Contain the Flame with Flammable Storage

Storing flammable materials safely is crucial to preventing accidents in the workplace. Whether you’re handling chemicals, oils, or other flammable substances, knowing how to store them properly can make all the difference in keeping your team safe.

Taking some precautions to limit exposure to flammable materials can prevent disaster in the future. Flammable Storage is an easy and effective solution to protecting the livelihood of workers and your facility.

What is Flammable Storage?

Flammable storage refers to the safe storage of materials that can easily catch fire. These materials include liquids like gasoline, chemicals, and even some types of cleaning supplies. When stored correctly, these items pose less risk of causing a fire or explosion. However, not all chemicals can be kept in flammable storage containers. Martin Safety Professional Malcolm Ritchie says this is a very common problem that he sees when evaluating customer facilities.

“Many times, I go out to companies, and they have their flammable cabinets become chemical cabinets,” Ritchie says. “If OSHA opens this and assesses it, and there’s things in it other than flammables, the citation can be $13,000-$14,000.”

Flammable materials are dangerous because they can ignite easily and burn quickly. If they’re not stored properly, a simple spark could lead to a fire that spreads quickly, putting everyone in the area at risk. If any toxic chemicals or other materials are left to catch fire as well, it could lead to very dangerous circumstances for firefighters and others in the facility.

By removing those chemicals from the area completely, you can guarantee that a bad situation won’t turn even worse.

OSHA’s Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set rules for how flammable materials should be stored. These rules are designed to protect workers and make sure flammable materials are kept in a safe and secure manner.

Flammable liquids should be stored in containers that are designed to prevent leaks and withstand fire. Storage cabinets should also have proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors. Managers should only keep the amount of flammable material needed for immediate use, and extra supplies should be stored in a special area designed for flammable materials.

Finally, you should clearly label all containers holding flammable materials. This helps everyone know exactly what they are handling and how to handle it safely. To determine what kind of changes you should make to your storage, Martin’s Team can perform a flammable cabinet inspection.

Tips for Safe Storage

• Choose the Right Containers: Always store flammable liquids in containers approved by governing bodies.
• Store in a Safe Area: Keep flammable materials away from sources of heat, sparks, or open flames.
• Use Flammable Storage Cabinets: These special cabinets are designed to keep flammable materials secure and reduce the risk of fire.
• Train Your Team: Make sure everyone on your team knows how to handle and store flammable materials safely.

By following OSHA’s guidelines and taking a few extra precautions, you can keep your workplace safe from the dangers of flammable materials. Proper storage is not just about following the rules —it’s about protecting your team and preventing accidents.

As a safety manager or an employer, it’s your responsibility to make sure flammable materials are stored safely and that your team knows how to handle them properly.

To learn more about how Martin can help, contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.