In any environment where chemicals are used or stored, proper containment is critical to safety. Hazardous substance cabinets, such as flammable storage cabinets and chemical storage cupboards, are designed to store volatile, corrosive or toxic materials safely. These cabinets minimise fire risks, prevent leaks, and ensure compliance with Hong Kong’s occupational safety regulations.
At RS HK, you can find a wide selection of high-quality chemical and flammable cabinets that meet strict international safety standards for industrial, laboratory and educational use.
Understanding CoSHH And What It Stands for
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, a UK-based standard that guides the safe storage, handling and use of dangerous materials. While not directly enforced in Hong Kong, COSHH principles are widely adopted by global workplaces to maintain safety and compliance. Following these standards, every hazardous storage cabinet is designed to prevent spills, fires and exposure, providing a secure solution for managing chemicals and flammable liquids.
Functions of Hazardous Substance Cabinets
- Provide secure, sealed containment for hazardous materials.
- Separate incompatible substances such as acids and flammables.
- Minimise vapour emissions and fire hazards.
- Protect workers from accidental exposure.
- Support regulatory compliance with safety standards and environmental guidelines.
These cabinets are integral to laboratories, workshops and industrial sites that handle chemicals or flammable materials daily.
What Types of Chemicals Require Hazardous Substance Cabinets
- Flammable Liquids: Flammable storage cabinets are used to hold solvents, fuels and paints that emit combustible vapours. Their construction slows the spread of fire and provides ventilation to reduce ignition risk.
- Corrosive Chemicals: Acid storage cabinets and corrosive storage cabinets are built with resistant coatings and linings to prevent corrosion or leaks when storing acids, alkalis and cleaning agents.
- Toxic Substances: Chemical safety cabinets store hazardous compounds that can cause poisoning or respiratory issues, keeping harmful vapours contained and away from personnel.
Do COSHH Cupboards Have To Be Yellow?
Not all COSHH cupboards need to be yellow, but colour coding helps identify contents quickly. The common standards are:
- Yellow: Flammable liquids
- Blue: Toxic or harmful substances
- White or Grey: General chemicals and non-corrosive materials
- Red: Highly flammable or fuel-based liquids
- Green: Corrosive materials such as acids or alkalis
The colour-coding system simplifies hazard recognition, ensuring that substances are handled correctly in emergencies.
Applications of Hazardous Substance Cabinets
Hazardous substance cabinets play a vital role across multiple industries and facilities:
- Laboratories: Used for storing reagents, acids and solvents safely, ensuring compliance with lab safety regulations while keeping chemicals organised.
- Industrial Workshops: Chemical and flammable cabinets prevent spills and protect flammable liquids used in cleaning, lubrication or maintenance processes.
- Schools and Universities: A chemical storage cabinet ensures safe containment of science lab materials, reducing exposure risks for students and staff.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics use chemical waste cabinets to manage disinfectants, medications and biological waste securely.
- Manufacturing Plants: Flammable liquid storage cabinets and acid storage cabinets are crucial for storing raw materials and cleaning chemicals used in production processes.
How to Choose the Right Hazardous Substance Cabinet
When selecting a safety storage cabinet for flammable liquids or chemicals, consider the following:
- Size and Capacity: Choose a cabinet size suitable for your storage needs, from small bench-top models to large floor-standing units.
- Material: For corrosive or acidic substances, pick a chemical storage cupboard with acid-resistant lining. Steel construction is best for flammable storage cabinets, while polyethylene options suit corrosive materials.
- Locking Mechanism: Ensure the cabinet has a secure locking system to prevent unauthorised access. Self-closing and key-lockable models offer added protection.
- Ventilation: Some hazardous substance cabinets include vents or filters to reduce the build-up of dangerous vapours inside.
- Spill Containment: Look for integrated spill trays or sumps that capture leaks, keeping work areas safe and compliant.
Why Choose RS for Hazardous Substance Cabinets
RS is a trusted supplier of hazardous substance cabinets in Hong Kong, offering a comprehensive selection from leading brands such as Justrite, Bott and our very own RS PRO. Each corrosive storage cabinet meets international safety standards, with clear price information and product specifications available. You can also find the lockers, storage boxes and storage racking you need in our catalogue.
When you order from us, you can benefit from fast and reliable delivery throughout Hong Kong, with next-day delivery available for qualifying items. We provide real-time tracking and efficient customer support to ensure that your safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids always arrive safely and on time. For more on our ordering process, delivery fees and services, please refer to our delivery page.