Dangerous Goods Storage Cabinets

Dangerous goods cabinets are designed to safely store hazardous substances such as flammable liquids, corrosives, oxidising agents, and toxic chemicals inside workplaces. Their purpose is to contain spills, reduce fire risk, and prevent chemical incompatibility hazards within indoor environments.

Each of our cabinets are built with double-walled, fire-resistant steel construction and a liquid-tight sump to capture leaks or spills. Doors are self-closing and self-latching, ensuring the cabinet remains sealed in the event of fire or accidental impact.

pH7 cabinets are designed to meet the relevant construction requirements as set out in the following standards:

AS/NZS1940-2004 – The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Substances.

AS3780-2023 – The Storage and Handling of Corrosive Substances

AS/NZS 4452:2025 – The Storage and Handling of Toxic Substances

AS4326-2008 – The Storage and Handling of Oxidising Substances

AS/NZS5026-2012 – The Storage and Handling of Class 4 Dangerous Goods 

Choosing the right cabinet depends on the type and class of chemical you’re storing. Each hazardous substance requires a specific cabinet design and construction that meets its safety standard.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Flammable liquids (Class 3) – Paints, solvents, fuels → use a flammable liquids cabinet compliant with AS 1940:2017.
• Corrosive substances (Class 8) – Acids, alkalis, cleaning agents → use a corrosive storage cabinet compliant with AS 3780:2008.
• Toxic substances (Class 6.1) – Pesticides, poisons → use a toxic substances cabinet compliant with AS/NZS 4452:2025.
• Oxidising agents (Class 5.1) – Hydrogen peroxide, nitrates → use an oxidising agent cabinet compliant with AS 4326:2008.
• Organic peroxides (Class 5.2) – MEKP, benzoyl peroxide → use an organic peroxide cabinet compliant with AS 2714:2008.

When selecting a cabinet, consider:

• Chemical compatibility – never store incompatible substances together.
• Volume and frequency of use – ensure the cabinet size and sump capacity meet EPA and WorkSafe NZ requirements.
• Location and ventilation – keep away from ignition sources, heat, or direct sunlight.

pH7’s technical team can help you assess your chemical inventory and recommend the most compliant and practical storage configuration for your site.

Proper installation is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and safe operation. For example, here are some of the location requirements for flammable storage cabinets as set out in AS/NZS 1940:

• Be installed on a level, non-combustible surface (such as concrete).
• Maintain minimum separation distances from ignition sources, emergency exits, and incompatible substances.
• Be located in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and high-traffic pathways.
• Have adequate spill containment, either via the integrated sump or supplementary bunding if required by the site’s total stored volume.
• Display legible hazard class labels and GHS pictograms.
• Do not located under stairwells or anywhere that would impede exit in the event of a fire.

For flammable cabinets, ensure there is no electrical equipment or heat source within the cabinet’s classified hazardous zone. Anchoring or wall securing is recommended to prevent tipping during seismic events – an important consideration for New Zealand workplaces.

Routine inspection and maintenance ensure your cabinet remains structurally sound, compliant, and effective over time.

Follow these best practices:

• Inspect monthly for corrosion, dents, damaged seals, or worn hinges.
• Empty and clean the sump if liquids or residues accumulate.
• Verify door mechanisms (self-closing, self-latching) operate smoothly.
• Check signage and hazard labels for legibility.

Cabinets exposed to chemical vapours or moisture should be ventilated periodically to prevent corrosion, following the manufacturer’s ventilation specifications.

All pH7 cabinets are built from durable, powder-coated steel with chemical-resistant finishes, but regular cleaning using neutral pH detergents and avoiding abrasive solvents will extend their lifespan.

No, chemicals from different hazard classes should never be stored together unless they are chemically compatible. Incompatible substances can react violently, cause fires, release toxic gases, or compromise containment integrity.

Under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 and EPA New Zealand guidance, dangerous goods must be segregated according to their hazard class and compatibility group. For example:

• Flammable liquids (Class 3) must be kept separate from oxidising agents (Class 5.1) and organic peroxides (Class 5.2).
• Corrosive substances (Class 8) should be isolated from acids or bases of opposite reactivity and away from cyanides or hypochlorites, which can release toxic gases.
• Toxic substances (Class 6.1) should be stored separately from all reactive or flammable materials.

Each cabinet is clearly labelled with its approved storage class, and only chemicals of that class should be stored inside.

If multiple hazard classes must be stored in the same area, ensure they are housed in separate, correctly labelled cabinets, maintaining the minimum segregation distances specified in the regulations.