DENIOS Ltd
Audley Ave Enterprise Park
Nova House, Suite 1
Newport, Shropshire
TF10 7DW

Tel.: +44 1952 811991
Email: info@denios.co.uk
Internet: www.denios.co.uk

Storing highly flammable substances - 8 important checks

When storing flammable substances on your site it is important to ensure you have them secured and in a safe location. This includes having the proper safety precautions in place.

The dangerous substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require risks from the indoor storage of dangerous substances to be controlled by elimination or by reducing the quantities of such substances in the workplace to a minimum.

Ensure you meet all the safety requirements. There are ways to do this properly. Here is our 8-point guide to help you:

1. Use only specifically designed, suitable storage cabinets for flammable liquids.

When not in use, flammable liquids should be stored in suitable cabinets, of fire-resistant construction and which are designed to retain spills (110% of the largest vessel normally stored in it, or 25% of the total volume).

2. Fire-rated storage cabinets should be in designated areas.

These cabinets should be located in designated areas, where possible away from the immediate processing area. They should not hinder means of escape from the working area.

3. Dangerous and flammable substances should be stored separately.

Flammable liquids should be stored separately from other dangerous substances, which may increase the risk of fire, or compromise the integrity of the container or cabinet. For example oxidising or corrosive materials should not be stored with flammable liquids. Even if these other materials are flammable in their own right, it is still inappropriate to store these in the same cabinets or bins with other flammable liquids. [Further guidance on Energetic and spontaneously combustible substances is contained in HS(G)131 published by HSE]

4. Fire rated storage cabinets should give 60 or 120 minutes of fire protection

A flammable storage cabinet with 60 or 120 minutes fire protection means that if there is a fire on your premises, your flammable chemicals will be insulated from the fire for the specified duration of time.

5. Proper ventilation and cooling reduces risk.

Storage with proper ventilation and cooling systems reduces the risk of flammable liquids easily reaching flash point and releasing toxic vapours.

6. To comply with DSEAR location and quantity must be taken into consideration.

It is important to know the quantities being stored. The HSE guidance emphasises the importance of the location of your flammable storage unit and the volume of substances you will be storing in order to comply with DSEAR. The guidance document has a table of volumes of HFLs stored vs. the minimum distance that your flammables store must be located away from an occupied building, source of ignition, boundary, etc. For example, if you are storing between 1,000 and 100,000 litres of flammable liquids, the minimum separation distance is 4 metres.

7. Spill trays are important to capture dangerous leaks.

The storage cabinet should have bunds, or spill trays, to capture any leaked chemicals or substances and help protect against environmental pollution.

8. ATEX rated equipment is important in flammable environments

Where there are flammable vapours present, and any electrical equipment is installed in the store, it will need to be ATEX rated. This is specified under 2 European Directives, the ATEX 137 Workplace Directive and the ATEX 95 Equipment Directive.

Fire-rated Storage Containers

DENIOS fire-rated storage offers safe REI 90 fire protection from the inside and outside thanks to their double frame design. Containers can be designed and equipped for every requirement, regardless of where you are based in the world. Up to 120 minutes fire resistance is possible internationally - tested and certified as a complete system.

See our range

Fire-rated Storage Cabinets

If flammable liquids are to be stored directly in the workplace, they must be stored in a dedicated flammable storage cabinet that is fire rated. DENIOS offers a comprehensive range of solutions for flammable liquid storage to meet all hazardous material requirements.

Find out more

Lithium-ion Cabinets

DENIOS Lithium-ion cabinets are tested according to EN-14470-1 and give 90 minutes fire protection from outside to inside and 90 minutes fire resistance from inside to outside. Our product range offers safety cabinets for storing and charging your lithium batteries.

See full range
Menu
Log in
Your basketAdded to basket
Go to basket
We would be pleased to provide you with advice!

Give us a call or fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Mon - Thu: 08:30 - 17:00 | Fri: 08:30 - 16:00

Use code DEN10 at checkout for 10% off ALL of our catalogue products. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or other special prices. Does not apply to open quotations.