Venting Flammable Storage Cabinets

Some local jurisdictions require flammable storage cabinets to vent to an ambient outdoor location which is one reason why you find vent ports near the top and bottom of flammable safety cabinets.

Venting flammable storage cabinets. According to the national fire protection association nfpa code 30 flammable and combustible liquids code venting a flammable storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection purposes. Flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets are designed to protect the internal contents from a fire outside the cabinet. As this standard doesn t state that a ventilation system shall be installed it means that ventilation of flammable liquid storage cabinets is not a mandatory requirement however it should be done if it s part of a risk control measure. According to nfpa 30 flammable and combustible liquids code handbook venting a flammable storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection purposes.

Venting flammable storage cabinets download this safetynet from box university of california davis one shields avenue davis ca 95616 530 752 1011. An improperly vented cabinet could compromise the ability of the cabinet to protect its contents from a fire. Federal osha recognizes the nfpa guidelines when it comes to flammable and chemical storage cabinets so there is no requirement to vent cabinets for osha compliance. In fact the national fire protection agency nfpa and most cabinet suppliers recommend keeping the vent plugs on flammables cabinets closed.

An instance where ventilation would be required is if the flammable vapours inside the cabinet exceed the workplace exposure standards. Flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets are designed to help protect the internal contents from a fire outside of the cabinet. In most cases however cabinets do not need to be vented.