Should reagent storage safety cabinets be grounded?

Should reagent storage safety cabinets be grounded?

A hazard and risk assessment needs to be done by a safety specialist to determine if the storage safety cabinets must be grounded. Generally speaking, if the cabinets are constructed of metal or other conductive material, they must be grounded when Class 1 flammable liquids are being dispensed in the cabinet.

If the cabinets are constructed of metal or other conductive material, they may need to be grounded as a precautionary measure when:

The cabinet contains flammable liquid containers, but the flammable liquids are not being dispensed.

The cabinet is located in an area where a flammable or ignitable atmosphere can exist, regardless of the type of chemical that is stored inside the cabinet. For example, a storage safety cabinet specific for corrosive chemicals may need to be grounded when the cabinet is located in an area where a flammable or ignitable atmosphere exists.

Notes:

A manufacturer may include on the cabinet a built-in grounding lug for connection with an antistatic wire to safely ground the cabinet to earth ground. An optional seismic bracket may also be included to secure the cabinet to the floor or wall for an extra measure of security when increased stability is needed.

Storage safety cabinets made of non-conductive construction materials without anti-static features cannot be grounded. Cabinets made of non-conductive construction materials should not be used for storing flammable liquids or placed where an ignitable atmosphere exists.