Fire-resistant cabinet – what should you pay attention to when buying?

Why do I need a fire-resistant cabinet in my facility?

Fire-resistant cabinets are designed for storing flammable and highly flammable substances. They are ideal for production halls, warehouses, and laboratories. In the event of a fire, fire-resistant cabinets close automatically, and when the temperature rises above 70 C°, all openings and joints are sealed. The contents of the cabinet are protected from the effects of an external fire for a strictly specified time – 30 or 90 minutes. Thanks to this, the stored combustible materials do not contribute to the spread of fire. Storing hazardous substances in cabinets intended for this purpose enables employees to leave the workplace safely and also allows the fire brigade to intervene.

What substances and in what quantities will be stored in fire-resistant cabinets.

‍Before choosing a safety cabinet, create a list of all the substances you want to store. This list should include the expected quantities for current and future use. Each hazardous substance comes with a safety data sheet that describes its properties. The sheet should specify the hazards and storage recommendations. Pay attention to which chemicals cannot be stored together and place them in separate safety cabinets.

Cabinet installation and the properties of the workplace space

When choosing a place for a safety cabinet in the facility, remember that it cannot stand on evacuation routes or under stairs. Place the cabinet away from ignition sources, flames, hot gases, electrical equipment, and away from work such as welding or grinding.

Proper installation ensures the fire-resistant performance of the cabinet.

Remember to properly level the cabinet on the floor. Any drilling is prohibited because it reduces the fire resistance of the cabinet. If you need to route a cable out, we will prepare a special fire-resistant cable gland so the cabinet does not lose its properties. In accordance with EN 14470, fire-resistant cabinets should be connected to ventilation to prevent vapors from escaping into the work area. The ventilation must be led outside to a safe location. Alternatively, in compliance with the requirements of the ATEX directive (2014/34/EU), it is possible to use a filter ventilator. The advantage of a filter ventilator over connecting the cabinet to standard exhaust ventilation is minimizing the risk of vapors mixing with other substances and their vapors in the surroundings. Such connections always generate additional risk. If you decide not to connect the cabinet to ventilation, an explosion hazard zone must be designated. Additionally, remember that the device must be grounded through equipotential bonding to prevent electrostatic charging.

‍Size and equipment of a fire-resistant cabinet

Various sizes and variants of safety cabinets are available on the market. From smaller S sizes to large and spacious XL ones, with capacities ranging from 30l to 250l. To make maximum use of space in the facility, you can choose, for example, an under-bench cabinet. Based on our several years of experience, we advise choosing a larger cabinet to secure yourself for the future when the amount of substances increases.

In our offer you will find a wide selection of various cabinets and accessories. Check the available options at: https://www.4safety.pl/83-szafy-ognioodporne

A cabinet for storing flammable substances should have:

• special insulation so that, in the event of a fire, heat does not penetrate into the interior of the cabinet,
• automatic closing at 70 °C,
• a spill tray at the bottom that will collect leaks even during a fire,
• adjustable shelves made of non-absorbent material,  
• a system for keeping the doors in the open position and a key lock for each door leaf,
• ventilation openings, including outlet ones, that close automatically in the event of a fire,
• adjustable feet for easy positioning and leveling of the cabinet.

Additional equipment options:

• JR system - the ability to open the cabinet with one hand, using minimal effort via the handle
• grounding cables
• pull-out shelves on runners
• possibility of dividing the cabinet with partitions

What certificates should a fire-resistant cabinet have?

Cabinets for storing flammable substances should meet the requirements of the European standards EN14470-1 and EN14727. The EN14727 standard defines the standard for laboratory furniture, test methods, and requirements for storage segments used in laboratories. The standard specifies strength, durability, and safety requirements. The EN14470-1 standard defines the basic requirements for fire-resistant cabinets, equipment elements, ventilation, and door closing.

Many insurance companies also require the FM GLOBAL certificate. As part of its FM Approvals unit, it provides certification and testing services for industrial and commercial products worldwide. The recognized and respected FM Approvals certification gives customers confidence that the product has been objectively tested and meets the highest quality standards.  

When using 90 min fire-resistant cabinets, an additional benefit is meeting risk management requirements in accordance with ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 standards.

Type of fire resistance

90 min or 30 min? For a fire-resistant cabinet to be more than just a name, it must meet restrictive regulations and standards defined in Polish and European norms. To choose the type of fire resistance, the facility's fire suppression system should be taken into account. If your plant does not have such a system, a 90 min cabinet is recommended. This option gives much more time for employee evacuation and intervention by fire services. According to the recommendations of auditors and insurers, cabinets with a 90 min rating are recommended.

‍Delivery of your new fire-resistant cabinet.

When receiving the cabinet from the courier, remember to carefully check whether it was damaged during transport. Do this in the presence of the driver; if you notice anything concerning, prepare a damage report.

What does the fire test look like according to PN EN-14470-1 for 90 min cabinets?

• The cabinet temperature is measured at 13 designated points,
• The fire wall is located 10 cm from the cabinet,
• The cabinet is subjected to fire according to the curve: temperature ‒ time
• in accordance with the DIN EN1363‒1 standard,
• The cabinet withstands 90 or 30 min before its interior heats up to 180 °C.

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Are you still wondering why the insurer requires the use of EN14470 fire-resistant cabinets to reduce the risk of losses related to the reduced spread of fire?

If you would like to see a facility that protected its property after a real fire thanks to the purchased cabinets, contact us - we will meet on site and exchange experiences.

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