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Bottomline- Five Rules of Thumb for Flammables Cabinets

A flammables storage cabinet
A man with a hard hat utilizes a flammables storage cabinet

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Operating a concession within a national park means balancing guest services with environmental stewardship and strict safety standards. Whether you're running a maintenance shop, a food service operation, or a retail store, proper handling of flammable liquids is critical. One of the most overlooked, yet vital, tools in your safety arsenal is the flammable storage cabinet. Flammable storage cabinets are also one of the most common places for environmental & safety violations.

  1. Only Store What Needs to Be Stored

  • If it’s not flammable, do not store it in a flammable cabinet. Flammable storage cabinets are not general-purpose lockers. They’re specifically designed for flammable and combustible liquids, such as fuels, solvents, and cleaning agents. Storing non-flammable or unrelated materials increases clutter and can mask hazards.

  1. Limit the Quantity

  • Never store more than 60 gallons of flammable liquids in a single cabinet. Overloading a storage cabinet can compromise containment and increase fire risk. Exceeding limits may also violate code or your contract.

  1. Keep It Closed and Properly Labeled

  • Cabinet doors must stay closed when not in use and be clearly labeled. Additionally, cabinets should have selfclosing doors. A cabinet’s fire resistance is only real when closed. Labels ensure staff and first responders immediately recognize the hazards of the materials inside the cabinet.

  1. Never Store Incompatible Materials Together

  • Flammable cabinets are for flammable liquids only. You should not store incompatible materials, such as acids, oxidizers, corrosives, or combustibles (including cardboard containers), together with flammable materials.

  1. No Open Flames or Electrical Sources Nearby

  • Keep heat and ignition sources at least 3 feet away from your storage cabinets. This includes space heaters, water heaters, and battery chargers. Spark sources near flammable cabinets present an extreme risk.

Safety Is Part of the Visitor Experience
As a National Park concessioner, your operational areas often double as high-visibility public spaces. By following these five rules of thumb, you help ensure:

  • Staff and visitor safety

  • Compliance with OSHA and NFPA codes

  • Protection of park resources around you

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Last updated: December 23, 2025