Flammable Liquids Storage

Flammable liquids storage is all about separating the liquid from anything that could set it off. A spark, a flame, a hot surface, static discharge, an incompatible chemical, a fire elsewhere on the site. If your storage does that, it's doing its job.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require you to assess and control that risk. Rather than prescribing specific containers, DSEAR expects you to demonstrate that whatever you're using controls the risk you've identified. So the storage question runs downstream of the risk assessment, not upstream.

The two categories worth knowing

Flammable liquid cabinets (yellow) and combustible waste cabinets (red) do different jobs, and mixing them up defeats both.

Yellow cabinets are the near-universal choice for fuel: solvents, paints, thinners, petrol, anything that would ignite from an external spark or flame. Oily rags and solvent-soaked cloths need a different kind of container altogether, since the material itself is the ignition risk, not an external spark. These typically go in a purpose-built oily waste can with a self-closing lid, rather than a general bin or a flammable liquids cabinet. Colour varies by manufacturer here, so check the label and certification, not just the colour, when buying.

The colour coding is a widely-adopted industry convention rather than a specific statutory requirement. What a fire risk assessment will actually look for isn't the colour, it's whether fuel and self-heating waste are kept in separate, purpose-built containers with the right certification and labelling.

For advice on flammable liquids storage for your site, call the team on 0808 175 4375.

Am I legally required to use approved storage for flammable liquids on my premises?

Yes. Under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers must control the risks from flammable liquids in the workplace - which includes storing them safely to prevent ignition. The HSE also provides specific guidance on quantities that can be kept in workrooms and the standards storage must meet. Using purpose-built safety cans and cabinets is the most straightforward way to demonstrate compliance.

What safety features should I look for in a flammable liquids storage solution?

For safety cans, the key features are flame arresters (which prevent ignition travelling back into the can), self-closing or self-venting lids (which reduce spillage risk and pressure build-up), and current-carrying carbon inserts (which prevent static discharge). For storage cabinets, look for self-closing doors (which automatically shut in the event of a fire), a leak-proof sump to contain spills, dual flame-arresting vents, secure locking handles, and powder-coated galvanised steel construction that won't react with stored chemicals. All products in this range incorporate these features.

What is the difference between a flammable storage cabinet and an acid/corrosive storage cabinet?

Flammable storage cabinets - identifiable by their yellow colour - are specifically designed for flammable liquids such as solvents, fuels, and oils. They're built to contain and resist fire, with features that limit ignition risk. Acid and corrosive storage cabinets are typically constructed from materials that resist chemical attack from acids and alkalis, which would corrode a standard steel cabinet.

Are these products tested and certified to UK safety standards?

Yes. Products in this range are extensively tested and built to meet the high standards required for hazardous substance storage in UK workplaces. The galvanised steel and powder-coat construction is selected specifically because it withstands harsh chemical environments without reacting with stored substances. For specific certification details relevant to your industry or insurance requirements, check the individual product listing or contact the team before ordering.