Acids, along with flammable liquids, are some of the most dangerous substances that you could store at your facility. Storing them properly therefore, is crucial to the safest substances.

If you are handling considerable amount of acids in your facility, you would most likely require acid storage cabinets, also sometimes called corrosive storage cabinets. These cabinets are specifically designed to contain acids and provide a wide range of safety measures.

When looking for acid or corrosive storage cabinets there are a number of things you have to consider.

First, it has to be approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and meets the safety requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30.

Next, make sure that your acid storage cabinet has the follow essential safety features:

·                           It has to be made out of solid 18 gauge steel.

·                           High quality steel cabinets usually come with a finish of lead-free epoxy powder coating which provide better protection than just plain epoxy paint; so opt for these types.

·                           Extra safety features that you should look for in an acid storage cabinet include: external and internal welded construction, adjustable galvanized steel shelves, preferably those that can hold 350 lbs or more and of course, bilingual warning labels.

·                           The cabinets should also have raised leak proof sills, at least 2 inches high, and a ground connector to prevent sparks. However, it is important to note that this will not work for storing nitric, sulfuric or hydrochloric acids. These substances would only bore holes into the steel and compromise its contents as well as your entire facility.

Some acids emit fumes that, when mixed with others, could have a disastrous results. Also, when an occupant opens the cabinet, the fumes enter the breathing space of the workers and, as we know, fumes could have dangerous effects on health. Some storage cabinets come with vent holes to accommodate vapor removal systems. However, some local codes prohibit venting because of the idea that if a fire were to happen, the vent exhaust would feed the fire. Thus, it is important to determine if you would need to vent your acid storage cabinet/s or not. Check all federal and local codes, as well as labels on the cabinets and recommendations from manufacturers.