A flammable storage cabinet is a double-wall steel cabinet with self-closing doors that gives temporary fire protection to flammable liquids, and picking one comes down to four decisions: how many litres the fire code lets you keep inside, which style fits the room, which standard your province accepts, and what goes in it. This guide walks through each and shows the Justrite, Zenith, Durham and Kleton cabinets ERE carries for Canadian labs, shops and field sites.
In this guide
- What does a flammable storage cabinet do?
- When do you need a cabinet?
- Which standard must the cabinet meet in Canada?
- How big can a cabinet be, and how many can you have?
- Which cabinet style fits the space?
- Should a flammable cabinet be vented or grounded?
- What about aerosols, drums, pesticides and gas cylinders?
- How do you choose a cabinet, step by step?
- Which cabinets does ERE carry?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Flammable Storage Cabinet Do?
A flammable storage cabinet keeps the contents cool long enough for people to leave and for responders to arrive. CCOHS describes the purpose of a storage safety cabinet as temporary protection from a fire, separation of incompatible materials, and restricted access for people who are not qualified to handle the product.
The need is real because the vapour, not the liquid, ignites: CCOHS notes that the vapour of most flammable liquids is heavier than air and can travel a long way along the floor to a distant spark or flame. The construction does the work. The Zenith line is double-wall 18-gauge welded steel with a 1-1/2 in. air space, dual 2 in. capped vents with flame arrestors and a 2 in. leak-proof door sill. Justrite Sure-Grip EX cabinets add self-latching doors with a three-point stainless steel latching system, and the Hazardous Material series closes automatically when a fusible link melts at 165°F (74°C).
When Do You Need a Flammable Storage Cabinet?
You need one when the amount of flammable liquid you use exceeds what the local fire code allows outside a cabinet, or when you cannot keep incompatible chemicals 6 m (20 ft) or more apart. Both conditions come from CCOHS, which also notes that the limit depends on the occupancy and the liquid class.
The National Fire Code of Canada (2020) examples that CCOHS reproduces for Class IB liquids such as acetone, kept outside a cabinet:
| Occupancy | Maximum Class IB liquid outside a cabinet |
|---|---|
| Business, educational, care or detention | 5 L in one room, 10 L per fire compartment rated at least 45 minutes |
| Automotive shops, industrial arts areas of a school | 25 L |
| Assembly and residential | 30 L per fire compartment rated 1 hour |
| Incidental use | 5,000 L |
A single 4 US gallon (about 15 L) countertop cabinet already holds three times what a classroom may keep out in the open. Your insurer or provincial rules may be stricter, so check with your fire authority.
Which Standard Must a Flammable Cabinet Meet in Canada?
In every jurisdiction except Prince Edward Island the standard is ULC/ORD C1275, Standard for Safety for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets. CCOHS adds that Ontario also accepts ULI 1275, cabinets FM Approved by FM Global, and those listed as meeting NFPA 30. Prince Edward Island follows the NFPA 1 Fire Code, and CCOHS treats ULC 1275 and FM 6059 cabinets as equivalent to NFPA 30.
Look for the approval label on the cabinet itself. CCOHS advises checking it against the standard that applies in your province and verifying the certification with the certifying body if there is any doubt about a counterfeit. Two other points from the same page:
- Marking: the National Fire Code of Canada requires conspicuous lettering saying the cabinet holds flammable chemicals and open flames must be kept away. UL 1275 and FM cabinets read "FLAMMABLES - KEEP FIRE AWAY".
- Test basis: a compliant cabinet limits the internal temperature at the centre to about 163°C (325°F) after a 10-minute fire test. Glass bottles can melt above that, so glass containers need extra protection.
The Zenith flammable and corrosive cabinet records state that they meet NFPA Code 30 and OSHA 1910.106 for Class I, II and III liquids. The Justrite records on ERE's site describe the Sure-Grip EX range as code-compliant but do not quote a standard number, so tell us your province and we will confirm the listing for the exact part number before you order.
How Big Can a Flammable Cabinet Be, and How Many Can You Have?
Capacity runs from about 15 L to 500 L per cabinet, and the National Fire Code of Canada caps the flammable and combustible liquid in one cabinet at 500 L. CCOHS notes that Ontario's Industrial Establishment Regulations lower that to 235 L per cabinet, and that Prince Edward Island's NFPA 1 limit is 120 US gallons (460 L).
The number of cabinets is limited too. In an industrial occupancy the code example allows three cabinets per fire compartment, with at least 30 m between groups of three. Business, educational, assembly and residential occupancies are limited to one cabinet per fire compartment.
| Nameplate (US gal) | Approx. litres | Example on ERE's range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7.6 | Justrite Mini, Zenith Mini |
| 4 | 15 | Justrite Countertop |
| 12 | 45 | Justrite Compac |
| 22 | 83 | Justrite Slimline |
| 30 | 114 | Justrite 30 gal. 2-door |
| 110 | 416 | Zenith two-drum cabinet |
Litres are converted from the US gallon nameplate (1 US gal = 3.785 L). A 110 US gallon drum cabinet is 416 L, above Ontario's 235 L figure, so confirm what applies to your site before you order one.
Which Flammable Cabinet Style Fits the Space?
Choose the style by where the liquids are used, because a cabinet that is far from the bench ends up empty while the solvent sits out. ERE's range covers each location:
- On a bench or cart: the 2 US gallon Mini cabinets include three bungee cords to hold contents in place, and the 4 US gallon countertop cabinets keep frequently used liquids within reach.
- Under a counter: the Justrite Undercounter, 22 US gal. uses the space below a worktop.
- On a wall: the Justrite Wall Mount, 17 US gal. ships with mounting hardware and gives eye-level access.
- Stacked: the Justrite Piggyback mounts on a 30 or 45 US gallon Sure-Grip EX cabinet, or stands alone as a benchtop unit.
- Narrow floor space: the Slimline and the Hazardous Material Slimline, 22 US gal. stand 65 in. tall on an 18 in. deep footprint, and can sit beside a larger cabinet.
- General floor storage: the Justrite 2-door line (part numbers 893000, 894500, 894520 and 896000) and the Zenith flammable storage cabinet cover the standard sizes.
Doors come in manual-close and self-close versions. The self-close models shut by themselves, which removes the most common failure: a door left open after a quick refill.
Should a Flammable Cabinet Be Vented or Grounded?
Not vented, in most cases, and grounded when the risk assessment says so. CCOHS states that cabinets for non-toxic flammable liquids are not recommended to be ventilated because it has been shown not to be necessary for fire protection. A cabinet must be vented only where the fire code or good practice requires it, for example for toxic chemicals, chemicals that decompose and release flammable or toxic gases, or gas cylinders.
When venting is required, CCOHS describes replacing both metal bungs with flash arrester screens, using the top opening as the fresh air inlet, and connecting the bottom opening to an exhaust fan through rigid steel tubing that exhausts outdoors, with a total run of no more than 7.5 m (25 ft) and a non-sparking fan. Manifolding the vents of several cabinets is not recommended.
For grounding, CCOHS says a hazard and risk assessment by a safety specialist decides. As a rule, a metal cabinet must be grounded when Class I flammable liquids are dispensed inside it, and may need grounding as a precaution in an area where an ignitable atmosphere can exist. The Justrite Hazardous Material cabinet records list grounding wire connections, dual vents, leak-proof sills and leveling feet.
What About Aerosols, Drums, Pesticides and Gas Cylinders?
Each has its own cabinet, because the contents change what the cabinet must do. ERE's cabinet range includes:
- Aerosols: the Justrite Benchtop holds up to 24 aerosol cans, the Zenith Flammable Aerosol cabinet has two shelves with thirty 2-3/4 in. openings, and the Durham Aerosol cabinet holds up to 48 standard cans with a lock fitted. The Durham record does not state a fire rating, so treat it as storage, not as a fire-rated cabinet, unless we confirm otherwise.
- Drums: the Justrite Vertical Drum cabinet stores one or two 30 to 55 US gallon drums and accepts drums fitted with pumps or funnels, so it can work as a waste accumulation point or pumping station. The Zenith version stores up to two drums on rollers.
- Paints and Class III combustibles: the Justrite 60 US gal. paint and ink cabinet has five adjustable shelves for tins, aerosols and inks.
- Pesticides and corrosives: the Zenith Pesticide cabinet comes in 22, 30 and 45 US gallon sizes, and the Zenith Corrosive Liquids cabinet carries a corrosion-resistant finish. CCOHS is explicit that acids and caustics must never share a corrosive cabinet.
- Gas cylinders: the Kleton Gas Cylinder Cabinets (2, 6, 10 and 12 cylinder sizes), the Kleton CSA-compliant 2-cylinder cabinet and the Durham Gas Cylinder cabinet use open wire-mesh or expanded-metal sides for airflow. They are cylinder storage, not flammable-liquid cabinets, and they are not interchangeable.
Never mix incompatible materials in one cabinet. CCOHS gives the example that a flammable acid cannot share a flammable solvent cabinet with solvents that react with it, even though the fire hazard is similar.
How Do You Choose a Flammable Storage Cabinet, Step by Step?
- List what goes in. Liquid, class (from the SDS flash point), container type and the largest container you must fit.
- Total the litres. Add up what you keep on site, subtract what the code lets you keep outside a cabinet, and size the cabinet for the rest with room to grow.
- Check the limits. 500 L per cabinet in most provinces, 235 L in Ontario industrial establishments, and the number of cabinets per fire compartment.
- Match the standard. ULC/ORD C1275, or the accepted alternative for Ontario or PEI, shown on the approval label.
- Pick the style. Countertop, undercounter, wall mount, slimline, floor standing or drum, based on where the liquids are used.
- Decide on doors and security. Self-close for busy areas; a cylinder lock or padlock hasp where access must be restricted.
- Plan the location. Clear of exits and walkways, in a well-ventilated, low-humidity area, with grounding if the assessment requires it.
- Label and train. Fire-code lettering on the cabinet, WHMIS labels on the containers and no open cans or buckets inside.
Which Flammable Storage Cabinets Does ERE Carry?
ERE carries the Justrite Sure-Grip EX range, Zenith Safety Products cabinets, Durham aerosol and cylinder cabinets and Kleton gas cylinder cabinets in the Flammable and Hazmat Storage collection. Inside the cabinet, use approved containers: our safety can guide covers Type I and Type II cans, and our guides to spill kits, spill containment pallets and drum pumps cover the rest of a chemical storage room. ERE has supplied Canadian industry for 30+ years from Montreal and ships across Canada.
Need help sizing a flammable storage cabinet?
Tell us the liquids, the total litres, your province and where the cabinet will sit. We will match the size, style and listing and confirm the part number before you order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flammable storage cabinet?
A flammable storage cabinet is a double-wall steel cabinet with self-latching doors, built to give temporary fire protection to flammable liquids and to keep them in one controlled place. It must be used according to the fire code and the manufacturer's instructions.
How much flammable liquid can a cabinet hold in Canada?
The National Fire Code of Canada sets the maximum at 500 L of flammable and combustible liquid per cabinet. Ontario's Industrial Establishment Regulations limit it to 235 L per cabinet, and Prince Edward Island's NFPA 1 limit is 120 US gallons (460 L).
What standard should a flammable cabinet meet?
ULC/ORD C1275 in all jurisdictions except Prince Edward Island. Ontario also accepts ULI 1275, FM Approved cabinets and cabinets listed to NFPA 30, and Prince Edward Island follows NFPA 1.
Does a flammable storage cabinet need to be vented?
Usually not. CCOHS says venting a cabinet for non-toxic flammable liquids is not recommended because it is not necessary for fire protection. Venting applies to toxic chemicals, chemicals that release flammable or toxic gases, and gas cylinders.
Can I store aerosols and gas cylinders in a flammable liquid cabinet?
Not by default. Aerosols have their own cabinets, and gas cylinders need cylinder cabinets with ventilation. Check the fire code and the cabinet's listing before mixing contents.
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Lire en français : Armoire de stockage pour liquides inflammables : guide de choix, capacités, normes et codes au Canada