Hazardous substance cabinets, also called hazardous material cabinets, are specialised storage units designed to store and manage hazardous substances in various settings safely. These cabinets provide robust safety against hazardous materials and help protect employers from the risks of accidents. Hazardous materials may include poisonous, toxic, corrosive, and highly flammable materials or products. A hazardous substance cabinet is a requirement of COSHH–Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, a UK safety legislation. According to the COSHH, all employers must control and take crucial measures to avoid hazardous chemical risks in their workspaces. For these specific reasons, COSHH cabinets are designed to protect workers or individuals against injuries, providing safer environments.
The Design of Hazardous Substances Cabinets:
Hazardous substance storage cabinets, including COSHH cabinets, are typically manufactured from high-grade steel, ensuring robust security, durability, stability, and safety. Some hazardous unit models come with lockable doors with proper labelling. Moreover, these cabinets are housed with adjustable shelves retaining spills and have leak-proof bases and trays for materials storage. Additionally, these storage cabinets also come in the form of hazardous substances cupboards in varied diameters.
Colour Codes for Hazardous Substances Storage Cabinets:
Hazardous substance cabinets typically come as yellow, green, steel grey, and red cabinets to store different material types. Generally, yellow cabinets keep inflammable chemicals compared to green cabinets, storing solvents and fluids, including paints. Steel grey cabinets are designed to hold acids and alkalis, while red cabinets protect against poisonous and deadly materials, including poisons and pesticides.
Best Practices When Using Hazardous Substances Cabinets:
When using hazardous substance storage cabinets, it's crucial to follow these best practices:
- Proper Labelling – Clearly label all containers with the contents and relevant safety information.
- Organised Storage – Keep hazardous substances in designated areas within the cabinet and avoid overcrowding.
- Avoid Chemicals Incompatibility – Store incompatible chemicals separately to prevent dangerous reactions.
- Proper Training – Ensure only trained and authorised personnel have access to hazardous substances.
- Regular Inspections – Regularly inspect the cabinet for any signs of damage or leaks and perform routine maintenance as needed.
Where are Hazardous Substances Storage Cabinets Used?
Hazardous chemical storage cabinets are commonly used in places where potentially dangerous chemicals, flammable liquids, or other hazardous materials are handled. Some of the typical applications areas of these cabinets include:
- Laboratories
- Industrial Facilities
- Healthcare Sectors
- Educational Settings
- Workshops and Warehouses
- Chemical Storage Facilities
- Cleanrooms
- Construction Sites.
