A safety storage cabinet is a necessity in every workshop. They keep sharp tools stored in an organized manner, because proper storage increases productivity, as time will not be wasted looking for a specific tool.
Sharp objects should be organized within a safety cabinet and easily accessible to avoid unnecessary bodily injury.
They are useful in keeping hazardous chemicals safe and secure from humans, and the environment. Safety is the first and foremost concern of everyone that finds themselves in a workshop or laboratories. Homes can have turpentine and paint thinner around that need to be stored safely within a flame resistant cabinet, to reduce the potential risk of a fire.
Chemical Storage Cabinets
Chemical storage cabinets are for segregating potentially harmful substances. Certain chemicals, such as flammable liquids, need to meet strict storage requirements. The flash point of combustible liquids is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and some of these include naphtha, nitrobenzene and cyclohexane.
Typically, these types of safety storage cabinets are painted a bright color (such as yellow), and are constructed of strong flame resistant material with clearly displayed signs of the contents on each cabinet door.
There should be a separate cabinet for a specific type of substance, for example gasoline should be stored separately from substances that contain acetone or a type of oxidizing agent.
These types of cabinets can be found in the science department of educational establishments, where combustible material can be found.
Pesticides and insecticides are dangerous to the environment and the health of humans, and caution should always be taken when using any type of pesticides. Because this is considered to be a hazardous substance, safety storage cabinets for insecticides, pesticides and other like chemicals are usually painted a bright red color for easy identification.
Welders often use acetylene and oxygen, and these should be stored in insulated containers that are safely with storage cabinets.
Security Storage Cabinets
Metal security storage cabinets must have a 3-point locking system, and the door must be a minimum of 2 inches from the bottom of the cabinet.
All joints of a wooden security storage cabinet must be rabbeted and fastened together with a wood flathead screws. One door of a two-door cabinet must overlap the other by at least one inch.
It is advised that any type of cabinet used for storing chemicals should be replaced every couple of years, kept out of a heavy foot traffic area and away from doorways.