Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets

Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets

  • Maximum capacity. Not more than 60 gallons of Class I flammable liquids or Class II combustible liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Class III combustible liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet. No more than three of these cabinets may be stored in the same fire area unless there is a separation of greater than 100 feet. (Policy Reference – WAC 296-24-33009). See also SPPM 8.12 – Flammable/Combustible Liquid Storage.
  • Cabinets must be labeled “Flammable – Keep Fire Away,” to meet specifications set forth in WAC 296-24-33009. Do not place storage cabinets in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, or routes of egress.
  • Storage of flammable liquids in excess of ten gallons must be stored in an UL listed, Factory Mutual (FM) approved, flammable liquid storage cabinet. (Policy Reference – UFC Article 79).
  • Flammable liquid storage cabinets should be used for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids only.
  • Flammable liquid storage cabinets are available from safety suppliers.
  • Flammable liquid storage cabinets do not require venting for fire protection purposes. However, for safety and health reasons, venting may be necessary; therefore, storage cabinets often come with capped bung openings that allow for ventilation. EH&S recommends venting flammable storage cabinets. If the cabinet is ventilated, the cabinet must be properly vented, and where possible, equipped with slotted or wire mesh screen shelving to facilitate proper airing. If a cabinet is not ventilated, the vent openings must be sealed with the bungs supplied by the manufacturer. For concerns regarding ventilation of flammable liquid cabinets, contact EH&S at 335-3041.

(Note: A storage cabinet for flammable liquids is not fireproof, but only protects the contents from extreme temperatures for a limited time to allow evacuation of personnel and prompt entry of fire fighters.)