hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, paint, gasoline and pesticides. Fire safety cabinets come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate different volumes of hazardous materials. They can be designed to store small containers, such as bottles and cans, or large drums and tanks. In addition to storage, fire safety cabinets can also be used for the handling, mixing, and dispensing of hazardous materials, providing a safe and secure workspace for personnel. The following set of questions and answers help to understand what a fire safety cabinet is, and what to look for when it comes to capacity, construction and compliance.

What is a fire cabinet?

Fire cabinets store flammable or combustible liquids safely. Eagle OSHA and NFPA 30 compliant fire cabinets are designed to offer safe, dependable protection from flammable liquids. Eagle fire cabinets may prevent fires and smother flames when used in combination with flammable liquid safety cans.

What is special about fire cabinets?

Fire cabinets are specially engineered to safely store a wide range of dangerous liquids, and feature reinforced double-wall, 18-gauge steel construction and self-latching doors that will segregate flammable and combustible liquids from potential ignition sources. All Eagle fire cabinets meet OSHA 1910 and NFPA 30 requirements and are available capacities of 2 to 110 gallons.

Does a fire cabinet need to be vented?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code 30 does not require fire cabinets to be vented. However, always check with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding state or local regulations to learn if ventilation is required.

What is the best place to store flammable and combustible liquids?

The best place to store flammable and combustible liquids safely is in a fire cabinet in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage area. Keep it away from sources of ignition and exits, but ensure its contents are labeled properly and accessible by first responders in case of emergency.

What is a fire safety cabinet?

A fire safety cabinet provides a heat resistant enclosure of flammable liquids, which helps protect personnel and property from fires. Fire safety cabinets help identify, organize and segregate dangerous chemicals with visible labels. They increase the maximum allowable quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in control areas, and improve security against unauthorized use. All Eagle fire safety cabinets meet OSHA and NFPA requirements, and most are FM approved to ensure the cabinets will function as promised.

What are fire safety storage cabinets used for?

Safety cabinets are used to store flammable materials in a safe and organized manner. They also help identify contents for first responders, which can warn them of potential explosions in case of a fire. They’re secured against unauthorized use to prevent fires, spills and contamination in a workplace. Approved safety cabinets are designed to meet government regulations and standards for the safe handling and storage of flammable liquids, corrosives, pesticides, and other hazardous materials.

What are fire safety cabinets made of?

Fire safety cabinets are typically made of steel and have built-in safety features, such as a 3-point latching system with self-indexing doors, dual vents with built-in flame arresters with bungs, built-in grounding lug, and a 2-in liquid-tight sump to contain leaks or spills. Some of these features are not required by NFPA, but they provide additional safety for personnel and property against fires and spills. All of Eagle’s fire safety cabinets are constructed of 18-gauge steel and feature double-wall construction with 1-½ in air space on the sides, top, bottom, back and doors.

What are the design requirements for a fire safety cabinet?

Proper storage of flammable liquids can prevent fires and protect lives. Construction and design requirements for fire safety cabinets are outlined in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code and various OSHA regulations. Fire safety cabinets must be made of double-walled,18 gauge (1mm) steel with 1½-in (38mm) of insulating air space at the bottom, top, doors, and sides of the cabinet. Joints must be welded or riveted, and the door must be connected with a three-point latching arrangement. Per regulations, the safety cabinet door must be raised at least 2 in (51 mm) above the bottom of the fire safety cabinet and labeled: “Flammable – Keep Fire Away.” To ensure compliance, independent testing agencies such as FM and UL have established procedures to test the effectiveness of a fire safety cabinet. A fire safety cabinet is considered compliant if the internal temperature is limited to no more than 325°F (163°C) when subjected to a 10-minute fire test using the standard time temperature curve as set forth in NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials. All Eagle flammable cabinets meet OSHA 1910 and NFPA 30 requirements.

What features should you look for in a fire safety cabinet?

If you’re in the market for a fire safety cabinet, take into account the amount and type of flammables you plan to store, as there are several colors, sizes, shapes and door arrangements available based on what you need. Beyond choosing a fire safety cabinet that meets the requirements of NFPA, OSHA, and carries an FM approval, look for a fire safety cabinet with self-closing doors. Fire safety cabinet door fusible links are designed to melt in case of fire at 165F and cause the doors to slam shut. This protects the fire cabinet's contents from the fire and allows more time for personnel to get to safety. This feature is a requirement for states that must meet IFC standards. These are considered the safest fire cabinets because they take away the “human element” of forgetting to shut the doors. All Eagle fire safety cabinets have a 3-pt. stainless steel bullet self-latching system, meet OSHA and NFPA requirements, and most are FM approved.