SAFE Chemical Storage?

[Everett_45]

Hi all, I'm curious to know the right way to store chemicals, oil, brake cleaner, WD40, and other 'garage fluids', particularly in a hot, non-ventilated environment.

In the near future I will have a non-insulated storage unit where this stuff will most likely be stored with my tools and other garage stuff. Where I live I've seen it get up to 100 degrees outside, but the hottest month averages 85. If I were to put everything in one sealed container, like a bucket, would that pose more of a hazard by trapping the fumes or would it be beneficial by cutting off oxygen if it were to combust?

This also goes for the aluminum toolbox in my truck. I have oil, WD, and brake cleaner in that box and I'm curious if that's a significant fire hazard when it sits in the sun all day.

I realize that some guys will say, "Well I've stored all that stuff in my hot garage for 30 years with no issues", but I would like to play it safe. Thanks

 

[Bogie1632]

Flam Locker. Don't have one at home yet but it's on the wish list for Xmas.

Heres a quick read from Grainger with some good reference info and additional links at the bottom of that page. Plenty of NFPA, IFC and OSHA info you can look into.

https://www.grainger.com/mobile/content/qt-safety-flammables-combustibles-179

Or you can store it like most have done for 30 years or more all over in their garages.

V/R
Bogie

 

[matt_i]

If you can find a flammable cabinet that's best. The ones I've installed or relocated were all required to be bonded to a ground.

We took several wonderful condition cabinets out of service because they didn't have the self-closing doors with a little mechanism that keeps the doors closing in the right order if one is careless about the order in which they are closed (typical double door requires left door to be closed ahead of right door).

Medium-sized on up seem to have a F-NPT bung on it which comes with a plug. I've yet to see one that was passively or actively vented but the provision is there. I would guess Sch 40 black iron pipe is required.

 

[gunguy]

I think I'd start by reading the product label. Most of the chemicals you mention have temperature and other storage cautions.

If you're talking about a rented storage unit for long-term storage, consider giving the chemicals away or other proper disposal. Then buy fresh when you pull your contents out of storage. Also note many storage companies have policies regarding the storage of flammable chemicals.

Jim

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't think your garage will ever get hotter than a 53' semi trailer in the Texas or Arizona sun.