Buyers Guide: Dangerous Goods Cabinets

What to look for when choosing a dangerous goods cabinet

Dangerous goods cabinets are also known as DG cabinets or flammable storage cabinets. These metal lockers are specifically designed to contain and segregate hazardous liquids such as fuels, chemicals and corrosive liquids, oxidizing agents, toxic substances and spontaneously combustible substances.

Storing these dangerous goods at your workplace introduces risks such as spillage, fires or explosions, which is why it’s vital they are stored in a cabinet to help reduce and contain the risk.

Jaybro has a range of dangerous goods storage systems for sale. This article compares the specifications of each as well as giving you some additional points to think about to ensure your workplace is as safe as possible.

Working out what you need

The first step is conducting a risk assessment on the type and variety of dangerous goods at your workplace. Most State workplace safety authorities have resources to help with this.

When it comes to dangerous goods, you should assess the goods in use by reviewing the MSDS for each substance. Think about the areas and staff at risk and attempt to engineer out as many hazards as possible by using the hierarchy of workplace safety controls.

Do you need more than one dangerous goods cabinet?

Some substances are not compatible and need to be stored separately. Depending on the type and assortment of liquids you are storing, you may need to segregate some liquids. This could mean buying more than one cabinet to store your dangerous goods.

Additionally, storage guidelines for certain dangerous goods stipulate that certain classes of goods require doors that close automatically but do not latch when they close. This is so that in the event of a spill, pressure can be released from the cabinet in a controlled fashion

Whether you need one or multiple cabinets, it's important that they comply with Australian Standard AS1940 on the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, and any other relevant standards specific to your area or industry.

Positioning your dangerous goods cabinet

Locating your dangerous goods storage cabinet away from any ignition sources is critical. This can include power points, motors, transformers, fuse boards, fans, air conditioners, fridges and other appliances. Note the location of items with pilot flames, or naked flames such as blowtorches, and think about areas where grinding or welding occurs in your workplace.

Gas bottle cages

Australian Standard AS4332 relates to the storage and handling of gases in cylinders. This Standard provides advice on the specific precautions needed for storing gas cylinders. If your risk assessment process and local regulations determine that you need to buy a gas bottle cage, Jaybro has a small and large version available.

Where can I find more information?

The SafeWork NSW Code of practice on managing risks of hazardous chemicals is a great resource.

Always check with your local authority and your workplace health and safety representative for your specific situation.

Small Dangerous Goods Cabinet

Best for: up to six 20L containers

Shelves: 2

Capacity: 160L

Complies with: AS1940

This small dangerous good cabinet is ideal for flammable liquids and chemical storage with a 160L capacity. Two sturdy and adjustable shelves mean it can fit 6 x 20L containers. At 1230mm high and powder coated yellow, this cabinet is a highly recognisable addition to the workplace. The cabinet weighs 115kg and has a 150mm sump in the bottom.

Large Dangerous Goods Cabinet

Best for: up to nine 20L containers

Shelves: 3

Capacity: 250L

Complies with: AS1940

This yellow powder coated steel dangerous goods cabinet has a 250L capacity. It can store 9 x 20L cans and has 3 adjustable shelves. Standing 1760mm high this cabinet is ideal for the storage of cans and containers of solvents, thinners, petrol, kerosene, etc. It has a 150mm sump in the bottom and complies with AS1940.

Small Gas Bottle Cage

Best for: securely storing gas bottles

Shelves: 1 removable

Fits: 12 x 9kg bottles with shelf, 6 x 18kg bottles without shelf

The small gas bottle storage cage provides secure storage on building sites. Its lockable gate, mesh sides and galvanised roof sheeting ensure security. Forklift tyne provision under the cage along with stacking lugs underneath mean it is easy to transport. This gas cage has a Working Load Limit (WLL) of  250kg. The cage weighs 106kg and stands 1080mm tall. It has the capacity to fit 12 x 9kg gas bottles when using the shelf, or 6 x 18kg gas bottles without the shelf.

Large Gas Bottle Cage

Best for: transporting gas bottles

SWL: 750kg

Weight: 160kg

The large gas cylinder storage cage has been designed as a secure storage unit for building sites and mines. The lockable gate, mesh sides and roof sheeting ensure security. This cage is fitted with a 4 point crane lifting points, and forklift tyne pockets underneath for transport. The internal load binder prevents cylinder movement during transport. It has a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 750kg. This gas cage weighs 160kg and stands 1928mm high.