An Inexpensive Solvent Storage Cabinet that Meets OSHA Requirements Academic institutions have frequently placed safety a t a lower priority as compared t o its higher priority in industry. Since the OSHA act of 1971, colleges and universities have begun to improve their safety standards-particularly in the science labo~atories.'.~ One of the most serious concerns in the chemistry laboratory is for proper storage of flammable solvents. The maximum allowable size for an unprotected glass container of Class IA flammable liquid is 1pt, and not more than 10 gal. of class I or class I1liquids combined may be stored outside of a storage cabinet or storage room, except in safety cans.3 To maintain chemical purity it is desirable to keep the solvents in their original glass containers rather than transfer them to safety cans. When an approved flammable liquid storage cabinet is provided, up to 60 gallons of flammable solvents can he stared. These cabinets when purchased commercially cost $200 or more depending on their size. To equip all of the chemistry labs, both teaching and research, with these cabinets can cost a considerable sum of money. We have developed a wooden solvent storage cabinet protected by two coats of high-visibility epoxy enamel, that meets and exceeds OSHA standards (see photograph). Some of the special construction features of this cabinet are; 1-in. thick plywood that will not delaminate under fire conditions, a three-point lock, a hydraulic type screen door closing device (with the hold-open washer removed so the door can not be locked open), and an adjustahle shelf. One advantage of these wooden cabinets over the metal ones is that the over-all size is flexible, solong as its total capacity does not exceed 60 gal. We have constructed ours in two sizes: the smaller one is 21% in. wide X 23% in. deep and 27% in. high and will hold nine one l-gal bottlesand 25-30 smaller ones; while the larger size is44 in. wide X 23% in. deep and 23% in. high and will hold about twice as much. We have designed both to either stand alone or to fit under the existing h d s in the laboratory. The cmt of materials for either size is about $75. Blueprints and further details are available by writing the author. '"Tighter Safety Rules Ahead for Academic Labs", Chem. and Eng. News, 21 (July 14,1975). "'Chemical Lab Safety and the Impact of OSHA", Chem. and Eng. News, 15 May 1976). 3National Fire Code, Pamphlet 30, Paragraph 4450,1916. Wright S t a t e University Dayton, Ohio 45431
Paul J. Taylor
Volume 54. Number 6, June 1977 / 347
