Chemicals

Requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets

Yesterday, we reviewed the definition of flammable liquids within the context of the OSHA standard and also talked about flammable categories and safety can requirements. Today, we focus on storage cabinet requirements.

By Ana Ellington, BLR Legal Editor

OSHA requires flammable cabinets to be designed and constructed to specific requirements. Metal cabinets must be constructed in the following manner (29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(a)):

  • These regulations also provide an option for wood cabinets at 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b). Wood cabinets must be constructed in the following manner:
  • Cabinet must be double-walled with 1½-inch airspace.
  • Joints must be riveted, welded, or made tight by some equally effective means.
  • Door must have a three-point latch.
  • Door sill must be raised at least 2 inches above the cabinet bottom to retain spilled liquid within the cabinet.
  • Cabinet must be labeled in conspicuous lettering “Flammable—Keep Fire Away.”

These regulations also provide an option for wood cabinets at 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b). Wood cabinets must be constructed in the following manner:

  • Bottom, top, and sides of cabinet must be constructed of exterior grade plywood at least 1 inch thick.
  • Plywood must not break down or delaminate under fire conditions.
  • Joints must be rabbeted and fastened in two directions with flathead wood screws.

Meet your OSHA-required 8-, 24-, or 40-hour HAZWOPER training requirements with a DVD that contains 17 customizable PowerPoint presentations and a manual training kit. Get the details.


  • When more than one door is used, they should have a rabbeted overlap of not less than 1 inch.
  • Doors must be equipped with latches and hinges that are mounted to not lose their holding capacity when subjected to the fire test.
  • Cabinet must be labeled in conspicuous lettering “Flammable—Keep Fire Away.”

Limits for Liquids Kept Outside Cabinets

The total amount of liquids that may be kept outside a storage cabinet or storage room are listed at 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)[b]. These limits are only applicable to those portions of an industrial plant where the use and handling of flammables is only incidental to the principal business. The quantity of liquid that may be stored outside of an inside storage room or flammables storage cabinets in any one fire area of a building cannot exceed:

  • 25 gallons of Category 1 liquids in containers
  • 120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 liquids in containers
  • 660 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 liquids in a single portable tank

The maximum capacity of liquid that may be stored in storage cabinets is stated in 29 CFR 1910.106 (d)(3)(i): “Not more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2, or 3 liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Category 4 liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet.”


You won’t find a more thorough and effective course related to hazardous waste operations to help meet the employee training requirements of OSHA’s HAZWOPER regulation than BLR’s HAZWOPER Training Program. Find out more.


Rely on the Highest Level of HAZWOPER Training

If you’re looking for high-quality, highly effective HAZWOPER training materials, you are looking for BLR’s HAZWOPER Training Program. This unique program includes 17 customizable PowerPoint training presentations on DVD, a 200+page HAZWOPER training manual with tests, handouts, and an electronic version on CD-ROM! The handy outline tells you exactly what to present and when to meet either the 8-,24, or 40-hour requirements!

With this program, you’ll:

  • Meet the 8-, 24-, and 40-hour HAZWOPER training requirements. Combine this comprehensive library with hands-on training to meet the 40-hour HAZWOPER training requirements.
  • Train new employees, or meet refresher training requirements without hiring expensive outside trainers.
  • Save time and money with ready-to-use and accurate training materials.
  • Ensure your training is effective. Employees will learn how to recognize, properly handle, and dispose of hazardous materials with this invaluable HAZWOPER safety training.

The DVD includes:

  • Identifying Hazardous Materials
  • Hazardous Waste Introductory Training
  • Safe Chemical Handling
  • Respiratory Protection
  • HAZWOPER: On-Site Safety Considerations
  • Hazardous Waste Emergency Response
  • HAZWOPER Facility Operations
  • HAZWOPER First Awareness Level
  • HAZWOPER: Medical Surveillance Program
  • Understanding Chemicals Under GHS
  • PPE for Emergency Response
  • HAZWOPER: Donning/Doffing/Decontamination
  • Hazardous Materials Spill Cleanup
  • Working Safely with Flammable Liquids
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Emergency Action and Fire Prevention
  • Hazard Communication and GHS: What Employees Need to Know

Your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with HAZWOPER Training Program, simply let us know within 90 days, and we will issue you a complete refund. To find out how to order, click here.

1 thought on “Requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.