Proper storage of flammable materials is extremely important, both from a safety standpoint and a compliance standpoint.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) lists in their Standard 45 the limits on the types and amounts of flammable storage permitted per 100 square feet of laboratory space. The chart below, taken from the 2000 edition of NFPA 45, shows these storage limits. Please note that this is for flammables stored inside a flammable cabinet or safety can.
Class of Liquid | Flash Point (°C) | Amount (gals/100 ft2) |
Class I Flammable | Below 38 | 10 |
Class I, II and IIIA combined | 38-93 | 20 |
The flash point of a material can easily be found on the MSDS. Remember that 1 gal = 3.8L