(Printable version)

Flammable liquids must never be stored in standard domestic refrigerators, freezers, or cold rooms

• Vapors from the stored chemicals can accumulate over time and come in contact with an electrical spark, thus creating a powerful explosion
  • Sparks can occur with normal operations of these appliances such as when a thermostat, defrost timer, internal lighting unit, or the motor turns on and off
• Even a small quantity of flammable liquid stored in a non-approved refrigerator or freezer can cause a large explosion
• Explosions, injuries, and costly laboratory fires have resulted from storing flammable liquids in domestic refrigerators or freezers

Flammable material refrigerators and explosion-proof refrigerators are designed to prevent ignition of flammable vapors and can be used for storage of flammable liquids

• A flammable liquid is defined by OSHA 1910.1200 App B Physical Criteria as having a flash point of not more than 93 °C (199.4 °F).
  • Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the flash point of liquids
• Flammable-safe refrigerators will be U.L. listed, and bear a label stating "FLAMMABLE STORAGE - KEEP FIRE AWAY"
• Explosion-proof refrigerators are constructed so that there are no sparks or static charges generated either inside or outside of the unit
  • These refrigerators are typically used in specialized locations such as solvent dispensing rooms
• Avoid storing flammable liquids with strong oxidizers or acids and provide suitable secondary containment
• Chill flammable liquids in an ice bucket prior to use rather than storing them in a standard domestic refrigerator

COMMON LABORATORY SOLVENTS

Do not store these flammable liquids in standard domestic refrigerators

Additional Incidents Involving Flammable Liquid Storage or Use in Non-Flammable Refrigerators/Freezers

• Lab explosion due to domestic fridge – MSU – 2015
• OEHS Bulletin – University of Utah – 2017