Flammable and Combustible Liquids Storage Guidelines

The hazard classification of a liquid determines the type and size of container in which it may be stored.

• Read Flammable and Combustible Liquids Container Size and Quantity Limits to find container type, size, and quantity limits for the material you store.

• Store flammable liquids in a flammable storage cabinet. A variety of commercially manufactured cabinets are available.
• When flammable liquids must be stored outside a flammable storage cabinet, use approved safety cans whenever possible. They have spring-loaded lids and an internal screen which prevents combustion of the contents.
  • Safety cans in a variety of sizes are available from STORE.
• Do not use large polypropylene ("Nalgene") containers with stopcocks or valves at the bottom to store flammable liquids. These valves frequently leak and are unsafe in a fire.
• Never store flammable liquids in a standard or domestic refrigerator or freezer. Flammable liquids that must be chilled or frozen require specially designed "spark-proof" refrigerators or freezers.

• Avoid storing flammable liquids on high shelves or in direct sunlight.
• Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area.
• Caution: Never use environmental rooms (also called cold/ warm rooms) to store flammable, combustible, or other hazardous materials. Environmental rooms have many ignition sources and little or no outside air circulation. You can use small quantitites of flammable or hazardous materials (500 ml) in these spaces, but do not store them there.