While the benefits of a wooden Acid/Corrosives cabinet (no rust) are immediately obvious, the benefits of a SciMatCo wooden flammables cabinet are far less obvious, but equally as important. Wood is a thermal insulator and will not distort or bend in heat of a fire. Wooden flammables cabinets are the best alternative for protection against the heat and flame of a fire. Although both cabinets' construction are recognized by OSHA, NFPA and UFC (with self-closing doors) as meeting the standards for a flammables cabinet, we think the choice is obvious. Wood is the best alternative for protection against the heat and flame of a fire. Why not get more protection? You have the protection you deserve with a SciMatCo flammables cabinet.

• Meets all OSHA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and UFC (Uniform Fire Code) standards
• Cabinets are constructed of 1" thick, multi-ply, exterior-grade plywood
• Finished with yellow chemical-resistant paint (inside and out)
• Provided with lock and two keys; all hardware chemical-resistant
• Continuous piano-type hinges on door
• All cabinet joints are rabbeted to provide exceptional cabinet strength
• Cabinet floor constructed as a 2" liquid-tight trough to contain spillage 
• Self-closing doors available upon request

Wood vs. Metal Flammable Cabinets

A wooden flammables cabinet? Is it possible? Yes. Not only possible, but better. Below are a few comparisons between wooden and metal flammable cabinets and their performance during a fire.

Protection from the Flames of a Fire

Yes, wood burns. But, a cabinet constructed with 1" plywood using specifications developed by both OSHA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and UFC (Uniform Fire Code) will meet all the requirements for a flammables cabinet. The question is, how long will the wooden flammables cabinet protect the materials inside from flame? The answer: just as long as a metal flammables cabinet. 

Wooden flammables cabinets do not distort or bend when involved in a fire. The only way for the fire to get inside is to burn all the way through. Metal flammable cabinets can bend and distort in a fire, opening themselves and their contents to the flames.

Protection from the High Temperature of a Fire

A wooden flammables cabinet is a thermal insulator. The rapid rise in temperature due to a fire will have little or no impact on the inside temperature of the cabinet, thus protecting the contents from the high temperature of a fire. Metal is a heat conductor. Metal flammables cabinets can and will pass the rapid rise in temperature on to the contents in the flammables cabinets. Glass bottles in a metal flammables cabinet have been known to break, releasing their vapors and liquids. Metal containers can pop their lids due to high temperatures experienced during a fire.  Metal cabinets become ovens when involved in a fire.

Flammable liquid storage cabinets are required to meet the specifications set up by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA#30) and OSHA (29CFR1910.106). Additionally, some states and/or local agencies may require that the cabinets also follow the specifications under the Uniform Fire Code (UFC 79.202) which requires flammable storage cabinets to have self-closing doors. Carefully check to make sure you are required to meet the specifications for self-closing doors.  It will add to the purchase price of your cabinet.