Under-Bench Flammable Storage Cabinet

What is the Under-Bench Flammable Storage Cabinet?

An under-bench flammable storage cabinet fits beneath a workbench to keep solvents close to the point of use. It saves space while containing spills and limiting fire spread within a compact footprint.

Overview

The cabinet is sized to slide under a standard bench, typically 600–1200 mm wide, 500–700 mm deep and 700–900 mm high, often on castors or a plinth. It uses double-wall construction, self-closing doors and a spill sill like a freestanding unit, but with a lower height and shelf count. Capacity is usually 30–100 L, with one or two shelves. Some models are fire rated to EN 14470-1 for 30 or 60 minutes. Venting is optional and, where provided, must not compromise the rating. Because it sits at the point of use, staff handle solvents less and return containers promptly, which improves both safety and housekeeping. It must not be installed where a spill or fire would block escape routes.

How does it work?

A laboratory safety cabinet is a container designed to hold hazardous chemicals safely under normal use and during a fire. Flammable liquid cabinets use double walls with an air space, thermal insulation, self-closing and self-latching doors and a sill that contains spills. They keep the internal temperature below the ignition temperature of the contents for a rated period, such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes, so occupants can evacuate and the fire service can respond. Many are tested to EN 14470-1 or FM 6050, and some are vented to relieve pressure or remove vapour. Corrosive cabinets use chemically resistant linings and often ventilated extraction so acid or base vapour does not attack the cabinet or the room. Labelling, segregation by hazard class and secondary containment trays are integral to safe use, and cabinets should be closed except when loading.

What are the key features?

• Fits under a standard bench, 700–900 mm high
• Double-wall steel with spill sill
• Self-closing doors
• Capacity 30–100 L with 1–2 shelves
• Optional 30 or 60 min fire rating
• Castors or plinth options

What are the technical specifications?

A typical under-bench flammable storage cabinet configuration offers cabinet type of Under-bench flammable storage, height of 700–900 mm, width of 600–1200 mm, capacity of 30–100 L, shelf load of 50–120 kg per shelf and fire rating of Optional 30 or 60 min. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Under-Bench Flammable Storage Cabinet is used in point-of-use solvent storage, small chemistry laboratories, teaching laboratory benches and waste solvent containers. Across the wider Safety Cabinets class, laboratories also deploy it for solvent storage in chemistry laboratories, acid and base storage and pharmaceutical reagent storage.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include EN 14470-1 (fire safety storage cabinets), NFPA 30 (flammable and combustible liquids code), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 (flammable liquids), FM 6050 (storage cabinets for flammable liquids), GB 15603 (chemical storage rules) and GHS labelling requirements. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Place cabinets on a level, load-rated floor away from exits, heat sources and ignition points, and confirm the required distance from escape routes under local codes. Inspect doors, latches and hinges monthly and confirm self-closing and self-latching operation. Check the fire rating documentation and keep it with the asset record. If a cabinet is vented, confirm the duct does not defeat the fire rating and that the exhaust is suitable. Keep incompatible chemicals in separate cabinets, use secondary trays and never exceed the rated capacity or shelf load, since shelves may fail and spill the contents. Review stored inventory regularly and remove expired or unneeded items.

How do I select the right Under-Bench Flammable Storage Cabinet?

Choose an under-bench cabinet to keep solvents at the point of use with limited floor space. Confirm the bench clearance, capacity and any fire rating requirement. RFQ: bench dimensions, liquids, volume, fire rating and door swing.

How does it compare with other Safety Cabinets variants?

Select the cabinet by hazard class and quantity. For flammable liquids, confirm the fire rating and capacity in litres, and whether the cabinet must be fire rated under EN 14470-1 or listed to NFPA 30 and FM 6050. Choose a corrosive cabinet with a resistant lining and, where required, ventilation for acids or bases separately. Decide between freestanding, under-bench and ventilated versions to suit the room layout and airflow. Check door operation, sill height, shelf adjustability and load capacity, and plan secondary containment trays. Confirm that placement meets local codes, including distance from exits and ignition sources, room ventilation and signage. Document installation, inspection and any venting arrangement, and train staff to keep doors closed.