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ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SOLVENT STORAGE CUPBOARDS
Cupboards for solvent storage should be constructed of non-flammable materials and have a heavy fireproof door.18 The cupboard needs to be ventilated with the vents protected from possible external fire danger. The floor should be sunken or the sill raised so that in the event of a spill, breakage or a fire the complete contents may be retained within the cupboard. If possible install some automatic method of fire control.
Cupboards should be sited in a cool place away from direct sunlight, hot water pipes and other sources of heat. Bottles containing dangerous substances must be kept secure and must not be placed on high shelves.
Ideally, purpose designed, mobile metal cupboards with explosion proof lids should be used for small quantities of chemicals and solvents which need to be stored in the laboratory. If chemicals and solvents can be stored outside and away from the laboratory so much the better.
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