Flammable Cabinets

Flammable storage cabinets keep petrol, solvents, paints and other flammable liquids contained, segregated and clearly marked — a basic expectation of DSEAR and HSE guidance wherever flammables are kept inside a workplace. This collection covers our heavy-duty cabinets built specifically for highly flammable liquids.

The GPC heavy-duty highly flammable storage cabinets are manufactured from 1.2mm sheet steel for extra strength and improved protection against fire penetration. Construction is fire-conscious throughout: all seams are formed and welded, doors carry vertical reinforcement panels to prevent distortion in heat, and a return flange runs around the doors and joints to resist the passage of flame into the cabinet. They're designed to comply with the Flammable Liquid Storage Regulations and HSE guidance notes HSG51 and CS19, and comply with Factory Inspectorate Certificate of Approval No. 1 Parts 3 and 4. Each cabinet is fitted with an all-metal security lock and supplied with two keys, finished in high-visibility stove enamel yellow, and supplied with the appropriate warning labels to the BS 5378 standard.

Choosing a flammable cabinet: size it for the containers you actually hold — HSE guidance (HSG51) expects no more than 50 litres of highly flammable liquid in a workroom cabinet, with larger volumes in a dedicated store. Keep the cabinet away from ignition sources and escape routes, keep containers closed and upright, and use the spill-retaining shelf as a tray so drips are contained. Remember that flammables must be segregated from oxidisers and corrosives — if you also hold acids or general chemicals, use a separate COSHH cabinet rather than mixing substance classes in one unit.

Our COSHH cabinet requirements guide covers the compliance detail — sump rules, locking, signage and location. For bulk liquid storage and drum bunding, see spill containment, and browse the wider hazardous storage range for the full set of substance-specific cabinets.

Fire safety duties sit with the “responsible person”. Our guide to the Fire Safety Order 2005 explains the risk assessment and how storing flammable liquids fits in.

Our guide to how to store paint explains when solvent-based paints and thinners belong in a flammable storage cabinet.

Flammable cabinet FAQs

What is a flammable storage cabinet?

A lockable steel cabinet that keeps petrol, solvents, paints and other flammable liquids contained, segregated and clearly marked.

Which cabinets are listed?

The GPC Heavy Duty Storage Cabinets for highly flammable liquids, in four models: FSC05Z, FSC06Z, FSC07Z and FSC08Z.

What are they made from?

1.2mm sheet steel with formed, welded seams. Doors have vertical reinforcement panels and a return flange around the doors and joints to resist the passage of flame.

What standards are they designed to?

They are designed to comply with the Flammable Liquid Storage Regulations (1972) as appropriate and HSE guidance HSG51 and CS19, and comply with Factory Inspectorate Certificate of Approval No. 1 Parts 3 and 4.

Are the warning labels included?

Yes. Cabinets are supplied with the appropriate labels to BS 5378.

How are they secured?

An all-metal security lock is fitted and two keys are supplied.

How is a spill contained?

The base of each unit has a large-capacity removable sump. The shelves are adjustable on 75mm centres and reversible, so they can also act as trays.

How much can I keep in a workroom cabinet?

HSE guidance HSG51 expects no more than 50 litres of highly flammable liquid in a workroom cabinet, with larger volumes in a dedicated store.

Can I store acids in the same cabinet?

No. Flammables must be segregated from oxidisers and corrosives. See acid storage cabinets and COSHH cabinets.

Are floor stands available?

Yes, for the five smallest sizes. They raise the unit by 450mm.