Office Of Environmental Health & Safety

Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
229 Forsyth Building
Boston, MA 02115-5000

phone: 617.373.2769
fax: 617.373.7622

ehs@neu.edu Image 2

Flammable Storage

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY PROCEDURE FOR VENTING FLAMMABLE

STORAGE CABINETS


  1. GENERAL. The venting of flammable storage cabinets is generally not required, however there are some instances where it is beneficial to do so for health and safety reasons. Properly vented cabinets help with the elimination of odorous vapors by venting them outside resulting in decreased exposure to anyone opening them.

  2. CABINET CONDITION. Any cabinet that will be vented by Physical Plant must be emptied of all flammable and combustible materials by laboratory personnel. In addition, the general area around the cabinet must be kept clear so there are no hazards present to personnel working on the cabinet.

  3. MATERIALS. Rigid steel or other metal tubing is required for the proper venting of flammable storage cabinets. The metal tubing must have an inside diameter that is no smaller than the vent on the cabinet.

  4. VENTING. Both metal bungs are required to be removed when venting flammable storage cabinets. The flash arrester screens must remain in place. The top opening serves as the fresh air inlet while the bottom one is connected to the tubing. Venting from the bottom is the preferred method. When connecting the tubing to the cabinet it is important that nothing is done to effect the integrity of the cabinet. Cutting, drilling, welding, or riveting the cabinet could effect the cabinet integrity and fire rating. If the tubing cannot be threaded, then one way around this would be to use an appropriate length of treaded pipe, and then attach the rigid metal tubing to it. It is recommended that the total run of the vent not exceed 25 feet.

  5. QUESTIONS. If the person venting the cabinets has any questions or concerns then they should contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at x2769.