Pianotech

  • 1.  Hazardous Material Storage

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-10-2025 18:18

    I am moving my shop, and am wondering if it's worth getting a special cabinet for flammable liquids. I don't have a full rebuilding shop and I don't do full refinishing, so it's just normal lubricants, solvents, finish touch-up stuff, etc. Am I overthinking this, or is this a real concern? Does anyone else keep a hazardous material cabinet in their shop 



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    Peter Stevenson RPT
    P.S. Piano Service
    Prince George BC
    (250) 562-5358
    ps@pspianos.com
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  • 2.  RE: Hazardous Material Storage

    Member
    Posted 08-10-2025 19:10
    I use a couple old, metal school lockers to store anything flammable. I guess they offer some ventilation of possible fumes plus would contain any flames. They were my dad's who used them for the same purpose.

    Deb

    5 Tarr's Lane WEST
    Rockport, MA  01966
    978-546-8428



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Hazardous Material Storage

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-11-2025 06:40
    Good question.
    You should take into account the status of your business and the attached possibilities of liability for the same. Take into consideration a worst-best case scenario and the potential insurance concerns should anything happen.
    Most of us have small shops and that said, here are some very generic guidelines. Of course OSHA is the ultimate regulatory body for this type of thing however the old adage better safe than sorry" always holds true.  
    Yes I DO have proper fire safety storage containers both at the school/shop and at home. 
    Liquids
    Storage Limits: You can store up to 25 gallons of Category 1 flammable liquids outside of a cabinet. For Categories 2–4, the limit increases to 120 gallons if stored in approved containers.
    Approved Cabinets: If you exceed those limits, use fire-rated cabinets labeled "Flammable – Keep Fire Away." Each cabinet can hold up to 60 gallons of Category 1–3 liquids.
    Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent vapor buildup, especially in enclosed areas.Ignition Sources: Keep flammables away from heat, sparks, or open flames. Install grounding and bonding systems if transferring liquids between containers.

    Aerosols
    Separate Storage: Do not store flammable aerosols in the same cabinet as flammable liquids. Aerosols require dedicated cages or lockers to prevent pressure-related hazards.
    Temperature Control: Avoid high heat areas-metal cans with propellants like butane or propane can rupture under extreme temperatures.
    Labeling: Make sure all aerosol containers are clearly marked and inventoried.

    Other Chemicals
    Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Keep SDSs for every chemical on-site and easily accessible. These guide your storage, handling, and emergency response protocols.
    Compatibility: Store chemicals based on compatibility groups. For example, oxidizers should never be near flammables

    Here's a link direct to OSHA standards on flammables
    https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.106

    Hope this information is helpful. Best wishes in your choices and decisions on how to proceed.
    Gerry




    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Hazardous Material Storage

    Member
    Posted 08-11-2025 15:51

    Flammable storage cabinets are always the good choice, but they are very expensive. Minimizing the quantities of flammable and combustible materials kept in the shop is also important. The fire marshal would be the local authority on how best to store quantities of flammables. Comments under Ventilation, I assume refer to the room/space in which flammable materials are used. Flammable storage cabinets are not ventilated (or have flame arrestors) and double-wall constructed. 



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    John Ginter
    La Grange TX
    (832) 722-3033
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    Original Message