lab reagent storage safety cabinet

Which storage safety cabinet is appropriate for the hazardous chemicals at the workplace?

To know which cabinet must be used, you need to:

Prepare a list of the hazardous chemicals that are being used at the workplace

Determine the type of hazards (e.g., flammable, corrosive, etc.) each chemical presents. You can use the Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHMIS) or the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) classification. Generally, both classifications are provided in the safety data sheet.

Check the local fire code requirements for the safety cabinet.

Determine the type of storage safety cabinets needed by making sure the manufacturer’s technical data sheet or specifications match the chemical’s hazard(s) and local fire code requirements. Manufacturer information is generally available on their website.

For example, the safety data sheet for substance A reports that it is classified as follows WHMIS Hazard class: Corrosive to Metals — Category 1 and TDG Class 8 Corrosive. Based on substance A’s corrosivity hazards, a “polyethylene corrosive and acid” cabinet should be selected.

Why are there so many different colours for hazardous material storage safety cabinets?

Colour-coded cabinets are not required or specified in the National , standards for storage safety cabinets, nor in health and safety legislation. Manufacturers produce storage safety cabinets in different colours for the following reasons:

Improves the safety of emergency responders (e.g., firefighters) so they can quickly identify the hazards of the chemicals in the cabinet

Reduces the potential of storing incompatible chemicals together. By identifying the intended use of the safety cabinet, the risk of storing incompatible chemicals together is significantly reduced

Allows workers to quickly identify the type of hazardous chemicals in the cabinet

Allows for easy organization of chemicals, fuels, pesticides, and segregation of incompatible hazardous items

Most companies follow good practices and use specific colours for liquids that are a specific hazard. These colours are:

Yellow: Flammable chemicals and liquids

Red: Paints, inks, and other combustible liquids

Blue: Corrosive and hazardous liquids and solids

Green: Pesticides and insecticides

Silver or Neutral: Laboratory cabinets