Chemical Cabinet Ventilation Requirements

Class 4 1 flammable solids storage cabinets.

Chemical cabinet ventilation requirements.

Each chemical you store must have an accompanying msds that lists the substance s known toxicity flammability or acidic or caustic properties as well as how the chemical behaves in fire an accidental exposure incident and how spills are treated. Before venting a cabinet to lower vapor levels consider the following options. Ventilation ducting of a flammables cabinet should provide at least the same level of fire protection as the cabinet walls and be resistant to vapours fumes or dust in the cabinet. If excessive levels of chemical vapors are building up in the cabinet it doesn t necessarily mean the cabinet must be vented.

Section 6 2 4 of this standard states. A compliant ventilation system for corrosive storage cabinets must comply with requirements outlined in as3780 2008. The msds must be readily available when needed. Osha has three basic legal requirements for storing chemicals.

Ventilation requirements according to as3780 2008. Division 5 1 oxidising agent storage cabinets. Industrial ventilation generally involves the use of supply and exhaust ventilation to control emissions exposures and chemical hazards in the workplace. The indoor chemical storage cabinets that require ventilation include.

The australian standards outline different ventilation requirements for each dangerous goods classification. Division 5 2 organic peroxide storage cabinets. The australian standard that sets out the ventilation requirements for corrosive storage cabinets is as3780 2008 the storage and handling of corrosive substances. While cabinet manufacturers may provide the bungs for ventilation purposes venting flammable liquid storage cabinets is not required or even recommended by any federal regulatory agency.

The bottom of the cabinet shall be liquid tight to a height of at least two inches. Place cabinets in a cool dry location out of direct sunlight and away from any possible heat or ignition source. Joints shall be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting. Doors shall be well fitted self closing and equipped with a latching device.

Traditionally nonindustrial ventilation systems commonly known as heating ventilating and air conditioning hvac systems were built to control temperature humidity and odors. Venting a chemical storage cabinet is not necessary for fire protection. The cabinet including the door shall be double walled with 1 inch air space between the walls. The only time a chemical storage cabinet should be ventilated is if the ventilation in the laboratory or chemical stores area is inadequate or if state or local law requires cabinet ventilation.