Use filing cabinets for flammables

[BgBmBoo]

I was wondering what the general thought is on using filing cabinets for storing flammables. I didn't find much through the search. I keep a few jugs of gas/diesel around as well as storing old engine oil and chainsaw premix.

What do you guys think? Should I add vents to the cabinets or leave them as is?

 

[nine4gmc]

I keep sealed cans of things like paint thinner and acetone, etc in a filing cabinet but IDK if I would keep a can of gasoline in one.

 

[astroracer]

Highly flammable liquid should be kept in a certified cabinet IF you have to have it in a cabinet. Otherwise leave it out, in the open, so the vapors don't collect. Keeping that stuff in a non certified cabinet is just an accident waiting to happen.
Mark

 

[BgBmBoo]

So you think an all metal shelf would be the way to go for gasoline and used oil containers?

Today I noticed some of my used oil containers leaked a little onto the wood shelf. Oil soaked wood makes me nervous.

 

[Richard Cranium]

it should be in an approved container, or the fumes could build up and cause a problem.

 

[TK-421]

I'd stick them in an approved container that's purpose built for the task of storing flammable/hazardous materials.

 

[James-W]

A buddy of mine has a small utility shed, about 6ft by 6ft and maybe 7ft tall. He put some shelves in it and he keeps all his flammable stuff in it. Where the roof attaches it isn't sealed up real well and the outside air can blow right in. Supposedly there is little chance of vapors building up from a can of gas or whatever else that may be emitting fumes. Being a wood shed it would burn up pretty quick if there was a fire, but at least it would not be burning in his garage/shop.

 

[astroracer]

So you think an all metal shelf would be the way to go for gasoline and used oil containers?

Yes, an open, metal shelf would be fine. I store all of my oil, premix and other flammables on an all metal shelf. My premix, gasoline and kerosene are in UL approved containers.
Mark

 

[rpcraft]

Generally speaking most "Flammable" cabinets are not designed to vent into the working area but rather have a connection where you can put a pipe on it for a negative pressure pipe. Their also designed so that they seal in the fire, if there is one, and not having it being able to draw in air from your work area helps exinguish a fire if there is one. That being said, keeping it in a File cabinet wont do a lot to contain a spill but it may help douse a fire if it can't draw in oxygen fast enough.

 

[astroracer]

Generally speaking most "Flammable" cabinets are not designed to vent into the working area but rather have a connection where you can put a pipe on it for a negative pressure pipe. Their also designed so that they seal in the fire, if there is one, and not having it being able to draw in air from your work area helps exinguish a fire if there is one. That being said, keeping it in a File cabinet wont do a lot to contain a spill but it may help douse a fire if it can't draw in oxygen fast enough.

I'll disagree. The issue is the vapor. Like you stated, an approved cabinet is fully sealed. Filing cabinets are not. ANY vapor leaking out is a potential explosion just waiting for a spark to set it off. Gasoline vapor is more combustible then the liquid, which is bad enough. I can't recommend keeping any flammables in a common filing cabinet.
Makr

 

[G McKay]

I keep all my spray paint in a cabinet by itself. Unfortunately it's a wooden kitchen cabinet in the garage. So, I guess it defeats it's own purpose. Oh well!!

 

[astroracer]

I keep all my spray paint in a cabinet by itself. Unfortunately it's a wooden kitchen cabinet in the garage. So, I guess it defeats it's own purpose. Oh well!!

All of my spray paint is in an old kitchen cabinet also. 10 bucks at a yard sale! You will also see cans in the overheads as well.

Spray cans are of no concern as they (usually) don't emit combustible vapors. Gasoline in UL cans can still emit vapors and those are the ones you don't want collecting in enclosed spaces.
Mark

 

[SIX225]

Shouldn't a flammables cabinet also be properly grounded? I know the one at work isn't and in fact has an outlet above it almost at the same level as the top. Doesn't seem like a good idea when everyone uses the top as a shelf when getting things out of it. Surprised the fire inspector has never said anything.

 

[Jess]

I moved all my flammables except for rattle cans out to a shed away from my shop and storage buildings. My gas axe is out there too. I already had a separate storage locker for gas and diesel in 5 gal cans.

 

[zcar751]

The point of a flammable liquids cabinet is to keep the flammable liquids from adding to the fuel load in the event of a fire. They are not designed to contain a fire. The ventaltion port and the flash plugs are intended to slow the vapors to flash if there was a spark. Fire cabinets have a one hour fire rating normally with the intent of getting the fire out before it ignites.

 

[brownsmustang]

I'll disagree. The issue is the vapor. Like you stated, an approved cabinet is fully sealed. Filing cabinets are not. ANY vapor leaking out is a potential explosion just waiting for a spark to set it off. Gasoline vapor is more combustible then the liquid, which is bad enough. I can't recommend keeping any flammables in a common filing cabinet.
Makr

I work with flammable cabinets almost daily. They are NOT fully sealed. They have no gasket on the doors to seal them.



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[brownsmustang]

Shouldn't a flammables cabinet also be properly grounded? I know the one at work isn't and in fact has an outlet above it almost at the same level as the top. Doesn't seem like a good idea when everyone uses the top as a shelf when getting things out of it. Surprised the fire inspector has never said anything.

Only if it is used for dispensing product, like if it had a barrel in it that is used to fill seperate containers.

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[brownsmustang]

The likelyhood of a fire starting from your oils or paints is so minute to be almost laughable. Even gas would need very precise conditions to ignite.

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[kf4zht]

I store paint in filing cabinets (anyone noticed they are the perfect height for spray cans) but wouldn't store gas in one. I only do it for keeping things clean. If there is a fire the spray cans are the last of my worries in that area.

 

[BgBmBoo]

I work with flammable cabinets almost daily. They are NOT fully sealed. They have no gasket on the doors to seal them.

That's why I was curious about the filing cabinet. The flammables cabinets I have seen were nothing more than a regular metal cabinet with a few vents and a yellow paint job.

The likelyhood of a fire starting from your oils or paints is so minute to be almost laughable. Even gas would need very precise conditions to ignite.

Probably true. I'm sure there are millions of gallons of flammable liquids being stored in less than ideal conditions. Better safe than sorry though. Over the years I've seen a few threads on the GJ about members buildings that have burned down due to spontaneous combustion.

I appreciate all the input. Yesterday I replaced the wood shelf with a wire rack to allow the jugs to breath and keep any liquid off the wood boards.

Guess I will have to find another use for my old filing cabinets..

 

[rlitman]

That's why I was curious about the filing cabinet. The flammables cabinets I have seen were nothing more than a regular metal cabinet with a few vents and a yellow paint job.

They are quite a bit more than this, but the differences are hard to spot at first glance.

1) They have doors that overlap the frame on the edges for a better "seal". No, it's not an airtight seal, BUT it is too small of a gap for a flame to get through. Essentially, it is flashback protection. Filing cabinet doors have no overlap, and may have a small gap around the edges that can allow a flame to jump through to ignite the vapors inside.

2) They have double wall construction. A flame in direct contact with the outside walls will not get enough heat through to the inside to ignite the contents within. Filing cabinets have single wall construction (unless you're thinking of something like a FireKing filing cabinet / fire safe).

3) They have vent ports with built-in flashback arrestors. These holes, usually on the sides or top, allow vapors to escape without allowing flames to be carried back to the interior. They're there to prevent a BLEVE. Basically, should a cabinet be exposed to a fire, the contents will get heated up. Eventually, the flammables within start to boil. Once that happens, you must have something that allows vapor out quickly, without allowing flame back in. This isn't an issue with a filing cabinet (which cannot be that well sealed), but is an issue with a flammables cabinet, so they take this into consideration.

4) Newer cabinets have doors that close themselves, or use fusible links that shut the doors automatically in the event of a fire.

5) When the fire department arrives and sees a properly marked flammable cabinet, they will be more likely to direct water towards it than your filing cabinet.

 

[BgBmBoo]

Very good points. Thanks for the explanation.