Safety features of corrosive storage cabinets
The purpose of a corrosive storage cabinets are to safely contain and store corrosive substances, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and environmental damage. According to the requirements of Australian Standards Class 8 corrosive substances need to be kept in safety cabinets to segregate them from other substances they may react poorly with and to contain any leaks drips or spills that may occur. In this article we will discuss the best practice for storing Class 8 corrosive substances in the workplace and discuss the safety features of corrosive safety cabinets in accordance with the Australian Standards.
What is a Class 8 corrosive substance?
Corrosive substances, as outlined by the Australian Dangerous goods code, are chemical compounds capable of harming living tissues upon contact, as well as causing corrosion or degradation of materials like metals and plastics. Typical instances encompass acids, bases, and specific oxidizing agents. Given their perilous properties, it's crucial to store corrosive substances in corrosive safety cabinets to avert accidents, injuries, and environmental harm.
Is there an Australian Standard for storing corrosive substances?
Australian Standard AS3780-2023 The storage and handling of corrosive substances sets out requirements and recommendations for the safe storage and handling of corrosive substances, ie substances that meet the Class 8 classification criteria of the ADG dangerous goods code.
The Standard provides minimum acceptable safety requirements for storage facilities, operating procedures, emergency planning and fire protection. It also provides technical guidance that may assist in the safe handling of corrosive substances.
Should Class 8 corrosives be kept in corrosive safety cabinets?
It is best practice to keep Class 8 corrosive substances in dedicated corrosive safety cabinets. This increases workplace safety for a number of reasons:
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Containment: Corrosive safety cabinets are designed with an in-built containment sump to collect any spills or leaks. This prevents the substances from spreading, minimising the risk of accidental contact or environmental contamination.
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Isolation: Safety cabinets segregate corrosive substances from other materials, reducing the likelihood of accidental mixing with incompatible chemicals. This isolation helps prevent hazardous reactions and potential accidents.
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Ventilation: Many safety cabinets are equipped with ventilation systems to control the buildup of harmful vapors or fumes. Proper ventilation helps maintain a safe working environment by reducing exposure to corrosive substances.
What safety features do corrosive substances have?
Corrosive storage cabinets should be built to meet the safety requirements as outlined in Australian Standard AS3780-2023 The storage and handling of corrosive substances. These features include:
- Cabinets should be constructed with self closing, tight fitting doors. The doors shall not be opened inwards and should be able to open from the inside of the cabinet.
- A liquid tight containment sump needs to be at least 150mm deep and be able to contain 25% of the maximum storage capacity.
- Shelving needs to permit free air movement throughout the cabinet.
- The walls, floors, doors and roof of the cabinet needs to be constructed from corrosion resistant materials or be lined with a corrosion resistant materials.
- Needs to be clearly labelled with a Class 8 dangerous goods label
Do corrosive cabinets need to be blue?
Whilst Australian Standards do not outline the colour of corrosive storage cabinets, blue is a industry recognised colour for corrosive substances. Titan Safety supply blue cabinets as it is easy to identify and avoid potentially storing incompatible substances.
Titan Safety's range of corrosive storage cabinets
Titan Safety stock a wide range of corrosive storage cabinets in locations Australia wide. These cabinets are not only made to meet all the requirements of AS3780-2023 but they are made right here in Australia. We stock sizes from 30L storage capacity all the way through to 350L storage capacity. To view our wide range please click here to view.