NFPA does say it is better to not store incompatible materials in the same cabinet. But cardboard is not necessarily considered incompatible but flammable. The problem is that cardboard will absorb flammable liquids and increase the chance that material may get mixed with other materials and or thrown in a trash can or dumpster and now it is highly flammable. ?I have attached some information from NFPA to support this help support the practice of not storing cardboard in a flammable material cabinet. In fact, best practice would be to remove any flammable material from a carton or cardboard box before storing in a flammable material storage cabinet. See below:
ere are some key points to consider when storing cardboard inside a flammable material designated cabinet according to NFPA 30:
- Segregation of Incompatible Materials: NFPA 30 generally requires the segregation of incompatible materials to prevent accidental reactions. While cardboard itself is not flammable, the contents of the cardboard containers (e.g., flammable liquids) may be. You should ensure that incompatible materials are not stored together, and that any containers with flammable materials are properly sealed.
- Container Integrity: The containers holding flammable materials should be in good condition with no leaks. If cardboard containers are used to store these materials, they should not be damaged or deteriorated in a way that could lead to leaks.
- Proper Labeling: Containers should be clearly labeled to indicate the contents and any associated hazards. This labeling should be in accordance with NFPA 704 or other applicable standards.
- Ventilation: Flammable material storage cabinets should be located in areas with adequate ventilation and kept away from potential sources of ignition.
- Cabinet Design and Construction: The cabinet itself should meet the design and construction requirements of NFPA 30 for flammable material storage. This includes having the proper fire resistance and safety features to protect against fires.
- Limits on Quantity: NFPA 30 specifies quantity limits for the storage of flammable and combustible materials based on their classification. The quantities stored should not exceed these limits within a cabinet.
- Regular Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance of the cabinet and its contents are important to ensure continued compliance with NFPA requirements.
