Why Use Outdoor Flammable Storage Cabinets

To maintain agility in the workplace, many companies are increasingly seeing the need for outdoor flammable liquid storage. As all flammable liquid storage is highly regulated by OSHA as well as subject to NFPA standards, a key consideration for any company considering outdoor flammable liquid storage is development of an effective compliance strategy.

Reasons for Outdoor Flammable Liquid Storage

There are many reasons that an organization may consider outdoor flammable liquid storage. Generally, these reasons can loosely be categorized as “Safety/Environmental,” “Efficiency,” and “Cost-Savings.”

Safety/Environmental

• Storing flammable liquids outdoors reduces the risk of fire and explosion indoors, protecting employees and the facility. This is particularly the case when highly volatile or dangerous flammable materials are handled.
• When spill containment is a primary concern, outdoor flammable storage cabinets aid in preventing environmental contamination, as they are designed to contain spills and leaks.
• Keeping flammable materials outside reduces the overall fire load inside the building, lowering the potential impact of a fire.
• The relevant safety standards set maximum quantities for the indoor storage of flammable liquids/materials. Outdoor flammable storage can assist a company with meeting the requirements of OSHA and the NFPA.
• In the event of a spill in or around the cabinet, the outdoor location prevents the dangerous buildup of flammable vapors inside of a structure.
• Outdoor storage allows for better segregation of flammable liquids from other materials, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and the need for complex indoor storage arrangements.

Efficiency

• The ability to maintain a stock of flammable liquids in close proximity to a worksite improves both workflow and efficiency by reducing travel time to an indoor cabinet. It also removes some of the risk associated with transporting flammable liquids in a vehicle or by hand.
• Moving flammable liquid storage outdoors can free up valuable indoor space for other (revenue-producing) operations. This is particularly the case for facilities with limited space.
• Some companies find inventory management to be more efficient with outdoor storage as it is often more accessible than indoor storage.

Cost Savings

• Many companies find that moving flammable liquid storage outdoors results in reduced insurance premiums because the risk of fire to the facility is reduced.
• If additional flammable storage is needed, it is typically far less expensive to move storage outdoors rather than retrofitting or upgrading indoor storage to meet safety standards.
• In some instances, outdoor flammable storage can generate energy savings because it reduces the need for indoor climate control measures (e.g., ventilation, heating, cooling).

The Problem with Outdoor Flammable Liquid Storage and Potential Consequences

Until the recent introduction of outdoor flammable storage cabinets, companies needing outdoor storage were left with few choices and none were very attractive. Options include constructing or purchasing compliant outdoor storage buildings, or using makeshift storage arrangements.

The problem with building compliant outdoor storage is time and expense. The storage must be properly designed by a Professional Engineer, with most likely a requirement for building permits. Once the plans are approved and permits obtained, a qualified contractor must be selected to build the storage in a compliant manner using properly rated materials. This all amounts to a significant project at considerable time and expense.

Purchasing prefabricated outdoor chemical storage buildings or lockers is also expensive, though Justrite storage lockers do provide an easier path to compliance than new construction. Lockers are certified by FM and comply with both EPA and NFPA standards. Typically, chemical storage lockers are positioned at a distance from buildings in use. This separation varies based on the type of chemicals stored and the fire rating of the locker. Because these units are designed to store drums, outdoor storage lockers may be a bigger solution than necessary if only small quantities of chemicals need to be stored outdoors.

For companies without the requisite time or funds, the next choice is improvised storage. It is this type of storage that can get companies into all kinds of trouble if or when things go wrong. A company using improvised storage exposes their organization to the following risks:

Inadequate Fire Protection

Regular storage units or makeshift containers do not offer the necessary fire resistance. This increases the risk of fire spreading to the contents.

Lack of Spill Containment

Proper safety cabinets are designed with spill containment features to manage leaks and spills. Without these, a spill or leak can lead to environmental contamination, posing both health hazards as well as costly clean-up and regulatory fines.

Non-Compliance with Regulations

Safety cabinets are built to meet NFPA and OSHA regulations. Using improvised storage options can lead to violations, fines, and legal liabilities.

Inadequate Ventilation

Flammable liquids produce vapors that may need to be properly ventilated to prevent ignition. Improper storage units may not provide adequate ventilation, increasing the risk of vapor buildup and potential explosions.

Weather Damage

Ordinary containers or makeshift storage options might not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation can degrade the containers and adversely affect the flammable liquids inside, leading to potential hazards.

Security Risks

Non-specialized storage solutions may be more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Without the safety features of purpose-built flammable safety cabinets (such as grounding and bonding, flame arresters, etc.), the possibility of accidents involving flammable liquids increases.

Poor Durability / Longevity

Using regular containers or placing an indoor cabinet outside will not provide the durability of a safety cabinet designed for outdoor flammable storage. This leads to more frequent replacements and higher long-term costs.

Insurance and Liability

Many insurance companies require proper safety measures for flammable and hazardous material storage. Using inadequate storage solutions can lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage in case of an incident.

Operational Inefficiency

Non-compliant storage can complicate the organization’s access and management of flammable liquids, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards during daily operations.

Specific Use Cases for Outdoor Flammable Storage

In actuality, the number of use cases for an outdoor flammable storage cabinet is a function of the imagination and innovation of business and industry. However, there are several use cases where the benefits of specialized outdoor storage are obvious. These include, but are in no way limited to:

Construction

Construction sites use countless pieces of equipment that are fuel-powered or are electrically powered by a generator that uses a hydrocarbon-based fuel. Fuel additives, lubricants, and flammable solvents are also common to construction sites.

Providing an outdoor flammable storage cabinet consolidates storage into one area and allows it to be located away from fire exposures. Because it is safely located at the construction site, personnel do not have to travel far from their work location to refuel or service equipment.

Agriculture

Just as with construction, the agricultural sector, with its intensive use of flammable-liquid-fueled equipment, is also an excellent candidate for using outdoor flammable storage cabinets. In addition to equipment-fueling, the cabinets can be used to house the various petroleum-based lubricants, safety cans and other flammable products that keep the equipment operational

Being able to locate flammable liquid storage in the area where farm equipment is being used can save considerable time versus returning to a barn or workshop. With the right equipment, the cabinet can be moved to follow the agricultural fleet as it moves from field to field.

Marinas / Boat Yards

In addition to the risk of fire, marinas and boatyards have the added risk of hazardous contamination entering a body of water. This can expose the offender to environmental citations and expensive fines. Proper storage cabinets are designed to contain spills and channel them into an integral sump, preventing spillage outside of the cabinet.

Since most boat servicing and repair work is conducted outside, having an outdoor flammable storage cabinet that can be situated close to the point where the equipment is refueled is advantageous. The outdoor flammable storage cabinet also provides positive leak and spill protection while affording a high degree of fire safety to marine operations.

Mining

Not all mining takes place in mines tunneled deep underground. While a quality outdoor flammable storage cabinet would be an excellent choice for this harsh environment, it is the mining operations that take place while digging in open pits and/or dredging in waterways where it is absolutely the best (and possibly only) choice.

By its nature, mining often occurs in remote areas completely unavailable to utility grids. In these instances, the miners must power their equipment with internal combustion engines or via generators that use automotive fuel. These quantities of fuel need a safe storage location that also has the capability to contain spills and prevent soil or water contamination. With the lifting equipment common to these sites, the safety cabinet can be moved so that it always stays close to where it is needed.

Military

As an organization that uses enormous quantities of flammable liquids, is always on the move, and is frequently conducting operations outdoors, the military is a prime use case for outdoor flammable storage cabinets. The vast array of equipment the military deploys is always in need of service and refueling and requires a tremendous inventory of flammable liquids.

Further, since military operations are often conducted in areas of conflict, being able to contain and protect their flammable liquid storage from fire after an attack or accident is paramount to troop safety. The fire-resistant and durable construction of an outdoor flammable storage cabinet prevents a fire from affecting the contents and provides good basic protection from the rigors of the field.

Petrochemical / Oil & Gas Industries

Perhaps no other industry has a bigger need for proper flammable liquid storage than petrochemical and oil and gas. While their serious storage takes placed in engineered vessels and tanks, operators are continuously taking samples, introducing additives, and servicing equipment such as pumps and drivers.

Most of these activities will take place outside, in the unit, and can easily be remote from the nearest indoor safety cabinet. An outdoor flammable storage cabinet provides a safe place to store much-needed flammable materials while also protecting them from fire or spillage.

Justrite Outdoor Flammable Storage Cabinets

Fortunately for those who see the value in an outdoor flammable storage cabinet, Justrite now provides heavy-duty, weather-resistant outdoor flammable safety cabinets. These cabinets guarantee the same high-quality flammable storage as the indoor flammable cabinets while incorporating enhanced engineering to withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors.

Expressly engineered and designed for outdoor use, these Justrite cabinets integrate innovative materials and features which are rugged enough for long-term outdoor use, including:

• Fully spot-welded Galvanneal 18-gauge steel, double-wall construction with a 1½” gap for air space, that offers up to 16 times more corrosive and rust resistance than regular steel
• Sloped roof with a rain gutter which guides precipitation away from the cabinet opening
• 12-gauge skids for mobility
• Continuous, stainless steel piano hinges on the doors
• Lockable, stainless steel paddle latch handle lock (can also accept a padlock for added security) with three-point latching to secure the contents
• Stable trapezoid legs with forklift channels which provide efficient mobility of the cabinet

In addition to these enhancements, every Justrite safety storage cabinet includes these standard features:

• UV- and chemical-resistant powder coating which withstands outdoor use
• SpillSlope® shelves with fully welded sump
• Grounding screw 
• Vent with integral flash arresters
• Welded shelf hangers
• Leak-proof sump
• Highly visible warning labels that warns of contents in three languages 
• Fusible links (on self-closing door models) hold doors wide open and melt at 165 degrees F. for automatic door closure

All Justrite outdoor flammable safety cabinets meet the following regulations:

• OSHA 1910.106
• NFPA Code 30
• NFPA Fire Code 1
• FM approval
• IFC (International Fire Code) 3300

Furthermore, every Justrite cabinet offers a fire resistance of 10 minutes or greater, delaying a fire's spread and allowing time for evacuation and firefighter intervention. Every cabinet must pass a 30-point quality check before shipping and should experience a life span up to two times longer than the competition. Outdoor cabinets are currently available in 30-gallon and 45-gallon models, with both manual close and self-close door options. All Justrite cabinets are made in the USA.

Previously Featured on Justrite's blog.

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