When managing hazardous substances in the workplace, one of the most common points of confusion for safety managers is understanding the difference between a COSHH store and a flammable cabinet. Although both are designed to protect workers and the environment, they serve distinct regulatory purposes and are governed by different legislation. Getting this wrong can result in enforcement action, fines, and — most seriously — preventable accidents.
What is a COSHH Store?
A COSHH store is a designated storage area for hazardous substances regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). These regulations require employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances including chemicals, biological agents, dust, and fumes. A COSHH store is the physical solution for safely housing these substances away from the general workplace, limiting exposure and preventing accidental release.
COSHH stores are typically used for a broad range of materials — corrosives, irritants, toxic substances, and harmful chemicals that do not necessarily pose a significant flammability risk. The primary focus is on health protection: preventing inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or environmental contamination.
Key requirements for a COSHH store include:
- Adequate ventilation (natural or forced) to prevent vapour accumulation
- Secondary containment or bunded flooring to capture spills
- Appropriate labelling and GHS/CLP signage
- Access restricted to trained personnel
- Inventory management and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) readily available
- Compatibility segregation — acids away from alkalis, oxidisers away from flammables
What is a Flammable Cabinet?
A flammable cabinet — sometimes called a flammable storage cabinet or DSEAR cabinet — is specifically engineered to store flammable and combustible liquids safely. These units are governed primarily by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), which implement the ATEX Directive in UK law.
DSEAR requires employers to identify substances that could create a fire or explosion risk, assess the likelihood of ignition, and implement appropriate controls. A flammable storage cabinet is a key physical control, typically constructed from heavy-gauge steel with self-closing doors, internal bunding to contain leaks, and heat-resistant insulation that can withstand a defined period of fire exposure — commonly 30 or 60 minutes.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | COSHH Store | Flammable Cabinet |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Legislation | COSHH Regulations 2002 | DSEAR 2002 |
| Primary Hazard Addressed | Health hazards (toxic, corrosive, irritant) | Fire and explosion risk |
| Construction Standard | General chemical resistance | Fire-resistant steel, 30-60 min fire rating |
| Ventilation Requirements | Essential for vapour control | Required; vents must be fire-damper rated |
| Bunding | Required for spill containment | Integrated sump for flammable liquid capture |
| Typical Contents | Corrosives, toxics, pesticides, cleaning agents | Petrol, solvents, acetone, ethanol, paints |
Can You Store Flammables in a COSHH Store?
Not without additional controls. A standard COSHH store is not fire-rated and will not provide adequate protection if a flammable substance ignites. Similarly, storing purely toxic, non-flammable substances in an expensive DSEAR-rated cabinet may be overkill and waste valuable space and budget.
In practice, many workplaces require both — or a combined COSHH/flammable store with appropriate zoning, ventilation, and fire suppression. Always conduct a COSHH and DSEAR risk assessment before selecting your storage solution.
Choosing the Right Storage Solution
At Spill Control Products UK, we supply a full range of compliant chemical storage solutions including COSHH stores, flammable cabinets, and bunded chemical stores. Whether you are storing fuel on a construction site, solvents in a manufacturing facility, or laboratory reagents in a research environment, getting your storage right is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Browse our full range of spill containment products to find the right fit for your site.
Need expert advice? Call 01744 520 110