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.
