Are you looking for ways to comply with the OSHA flammable storage guidelines and keep your workers safe? Have questions about flammable liquid storage cabinet requirements? Then, you’ve come to the right place. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a standard that you should understand and put into practice.
OSHA Flammable Liquid Storage: The Basics
The OSHA flammable liquid storage requirements state that every chemical possessing a flash point below 199.4°F (or 93°C) is deemed “flammable.” You may remember hearing the word “combustible,” but that word is no longer used in the standard. However, some chemicals are certainly more flammable than others. Therefore, it’s necessary to comply with OSHA chemical storage requirements to keep all employees safe on the job.
According to OSHA rules for chemical storage, there are different standards based on a chemical’s flash or boiling point. OSHA flammable storage requirements also shift based on the number of chemicals stored. Further, the flammable liquid storage rules consider whether the chemicals are stored indoors or outdoors.
Need help remaining compliant? Safety By Design can help you track chemicals, their locations, and more. In addition, our safety consulting company has OSHA training expertise and safety consulting services that can give you peace of mind as you continue to grow your business.
OSHA Chemical Storage Guidelines
Small Quantity Chemical Storage Requirements
Flammable liquids must always be stored in containers, even if you keep minimal amounts. However, smaller quantities may be stored in OSHA-compliant containers and portable tanks.
Large Quantity Chemical Storage Requirements
How you store flammable chemicals is affected by the amount you need to store. If large quantities are being stored, you’ll have to allocate and possibly construct separate indoor or outdoor storage facilities. Sometimes, piping systems or permanent tanks must be installed to comply with the large flammable material storage regulations.
Flammable Material Storage Regulations
OSHA Compliant Containers and Quantity Categories
We thought these requirements would be more easily observed in chart form. Here, you will note chemical categories paired with various OSHA-compliant containers. Further, you’ll note each container’s quantity limits (pint, quart, gallon). While our table provides an overview, you should look to OSHA documentation for more information about the categories of chemicals below.
| Container | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
| Glass/approved plastic | 1 pint | 1 quart | 1 gallon | 1 gallon |
| Metal (other than DOT drums) | 1 gallon | 5 gallons | 5 gallons | 5 gallons |
| Safety cans | 2 gallons | 5 gallons | 5 gallons | 5 gallons |
| Metal drums (DOT spec.) | 60 gallons | 60 gallons | 60 gallons | 60 gallons |
| Approved portable tanks | 660 gallons | 660 gallons | 660 gallons | 660 gallons |
OSHA Flammable Storage Limits in a Single Area
After examining the proper flammable storage containers’ sizes, you must further consider the flammable liquid storage requirements and the total amount of liquids you are permitted to store in a single area. The quantity of liquid that may be stored outside of an indoor storage cabinet or room in each building or any fire area of the building cannot exceed the following:
- 25 gal. of Cat. 1 flammables in containers
- 120 gal. of Cat. 2, 3, or 4 flammables in containers
- 660 gal. of Cat. 2, 3, or 4 flammables in a single portable tank
Feeling overwhelmed? Need some guidance to ensure you’re on the right path? Safety By Design’s safety management software, SafeTeam, can help you stay organized amid all the quantities and storage areas. Reach out if you’re interested in the web application and how it can assist you in maintaining accurate records that reflect safety compliance.
What Should Be Stored in a Flammable Storage Cabinet?
You may discover that you need a storage cabinet; in this case, you must follow flammable storage cabinet requirements. This specific container style must meet OSHA fire cabinet regulations. You may not store more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable chemical liquids within. In addition, you may not hold more than 120 gallons of Category 4 flammables in your storage cabinet.
Both metal and wood flammable cabinet regulations exist and should be reviewed. In addition, specific instructions (regarding materials, airspace, joints, sills, latches, and labels) are in place for constructing these cabinets.
Learn More About Flammable Cabinet Requirements in OSHA Safety Training
Connect with the Safety By Design team to learn more about our OSHA safety training in Houston. We offer invaluable safety program development and support, whether you need assistance with flammable cabinet storage guidelines, a professional workplace safety audit, or full-time safety staffing services.
Safety is our priority, and it should be yours, too. Together, we can develop custom safety solutions for your real-world needs. Request a consultation today.
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