Fires are unpredictable and have tragically effected so many people around the world, so having a few extra minutes to react in this kind of deadly situation is so important for your safety and the safety of people around you.
A dangerous goods storage cabinet can minimize the risks of a fire turning into an explosion; it can give you that extra time needed to evacuate and keep any hazardous liquids or gasses locked away and in a safe place. Every workplace must abide and follow a certain set of laws. Having dangerous goods storage cabinet in your workplace is usually a law that is set in place that requires owners to provide a safe place for any hazardous substances that may be laying around.
There are certain standards and guidelines manufacturers must abide by when designing dangerous goods storage cabinets. These guidelines and rules may vary, but all have the same purpose, to ensure safety. It is important to educate yourself on the laws and guidelines on what you are able to store in a dangerous goods storage cabinet. Certain chemicals are not allowed to be stored near each other just in case of cross contamination, some can have a bad reaction to one another. The first and most important part of a dangerous goods storage cabinet is making sure that the construction is sturdy. This shouldn’t be a problem as most manufacturers try to think of new features and ways to make the newer models safer.
A dangerous goods storage cabinet needs to be made up of sturdy strong materials that will outlast a fire, even if for a little while. The walls of a storage cabinet will usually be made up of steel or a specially designed plywood. Some of these steel designs have been made to have double walls with a small gap between them to ensure the fire can’t get through. The floors are usually sealed shut and the shelves are slightly slanted to ensure that leaks can’t get out and most models have vents that have heat resistance. A dangerous goods storage cabinet by law is usually required to be painted with a chemical resistant paint and have warnings marked in big bold letters usually with words like ‘Flammable’ or ‘Hazardous’. Manufacturers know how deadly things can get if these substances are out in the open which is why these cabinets are always made from the toughest, strongest materials.
Also, there are certain life-saving features which do make the difference. One of the more recent feature added to some models is a lock and key system (no one but you can open and close the cabinet) that is entirely chemical resistant. The most exciting new feature, however, is a self-closing door. It works when the temperatures in the vicinity rise above a certain point; this triggers the hinges to melt in a certain way which closes and locks the door. This is particularly good for someone or a workplace that needs to open and close the cabinet quite often as you never know when someone might leave it open and danger could strike.
If you are an employee, employer or just a regular person who wants to install one of these dangerous goods storage cabinets, you should always check with your local fire brigade on the laws and regulations in your area. There is also a range of models and materials you can choose from, so the first plan out where you want the cabinet placed and then you should research what kind of storage cabinet is best suited for your environment and needs. There are plenty of workplace health and safety stores that sell different dangerous goods storage cabinet models or you can always browse, compare and purchase a storage cabinet online.
