If your workplace stores flammable liquids — solvents, fuels, cleaning agents, adhesives, or paints — you are legally obliged to manage those substances safely. In the UK, the standard that defines how flammable liquid storage cabinets should be designed and tested is BS EN 14470-1:2004. Understanding what this standard requires, and why it matters, is essential for any site manager responsible for DSEAR compliance.
The Legal Duty: DSEAR and Beyond
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to eliminate or reduce risks from flammable and explosive substances to as low as reasonably practicable. Where complete elimination is not possible, the regulations require adequate controls — including appropriate storage arrangements.
Additional legislation that applies includes:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — general employer duty of care
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — risk assessment
- COSHH Regulations 2002 — where flammable liquids are also hazardous to health
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — fire risk assessment obligations
- Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 / Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 — if storing petrol specifically
The HSE's guidance document HSG51: The Storage of Flammable Liquids in Containers is the primary reference document for workplaces storing flammable liquids, and it explicitly recommends storage in purpose-designed cabinets conforming to BS EN 14470-1.
What Is BS EN 14470-1?
BS EN 14470-1 is the European standard for fire safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids. It specifies requirements for construction, testing, and performance to ensure that a cabinet can contain a fire and prevent it from spreading for a defined period. Cabinets are classified by their fire resistance duration:
| Type | Fire Resistance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Type 30 | 30 minutes | Low-risk areas, small quantities, good access to fire exits |
| Type 60 | 60 minutes | Standard industrial use — most common specification |
| Type 90 | 90 minutes | High-risk sites, remote locations, large quantities |
The standard tests cabinets under defined fire conditions to verify that internal temperatures remain below the ignition point of stored substances for the rated duration. It also tests that the cabinet self-closes under fire conditions and that its ventilation system does not provide a pathway for flames.
Key Construction Requirements Under BS EN 14470-1
A compliant cabinet must incorporate the following features:
- Double-walled steel construction with insulating infill between walls to resist heat transfer
- Self-closing doors fitted with fusible links or heat-activated closers that automatically shut in a fire
- Three-point door locking to maintain door integrity under fire conditions
- Ventilation ports with fire-rated baffles (or blanked off when ventilation not connected)
- Liquid-tight sump with capacity of at least 10% of total cabinet storage volume or the volume of the largest container stored, whichever is greater
- Perforated steel shelves — wire mesh shelving is not compliant
- Visible classification label showing the fire resistance type and maximum storage volumes
How Much Can You Store?
BS EN 14470-1 specifies maximum storage capacities per cabinet. Exceeding these limits invalidates the fire resistance classification. As a general guide:
- A standard Type 90 cabinet (typically 900mm wide) is rated for up to 250 litres total
- Individual containers should not exceed 60 litres
- Where possible, minimise the quantity stored to the minimum required for operations — keeping bulk quantities in a dedicated flammable goods store rather than a cabinet
Siting Your Cabinet
Location matters as much as the cabinet specification. HSG51 guidance recommends:
- Position at least 3 metres from ignition sources, heat sources, and emergency exits
- Do not position in a stairwell, escape route, or confined space
- Ensure adequate ventilation of the surrounding area
- Connect ventilation ports to an external duct or activated carbon filtration where vapour accumulation is a risk
- Signage: "Highly Flammable" and "No Smoking" signs must be prominently displayed
Finding the Right Cabinet
When purchasing a flammable storage cabinet, always verify that it carries a genuine BS EN 14470-1 classification mark and that the fire resistance type matches your risk assessment requirements. Be cautious of cheaper cabinets marketed as "suitable for flammable storage" without explicit BS EN 14470-1 certification — these may not provide the fire resistance your risk assessment demands.
At Spill Control Products UK — Chemical Storage, we supply fully compliant Type 30, Type 60, and Type 90 flammable storage cabinets in a range of sizes. Our team can advise on the right specification for your site, quantities, and substance types.
Don't forget that flammable storage is only part of your spill control obligations. Pair your cabinet with appropriate spill kits and drain protection to cover all foreseeable scenarios.
Need expert advice? Call 01744 520 110