Can Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinets Be Painted?

Definition

• The OSHA definition for a flammable liquid is complex, but in essence it is any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn't take much to start a flammable liquid to burning. Examples, according to the National Fire Protection Association, would be gasoline, diesel fuel, paint thinner. cooking oils, lubricating oils, motor oil, some paints, toluene, lacquers and lacquer thinner. Not all of these are going to be stored in a special cabinet, but those that are not used on a daily basis should be kept safely stored away.

Mandatory Paint

• Penn State University provides the requirements for a safe storage cabinet for flammable liquids which includes mandatory intumescent-type paint. This specialty paint provides for fire protection far beyond what ordinary paint can do. It swells as it chars, giving a layer that is up to 50 time thicker than before the fire touched it. Two coats, applied correctly, can provide up to two hours of fire retardant protection.

Intumescent Paint

• Intumescent-type paint comes in a variety of formulations. It works with wood, metal, interior walls and ceilings, and exterior walls and can match almost any decor through a wide range of colors. Intumescent paints are manufactured by several companies with different requirements for applying the paints. Areas or cabinets that require this type of paint are often checked by an inspector to ensure it was applied properly.

Other Requirements

• In addition to a special paint, flammable liquid storage cabinets are also required to have a latch with at least three points of contact with the doors, a conspicuous label posted on the front with the words "FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY" and at least two inches of space on the bottom where spilled liquid will be contained. If the containers are kept closed then the cabinet does not have to be vented.