Some industries need to store large quantities of chemical or flammable substances in their facilities. These substances are kept in large drums; and just like chemicals and flammable substances in smaller containers, these drums need to be stored properly to avoid accidents.
There are a number of drum storage cabinets available in the market, but before purchasing some for your business, you should make sure that they meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements or the Uniform Fire Code (79.201):
1. General. When provisions of this code require that liquid containers be stored in storage cabinets, such cabinets, and storage shall be in accordance with this section. Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters on contrasting background FLAMMABLE - KEEP FIRE AWAY.
2. Quantities. The quantity of Class I or Class II liquids shall not exceed 60 gallons and the total quantities of all liquids in a storage cabinet shall not exceed 120 gallons.
3. Construction. Cabinets may be constructed of wood or metal. Cabinets shall be listed or constructed in accordance with the following:
A. Unlisted metal cabinets. Metal cabinets shall be of steel having a thickness of not less than 0.043 inch. The cabinet, including the door, shall be double walled with 1½-inch air space between the walls. Joints shall be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting. Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing, and equipped with a latching device. The bottom of the cabinet shall be liquid-tight to a height of at least two inches.
Safety
When handling drums filled with potentially hazardous substances, it is important to exercise caution and best practices.
Make sure workers wear protective equipment which includes neoprene gloves, goggles, close-toed shoes and long pants. Be aware of the specific hazards of certain chemicals. Some chemicals emit noxious fumes so handling them requires the use of a respirator or face mask. Chemicals that may splash should be handled with a face mask and a lab coat or apron. When handling flammable substances, put out any source of open flame. Flammable substances can be ignited by something as small as static shock from the body so avoid touching grounded metals.
Proper Storage
If you are storing large quantities of chemicals or flammable substances, they may require a designated area. Drums should be stored in rows and there should be enough room between the rows for access by equipment.
When storing drums in storage cabinets, make sure you follow specifications from the manufacturer. If the specifications say the cabinet can hold 30-55 gallon drums, do not exceed that level.
Some cabinets have half-depth shelves for added storage and which allows workers to access drum pumps or funnels.
To prevent highly reactive materials such as acids and bases, from coming into contact with one another store dangerous chemicals by type.
Flammable or combustible materials should be stored away from other materials, especially oxidizers, which feed fires.
The drums should be grounded to prevent sparking that can cause explosions. Some drum storage cabinets feature built in grounding connectors created specifically to prevent sparking.