How Much Flammable Liquid Can Be Stored in a Type 90 Safety Storage Cabinet?
Maximum storage quantities, hazard categories and quantity thresholds – explained clearly and practically
Summary
The permissible storage quantities for flammable liquids in safety storage cabinets are governed by the flammability category of the substance under the CLP Regulation and by applicable European safety regulations. Type 90 safety storage cabinets (90 minutes fire resistance) are recognised as independent storage sections and allow storage directly in the working space – without a separate storage room. DÜPERTHAL offers norm-compliant safety storage cabinets in various sizes and configurations for all quantity and requirement classes.
Basis: Classification of Flammable Liquids under the CLP Regulation
How are flammable liquids categorised?
CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 divides flammable liquids into three hazard categories. The category is the primary determinant of which quantity limits and ventilation requirements apply.
| Category | Hazard Statement | Flash Point | Examples | Dedicated storage room required from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat. 1 | H224 | < 23 °C and boiling point ≤ 35 °C | Diethyl ether, acetaldehyde | Subject to risk assessment |
| Cat. 2 | H225 | < 23 °C and boiling point > 35 °C | Acetone, ethanol, isopropanol | From 200 kg |
| Cat. 3 | H226 | 23 °C – 60 °C | Petrol/gasoline | From 1,000 kg |
Maximum Storage Quantities in Safety Storage Cabinets
How much can be stored in a single safety storage cabinet?
The storage volume is limited by the collection volume of the cabinet; this supersedes the previously applicable upper limit of 300 litres of flammable liquids. This upper limit applies regardless of the hazard category of the stored substances and refers to the total volume of all liquids present in the cabinet at any time.
What container sizes are permitted?
Applicable European safety regulations limit the capacity of individual containers for flammable liquids of Cat. 1, 2 and 3 (H224, H225, H226) outside safety storage cabinets in working spaces:
| Container Type | Max. Volume per Container |
|---|---|
| Breakable containers (glass, porcelain, stoneware) | 2,5 litres |
| Non-breakable containers | 10 litres |
| Containers approved under dangerous goods regulations | 20 litres |
Inside a certified safety storage cabinet, the general rules on container construction apply; container size is not additionally restricted, provided the permissible total volume of the safety storage cabinet is not exceeded.
Special Rule: Category 1 Substances (H224)
Why do H224 substances require stricter controls?
Hazardous substances with ignition temperatures below 200 °C, and flammable liquids of Cat. 1 (H224), may only be stored in mechanically ventilated safety storage cabinets with a minimum fire resistance of 90 minutes; early fire detection and suppression must be ensured.
Typical H224 substances include diethyl ether, acetone and pentane. For these substances, an unventilated safety storage cabinet is not sufficient – connection to industrial ventilation or a suitable ATEX-compliant recirculating filter system is mandatory.
Safety Storage Cabinet as an Independent Storage Section
What does it mean that the safety storage cabinet is a storage section?
A safety storage cabinet with 90 minutes fire resistance (Type 90) is recognised as an independent storage section – it does not need to be located in a separate storage room, but may be placed directly in the working space. For many laboratories and industrial operations, this is the most cost-effective solution where stored quantities do not exceed the thresholds requiring a dedicated storage room.
How many safety storage cabinets are permitted per fire section?
The number of safety storage cabinets per fire section is not limited. This gives operators the option of distributing larger total quantities across multiple cabinets – provided each individual cabinet complies with its quantity limit and the risk assessment permits this.
Key Facts: Storage Quantities for Flammable Liquids
- Max. total quantity per cabinet: 300 litres
- Type 90 cabinet is recognised as an independent fire compartment under DIN EN 14470-1
- H224 substances: Only permitted in mechanically ventilated Type 90 cabinets
- Outside cabinets: H225 up to 200 kg, H226 up to 100 kg in working areas
- Container limits (outside cabinets): Breakable max. 2.5 l, non-breakable max. 10 l
- Partially used containers: Actual fill quantity counts, not nominal volume
- Co-storage: Substances that can react dangerously with each other must not be stored in the same cabinet
- Number of cabinets per fire section: Not limited
- Standards basis: DIN EN 14470-1, GHS/CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, European workplace safety directives
Combined Storage Rules in Safety Storage Cabinets
What must not be stored together in a safety storage cabinet?
Hazardous substances that can react with each other in a dangerous manner must not be stored in the same safety storage cabinet.
This applies for example to flammable liquids and hazardous substances that can cause fires – such as self-igniting or pyrophoric hazardous substances – as well as acids and bases, which must not be placed in the same collection tray.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The upper limit for flammable liquids per safety storage cabinet is determined by the collection volume of the cabinet – the previously applicable upper limit of 300 litres is no longer valid. This limit applies regardless of the hazard category. The actual total fill quantity of all containers in the cabinet is decisive, not their nominal capacity.
Yes. Applicable safety regulations do not limit the number of safety storage cabinets per fire section. Multiple cabinets may be placed, provided each individual cabinet complies with the quantity limits and the risk assessment takes this into account. Each Type 90 cabinet is recognised as an independent storage section.
No. For partially used containers, the actual stored quantity is decisive. For example, a 10-litre canister that is 40% full counts as 4 litres towards the total – not 10 litres.
Outside safety storage cabinets, only very limited quantities are permitted in the working space under applicable European safety regulations. Many substances may only be kept in mechanically ventilated safety storage cabinets with Type 90 fire protection. For small quantities outside cabinets, a container limit of 2.5 litres per breakable container and 10 litres per non-breakable container also applies.
A separate storage room is required when the quantity thresholds under applicable European safety regulations are exceeded: for H225 substances from 200 kg, for H226 substances from 1,000 kg. A hazardous substance store is also required if the general small-quantity limits (total net stored mass of all hazardous substances > 1,500 kg) are exceeded.
DÜPERTHAL offers safety storage cabinets in sizes S, M, L and XL. The XL variants of the CLASSIC pro and PREMIUM pro lines offer up to 6 storage levels and external widths of up to approx. 1,200 mm – designed for high-capacity storage with a compact footprint. For the combined storage of different hazardous substance categories, HSC cabinets with separated cabinet sections are available.
No. H224 substances and hazardous substances with ignition temperatures below 200 °C may only be stored in mechanically ventilated safety storage cabinets with at least 90 minutes fire resistance. An unventilated cabinet is not legally sufficient for these substances, regardless of the quantity stored.
Expert Perspective
"The collection tray litre limit per cabinet is the key figure for operational planning. Those who need larger quantities think in cabinets – not in litres. With multiple Type 90 cabinets, each as an independent storage section, almost any requirement can be met in the working space in a norm-compliant manner, without needing to build a separate storage room."
— DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Hazardous Materials Storage Advisory
DÜPERTHAL Safety Storage Cabinets for Flammable Liquids: Product Overview
All cabinets are Type 90 certified and equipped with inlet and outlet ventilation at every storage level. Configurable with DÜPERTHAL connect for 24/7 monitoring.
| Product Line | Door Type | Sizes | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLASSIC line | Wing door | S, M, L, ML, XL | Versatile, shelves or pull-out trays |
| PREMIUM line | Folding door | S, M, L, ML, XL | Space-saving, full opening width |
| COMFORT line | Folding door, foot pedal | M, L, XL | Hands-free operation, pneumatic |
| COMPACT line | Wing door | S | For large containers up to 200 litres |
| UTS line | Wing door | S, M, L, XL | Under-bench cabinet, automatically extending pull-out tray |
| BENCH line | Wing door | S, M | Under-bench cabinet, automatically extending pull-out tray |
| COOL line | Wing door | M, L, XL | Refrigerated storage, ex-protected, +3 to +16 °C |
Standards and Regulatory References
| Document | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DIN EN 14470-1 | Safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids – classification, requirements, test methods | Current |
| CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 / GHS | Classification and labelling of substances and mixtures | Current |
| EU Framework Directive 98/24/EC | Protection of workers from risks related to chemical agents at work | Current |
| ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU / IECEx | Equipment for use in explosive atmospheres | Current |
| EN 1363-1 | Fire resistance tests – general requirements | Current |
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