Regulations around storing flammable construction materials

Storing flammable materials like solvents, adhesives, sealants, and certain treated woods comes with serious responsibility. Between OSHA, NFPA, and local fire codes, building material suppliers must follow strict rules to reduce fire risks and protect staff.

Here’s what you need to know about proper storage practices, compliance requirements, and how to stay ahead of violations.

• Know What’s Considered Flammable

Paints and stains

Solvents and cleaners

Spray foam and adhesives

Certain chemicals used in treated wood

Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to see flash points and classifications.

• Use Approved Storage Cabinets

Flammable materials must be stored in NFPA-approved safety cabinets that:

Are made of double-walled steel

Have self-closing doors

Are properly vented (if required by local code)

Are labeled clearly: Flammable—Keep Fire Away

• Limit On-Site Quantities

Don’t keep more than the allowed maximum quantity outside of cabinets:

OSHA generally limits flammable liquid storage to 25 gallons per room outside a cabinet

Additional storage may require fire-rated rooms or lockers

Always check your local fire code for exact limits.

• Keep Distance from Ignition Sources

Store flammable materials at least 20 feet from open flames, sparks, or welding areas. Equipment like forklifts should not idle near storage zones.

• Train Your Team

Employees must be trained on:

Identifying flammable materials

Proper handling and transfer

What to do in case of a spill or fire

Training should be part of your onboarding and regular safety refreshers.

• Maintain Access to Fire Equipment

Fire extinguishers should be within 50 feet of flammable storage

Cabinets should never block access to exits or suppression systems

Sprinklers should be tested regularly

• Label Everything

Containers must have legible, weather-resistant labels

Labels should include hazard warnings and handling instructions

Secondary containers (like buckets) must also be labeled

Final Note: Fire marshals and OSHA inspectors both look for violations in this area. Keep your SDS book updated, cabinets labeled, and staff trained—it’s a small effort that avoids big risks.