Safety Talk: Flammable Cabinet/Storage in Ontario: Hazards, Regulations, and Best Practices

Storing flammable materials safely in the workplace is crucial to prevent fires, explosions, and other hazardous incidents.

In Ontario, using flammable cabinets or storage is regulated by various standards and guidelines to ensure workplace safety for those who handle these hazardous materials. This article will cover the hazards associated with improper storage of flammable substances, the relevant regulations in Ontario, and best practices for flammable storage management.

Hazards of Flammable Materials

Flammable materials, such as solvents, fuels, chemicals, and gases, pose several risks in the workplace:

Fire Hazard: Flammable materials can easily ignite if exposed to a heat source, spark, or open flame. Once ignited, these materials can cause fires that spread rapidly, posing a severe risk to people, property, and the environment.

Explosion Risk: In confined spaces, flammable vapors can accumulate and create explosive atmospheres. If ignited, these vapors can lead to an explosion, causing significant damage and potential loss of life.

Health Hazard: Exposure to flammable substances can have adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, or more severe toxicological effects, depending on the material involved.

Regulations for Flammable Storage in Ontario

Ontario has specific regulations and standards governing the storage of flammable materials to mitigate these hazards. These regulations are primarily found in the following:

Ontario Fire Code (OFC), O. Reg. 213/07: The OFC outlines requirements for storing, handling, and using flammable and combustible materials. It mandates that flammable liquids be stored in approved containers and cabinets that meet specific standards, such as ULC (Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada) or NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) specifications.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations for Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851): This regulation includes provisions for maintaining safe working environments, which indirectly pertain to storing flammable materials. It requires employers to provide adequate information, instruction, and supervision to protect worker health and safety, including safely handling and storing flammable substances.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015): WHMIS sets requirements for labeling, safety data sheets, and worker education and training on hazardous products, including flammable substances.

Environmental Protection Act (EPA): The EPA may require special storage considerations for workplaces that handle significant quantities of hazardous materials to prevent environmental contamination due to spills or leaks.

Best Practices for Flammable Storage

Use Approved Flammable Storage Cabinets: All flammable liquids should be stored in cabinets specifically designed for that purpose. To meet safety standards, these cabinets should be made of double-walled steel with self-closing doors, vents, and a spill containment sump (e.g., ULC/ORD-C1275 or NFPA 30).

Limit Quantities: Keep only the minimum amount of flammable materials necessary for immediate use. Store larger quantities in dedicated storage areas or well-ventilated rooms away from ignition sources.

Proper Labeling: Ensure all containers and storage cabinets are clearly labelled with the appropriate WHMIS labels and symbols to indicate the presence of flammable materials.

Maintain Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours. Storage areas should have adequate ventilation systems if at all possible, to maintain air quality and reduce vapour concentrations.

Control Ignition Sources: Keep storage areas free from ignition sources, such as open flames, sparks, or electrical equipment that is not explosion-proof.

Employee Training and Education: As required by WHMIS 2015, all employees must be trained on the hazards associated with flammable materials, the use of storage cabinets, emergency procedures, and safe handling practices.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Inspect storage cabinets, containers, and storage areas to identify any signs of damage, leaks, or deterioration. Ensure that safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and spill kits, is readily available and in good working condition.

Emergency Preparedness: Develop and implement an emergency response plan for spills, fires, or other incidents involving flammable materials. Ensure all employees are familiar with the plan and know how to respond effectively.

Reasons to Maintain an Inventory of Flammable Products

Emergency Preparedness: An accurate inventory helps emergency responders quickly assess the situation during a fire, spill, or other emergency. Knowing what materials are stored and their quantities can influence how they approach firefighting or containment.

Regulatory Compliance: Some regulations, like the Ontario Fire Code (OFC) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), indirectly require employers to keep records of hazardous materials on-site, including flammable substances. An inventory can help demonstrate compliance during inspections by authorities such as the Ministry of Labour or local fire departments.

Safety and Risk Management: An inventory allows for the tracking of quantities and types of flammable materials stored. This helps ensure that the amount of flammable liquid stored does not exceed the cabinet’s rated capacity or regulatory limits, thereby reducing the risk of fire or explosion.

Efficient Stock Management: Maintaining an inventory helps manage stock levels, ensuring that expired, unused, or unnecessary chemicals are removed promptly. This reduces the risk of chemical degradation or reactions that could pose additional hazards.

Facilitates Inspections and Audits: An up-to-date inventory makes conducting regular safety inspections and audits easier. It allows safety officers to quickly verify that all materials are properly labelled, stored correctly, and within the permitted quantity limits.

Best Practices for Maintaining an Inventory

Create a Detailed Inventory List: The inventory should include:

The product name and description.

The type of flammable material (e.g., liquid, gas).

The hazard classification (e.g., flammable, combustible).

The quantity and size of containers.

The date of receipt and expiration (if applicable).

The location within the cabinet or storage area.

Update Regularly: The inventory should be updated regularly, especially when new materials are added, used, or removed. A good practice is to review and update the inventory at least monthly or whenever there is a significant change in the stored materials.

Use Digital Tools: Consider using digital inventory management tools or software to track flammable materials. This approach can improve accuracy, make updates easier, and allow for quicker access during emergencies or audits.

Cross-Reference with Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Ensure that each item in the inventory corresponds with a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which provides detailed information on the hazards, handling, and storage requirements of each material.

Keep a Copy Outside the Storage Area: Store a copy of the inventory list outside the flammable storage area, such as in the safety manager's office or at a designated emergency response station. This ensures the information is accessible even if the storage area is compromised.

Train Employees: Train employees on maintaining the inventory and emphasize the importance of keeping it accurate and up-to-date. Employees should know where to find the inventory and SDSs and how to use them in emergencies.

Conclusion

Storing flammable materials safely is a key aspect of workplace safety in Ontario. By understanding the hazards, complying with relevant regulations, and following best practices, employers can help prevent incidents that could result in injury, property damage, or environmental harm. Proper use of flammable storage cabinets, adequate training, and regular inspections are essential components of a robust safety program.

By staying informed and vigilant, workplaces can reduce risks and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

Regulations and Standards

Ontario Fire Code (OFC), O. Reg. 213/07:

The Ontario Fire Code outlines requirements for the safe storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible materials. You can find the full text of the code and its regulations on the Ontario e-Laws website.

Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations for Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851):

These regulations include provisions that indirectly relate to the storage of flammable materials. The OHSA ensures that employers provide safe working conditions, which include proper storage and handling of hazardous substances.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

Regulations for Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851)

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015):

WHMIS regulations require proper labelling, safety data sheets, and employee training on hazardous materials, including flammable substances.

WHMIS 2015 Information

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards:

The NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code provides guidelines for the safe storage of flammable liquids, including specifications for storage cabinets.

NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

Environmental Protection Act (EPA), Ontario:

The EPA includes provisions related to the storage and handling of hazardous materials to prevent spills or leaks that could harm the environment.

Environmental Protection Act, Ontario

Best Practices and Guidance

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

The CCOHS provides guidelines on storing and handling flammable materials, including best practices for flammable storage cabinets.

CCOHS: Flammable Liquids

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Ontario):

The Ministry offers guidance on workplace safety regulations, including handling and storing hazardous substances.

Ontario Ministry of Labour: Handling Hazardous Materials

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Specific Products:

For specific flammable products, refer to the safety data sheets for detailed information on hazards, storage, and handling requirements.

Access SDS Information

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