Flammable products are common in the building materials supply chain—think adhesives, sealants, solvents, propane, treated lumber, and certain coatings. But while these materials are often treated as “just another SKU,” the compliance requirements around how they’re stored and handled are anything but ordinary.
And when those requirements are overlooked? The cost can be high—in fines, fire hazards, business interruptions, or worse.
Here’s why flammable materials compliance is frequently missed, and what makes it so risky.
✅ 1. They Don’t “Look Dangerous” Until It’s Too Late
Flammable products often come in standard packaging, stacked on shelves next to non-hazardous items. Without obvious signs of danger, it’s easy for teams to:
Store incompatible materials together
Miss required signage or separation
Skip ventilation or containment protocols
Assume “small quantities” aren’t regulated
But regulations don’t care what the packaging looks like—they focus on what’s inside, and even minor mishandling can lead to fire risks or chemical reactions.
✅ 2. Compliance Rules Vary by Type, Quantity, and Location
Storing flammables isn’t one-size-fits-all. Regulations change based on:
The type of material (Class I, II, III flammables)
The volume stored at a single location
Whether they’re in indoor storage, outdoor sheds, or mobile trailers
Local fire codes, OSHA rules, and NFPA standards
Without a centralized system to track product type and location, it’s easy to slip out of compliance without realizing it.
✅ 3. Safety Documentation and Labeling Gets Missed
Regulatory compliance requires proper labeling, SDS documentation (Safety Data Sheets), and accessible handling instructions. But in many yards or warehouses:
Labels are worn off or missing
SDS binders are outdated or hard to find
New team members don’t know the handling protocol
Safety inspections are rushed or skipped
This not only violates OSHA standards—it puts workers at serious risk.
✅ 4. Inspections and Penalties Can Hit Hard
Regulatory bodies like OSHA, the EPA, and local fire marshals don’t look kindly on flammable storage violations. Common issues that trigger fines include:
Storing flammables near ignition sources
Inadequate ventilation or spill containment
Lack of training or documented safety procedures
Failure to separate flammables from oxidizers or combustibles
And the cost? Fines can run thousands per incident—not to mention the cost of downtime or legal liability if there’s a fire or injury.
✅ 5. Lack of System Visibility Creates Blind Spots
Most compliance failures happen not because of negligence, but because there’s no clear system in place to track:
Where flammable products are stored
How much is on hand at each location
Whether team members are trained for proper handling
Whether compliance checklists are being followed
This is where a good ERP or EHS system with real-time tracking and compliance tools becomes invaluable.
How to Stay Ahead of the Risk
If you handle flammable products—even occasionally—build a system that supports safety and compliance:
Track product types and hazard classes inside your ERP
Maintain digital SDS records linked to each product
Use checklists for storage inspections and staff training
Set alerts when quantities exceed threshold limits per location
Train staff on handling, labeling, and emergency procedures
Keep fire safety and separation requirements front-of-mind in your layout planning
Final Thought
In the building materials world, flammables might be common—but that doesn’t make them low risk. Overlooking storage compliance might seem like a minor shortcut, until it becomes a major problem.
Don’t wait for an accident or a fine to take action. Build awareness, document your process, and use the right systems to stay compliant—and safe.
