NFPA 30 Chapter 6 states:6.3.4* The storage cabinet shall not be required by this code to be vented for fire protection purposes, and vent openings shall be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet or with bungs specified by the cabinet manufacturer. However, if the storage cabinet is vented for any reason, the cabinet shall be vented directly to outdoors in such a manner that will not compromise the specified performance of the cabinet and in a manner that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Appendix A explains why: A.6.3.4 Venting of storage cabinets has not been demonstrated to be necessary for fire protection purposes. Additionally, venting a cabinet could compromise the ability of the cabinet to adequately protect its contents from involvement in a fire because cabinets are not generally tested with any venting. Therefore, venting of storage cabinets is not recommended. Hope this helps clear this up. - Diane Amell, MNOSHA >>> "Yung Morgan"5/19/2006 9:20:50 AM >>> Dear members, What is your opinion or experience with venting flammable storage cabinets? Our local fire department seems to be against the idea as it may compromise the integrity of the cabinets. The design architects seem to agree with the fire dept. As a former lab worker, with a lot of lab and cabinet inspections to contend with, I am in favor of venting the cabinets to prevent odor from spills and or possible leaks of odoriferous compounds. Your opinion will be appreciated and the resulting comments posted for the list serve members. Thank you in advance for your help. Yung Morgan, MsPH Chemical Safety Industrial Hygiene Services Environmental Health and Safety 117 Draper hall UMASS,Amherst MA 01003 phone (413) 545-2682 Fax (413) 545-2600 email : pmorgan**At_Symbol_Here**ehs.umass.edu
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