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What are the regulations for a safety cabinet?

A safety cabinet is prefabricated equipment specially designed to carry out the storage of hazardous chemicals in mobile containers protecting their contents in case of fire, for a certain period of time and which meets the safety requirements of this ITC (International Trade Center) and the APQ Regulation (656/2017).

These types of cabinets provide an efficient and quite comfortable solution for the storage of a large number of products and materials of all kinds. Security cabinets have a significantly larger capacity than safes, allowing large quantities of documents, valuables or sensitive materials to be safely stored that need to be well guarded. With the use of these security cabinets a great resistance to theft and attacks is ensured, and combined with flame retardants can provide comprehensive protection against theft and fire.

Regulations for security cabinets

The safe storage of hazardous substances is a crucial issue and of great importance in any company, since the correct storage, prevents and avoids possible accidents, while ensuring the best hygiene conditions in the work space, as well as compliance with current legislation both at the level of Risk Prevention and RD 379/2001 APQ.

The storage of flammable substances in safety cabinets is regulated by European regulations EN 14470-1. This standard was approved by the European Union on 1 April 2004 and accepted by AENOR in January 2005. The tests and the constructive characteristics of the cabinets have been reviewed and in some details specified in this regulation. According to this standard, the fire resistance of a safety cabinet must be verified by a fire test (test type). In addition to EN 14470-1, the construction requirements and specifications for the above test tests are described in detail. In this way, the time of action of the firefighters and the realization of safety protocols can be done safely and without risk for people and storage place.

Some regulatory specifications

  • According to the APQ Regulation, the maximum amount of storage allowed inside each cabinet will be determined by the dangerousness of the liquid to be stored. For highly flammable products (for example, solvents and paints that are type H224 and H225 the maximum to store is 250 liters per cabinet. And for less flammable products (type H226) the maximum quantity is 500 liters per cabinet.
  • Safety cabinets for flammables are those with a fire resistance of 90 minutes, which are typified as Type 90 according to the European standard UNE EN 14470-1.
  • It is essential to prevent operators from breathing harmful or toxic substances. Therefore, although the APQ regulation does not always require forced ventilation, it is a great measure of safety and prevention of occupational risks.

What are the characteristics of the safety cabinet for storing chemicals?

  • Comply with the APQ Regulation
  • The holding tanks must be integrated, and made of the material appropriate to the substance you need to store.
  • It must have automatic opening and closing systems.
  • Have air extraction system.
  • Secure closure to prevent access to unauthorized personnel.
  • Possess great fire resistance, according to UN EN 14470-1
  • Authorized to be placed in ATEX zone.

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a manufacturer of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES in the market, so you can make your PURCHASE confidently with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to provide you with safe, economical and effective options to perform your functions in the right way. This time we present our 416 gallon explosion proof Cabinet YR053403 // YR053403-2. This new equipment has the following features: HERE

  • Environmental protection spray, strong insulation.
  • Three-point hitch, double lock
  • High-load adjustable laminate
  • Electrostatic grounding, safety update
  • Three colors, each with its own strengths.
  • Safe and reliable double lock: Two locks, two handles. Double security, lock and closet lock, standardized management, safety factor

For more information we invite you to take a look : HERE