Laboratory Safety Cabinets for Flammables, Acids, Biohazards and Controlled Substances
Flammable cabinets from 4 to 90 gallons, acid and corrosive cabinets, biological safety cabinets and locked narcotic storage, selected for your chemicals and your fire code. Free cabinet review and quote.
Talk with a lab safety storage specialist: (801) 855-8560 · Sales@Labs-USA.com
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Justrite flammable and acid/corrosive safety cabinets from the Labs USA store. Each card opens the cabinet pictured; request a quote for other sizes, self-closing doors, biosafety cabinets, narcotic cabinets and installation.
Browse all flammable safety cabinets or acid/corrosive cabinets in the store.
What Laboratory Safety Cabinets Do and Which One You Need
Laboratory safety cabinets are purpose-built enclosures that keep hazardous materials contained, separated and controlled at the point of use. Each hazard class has its own cabinet: flammable liquids, acids and bases, biological agents and controlled substances are never stored the same way.
Labs USA supplies every major type and fits each cabinet into your casework layout so it meets code.
The fastest way to choose is to start with the hazard, then the quantity, then the room. Know exactly which chemicals are in your facility and where they are kept, keep every chemical in a proper, labeled container, and maintain a safety data sheet for each one. The table below matches each hazard to its cabinet and the rule that drives it.
| Hazard | Cabinet type | Key rule or standard | Typical sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable and combustible liquids | Flammable storage cabinet | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, NFPA 30, NFPA 45; FM-approved or UL-listed models | 4 to 90 gal; under-counter, slimline, standard |
| Acids and bases | Acid and corrosive cabinet | Fire code and SDS segregation; acids apart from bases | 4 to 60 gal; steel or polypropylene |
| Biological agents | Biological safety cabinet (Class I, II, III) | CDC/NIH BMBL; NSF/ANSI 49 certification | 3 to 6 ft work zones |
| General and reactive chemicals | Chemical storage cabinet | SDS compatibility groups, institutional policy | Base, tall and wall styles |
| Controlled substances | Narcotic and controlled substance cabinet | DEA 21 CFR 1301.71 to 1301.76; state rules | Wall, counter and drawer units |
| Bulk solvents and drums | Drum or vertical drum cabinet | Same flammable limits as above | 30 and 55 gal drums |
Types of Lab Safety Cabinets
Whether your team calls them lab safety cabinets, laboratory chemical storage cabinets, solvent cabinets or hazmat cupboards, every type below has its own detailed page with sizes, construction and buying advice. Use these cards to jump to the type you need, or keep reading for the key facts on each.
Flammable Storage CabinetsDouble-wall steel cabinets with a leakproof sump and self-closing or manual doors for solvents, fuels and alcohols. 4 to 90 gallons.
Acid and Corrosive CabinetsBlue coated steel or metal-free polypropylene cabinets with polyethylene trays. Keep acids and bases in separate cabinets or compartments.
Biosafety CabinetsHEPA-filtered Class I, II and III cabinets that protect the worker, the sample and the room during work with infectious agents.
Chemical Storage CabinetsLockable cabinets for general and reactive chemicals, organized by compatibility group with secondary containment.
Narcotic and Controlled Substance CabinetsSubstantially built, securely locked cabinets and drawers for DEA-scheduled drugs in hospitals, pharmacies and research labs.
Under-Fume-Hood Storage CabinetsFlammable, acid and polypropylene base cabinets sized to sit under a fume hood so chemicals are stored where they are used.Flammable Storage Cabinets
Flammable safety cabinets are the most common lab safety cabinet. They do not make a fire impossible; they are built to keep the contents below their ignition point long enough for people to get out and for responders to arrive.
Choose manual-close doors for rooms where staff always shut the cabinet, or self-closing doors where the fire code or your insurer requires them. For grounding, cardboard and inspection details, read our flammable cabinet safety guide.
Typical construction (Justrite Sure-Grip EX line, one-door and two-door)
- 18-gauge all-welded double-wall steel with a 1-1/2 in. insulating air space
- 2 in. leakproof sump to contain spills
- Lockable flush handle with 2 keys and a 3-point door latch
- Double-wall doors (14-gauge outside, 18-gauge inside) on a full-length piano hinge; doors open a full 180 degrees
- Twin 2 in. vents with flame arresters, adjustable leveling feet and a grounding connector
- Galvanized steel shelves adjustable on 3 in. centers; high-visibility reflective safety labels; yellow powder-coat finish
- Self-closing doors shut and latch automatically when the fusible link melts at 165 F
- Built to meet OSHA and NFPA 30 requirements
Wood flammable cabinets are also made and some fire codes accept them; most labs choose steel for durability and easy cleaning. Red cabinets are commonly used for paints and inks, gray or white where a cabinet should blend into casework. See all options on our flammable storage cabinets page.
Flammable Cabinet Sizes and Dimensions (4 to 90 Gallons)
Flammable safety cabinets are sold by the gallons of liquid they are built to hold. The chart lists the common capacities with exterior dimensions for the Justrite Sure-Grip EX line, the one-door and two-door cabinets in our store. Other manufacturers build similar sizes, so confirm the exact dimensions on your quote.
| Capacity | Style | Exterior W x D x H | Doors / shelves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 gal | Countertop | 17 in. x 17 in. x 22 in. | 1 / 1 |
| 12 gal | Compact | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 35 in. | 1 / 1 |
| 15 gal | Compact | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 44 in. | 1 / 1 |
| 17 gal | Piggyback (stacks on a larger cabinet) | 43 in. x 18 in. x 24 in. | 2 / 1 |
| 22 gal | Under-counter | 35 in. x 22 in. x 35 in. | 2 / 1 |
| 22 gal | Slimline | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 65 in. | 1 / 3 |
| 30 gal | Standard | 43 in. x 18 in. x 44 in. | 2 / 1 |
| 45 gal | Standard, full height | 43 in. x 18 in. x 65 in. | 2 / 2 |
| 60 gal | Standard, full height | 34 in. x 34 in. x 65 in. | 2 / 2 |
| 90 gal | Standard, full height | 43 in. x 34 in. x 65 in. | 2 / 2 |
Source: Justrite Sure-Grip EX flammable cabinet specifications (manual-close and self-closing versions share the same dimensions).
How to choose a flammable cabinet size
- Start with the containers. Count the cans and bottles you keep at the point of use and check that your tallest container clears the shelf spacing.
- Under a bench? The 22-gallon under-counter cabinet is 35 in. high. Measure the clear height under your work surface first.
Know the per-cabinet limit
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(i) allows no more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2 or 3 flammable liquids (120 gallons of Category 4) in one storage cabinet. A 90-gallon cabinet does not raise that limit. Acids and bases go in their own cabinet; acid/corrosive cabinets come in similar footprints (see below).
Your fire marshal sets the total allowed per room or control area, and NFPA 30 limits how many cabinets can share one fire area. If your inventory needs more than one or two full-height cabinets, ask us to check it against your local code before you order. Some common sizes are in stock at select manufacturers, subject to confirmation. Call (801) 855-8560 or request a quote.
Acid and Corrosive Storage Cabinets
Acid and corrosive cabinets keep acids and bases off open shelves and contain drips that would eat through ordinary steel casework. Steel acid cabinets use the same double-wall body as flammable cabinets with a chemical-resistant blue finish and removable polyethylene trays.
Acids and bases go in their own cabinets (or a cabinet with separate compartments). Keep oxidizing acids such as nitric acid away from organic acids and flammables.
Steel acid/corrosive cabinets in the Justrite line come in the same footprints as the flammable cabinets above:
| Capacity | Doors / shelves | Exterior W x D x H |
|---|---|---|
| 4 gal | 1 door / 1 shelf | 17 in. x 17 in. x 22 in. |
| 12 gal | 1 door / 1 shelf | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 35 in. |
| 15 gal | 1 door / 2 shelves | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 44 in. |
| 22 gal | 1 door / 3 shelves (slimline) | 23-1/4 in. x 18 in. x 65 in. |
| 30 gal | 2 doors / 1 shelf | 43 in. x 18 in. x 44 in. |
| 45 gal | 2 doors / 2 shelves | 43 in. x 18 in. x 65 in. |
| 60 gal | 2 doors / 2 shelves | 34 in. x 34 in. x 65 in. |
Source: Justrite acid/corrosive cabinet specifications (self-closing and manual-close versions share dimensions).
Steel or polypropylene?
Coated steel is the standard for most acids and bases. Where hydrochloric acid or other vapors that attack metal are stored in quantity, a metal-free polypropylene cabinet will not rust. Polypropylene base cabinets are a common choice under fume hoods used for acid digestion. They are not fire-rated, so never use them for flammables.
Compare models and tray options on our acid and corrosive cabinets page, or read flammable vs. corrosive safety cabinets if you are deciding between the two.
Biological Safety Cabinets: Class I, II and III
A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is not a storage cabinet. It is a ventilated, HEPA-filtered work enclosure that protects the worker, the sample and the room during work with infectious or potentially infectious material.
Most clinical and research labs use Class II cabinets. Every BSC must be field-certified to NSF/ANSI 49 when it is installed, at least once a year, and whenever it is moved or its filters are changed.
| Class | Protects | How it works | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | Worker and room (not the sample) | Room air drawn in at the front, HEPA-filtered exhaust | Enclosing equipment, aerosol-generating steps |
| Class II, Type A2 | Worker, sample and room | Inflow plus HEPA-filtered downflow; about 70% recirculated, 30% exhausted; may use a canopy connection | Clinical microbiology, cell culture, BSL-2 work |
| Class II, Type B2 | Worker, sample and room | Total exhaust, hard-ducted to a dedicated exhaust | Work with volatile chemicals or radionuclides alongside biologicals |
| Class III | Maximum containment | Gas-tight glove box under negative pressure | Highest-hazard agents, BSL-3 and BSL-4 |
Placement matters as much as the class. Keep a BSC away from doors, supply diffusers and busy aisles, because cross-drafts break the air curtain at the front opening. Type B cabinets need a dedicated exhaust fan and duct, so plan them with your mechanical engineer early.
See biosafety cabinets for selection help, our biological safety cabinet product line, and biological safety cabinet classes explained.
Narcotic and Controlled Substance Cabinets
DEA rules require practitioners and researchers to store Schedule II to V controlled substances in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet (21 CFR 1301.75). Many hospitals and state boards of pharmacy go further and require double-locked or double-door cabinets. Options include wall-mounted narcotic cabinets, counter units, individually locking drawers in medication carts and casework, and electronic-lock cabinets with access logs.
What to compare on a controlled substance cabinet
- Lock type: keyed, combination or electronic, and whether two locks are required in your state
- Audit trail: whether each user, door or drawer access is logged
- Construction and anchoring: steel gauge, hinge protection and how the unit bolts to the wall, floor or casework
- Inner compartment: a separately locked inner box for Schedule II drugs where policy calls for it
- Capacity: shelf and drawer layout sized to your formulary, with room to grow
Labs USA can match the cabinet to your state requirements; see narcotic and controlled substance cabinets.
Safety Cabinet Regulations at a Glance
No single rule covers every cabinet. OSHA and the fire code govern flammables, your safety data sheets and fire code drive acid and chemical segregation, the CDC/NIH guidance and NSF/ANSI 49 cover biosafety cabinets, and the DEA covers controlled substances.
Your fire marshal, EHS office or authority having jurisdiction has the final word, so confirm local amendments before you buy.
| Hazard | Regulation | Cabinet requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, NFPA 30, NFPA 45 | Listed or approved flammable cabinet; max 60 gal Category 1 to 3 (120 gal Category 4) per cabinet |
| Corrosive acids and bases | OSHA Hazard Communication, fire code, SDS | Acid/corrosive cabinet; acids and bases separated |
| Biological agents | CDC/NIH BMBL, NSF/ANSI 49 | Biosafety cabinet of the right class, certified on install and annually |
| Controlled substances | DEA 21 CFR 1301.71 to 1301.76, state pharmacy rules | Securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet |
| General chemicals | OSHA, institutional chemical hygiene plan | Compatible-group storage with secondary containment |
For a full walk-through of labeling, quantity limits and inspection records, see our safety cabinet compliance guide.
Placement, Venting and Grounding
Where a cabinet goes is part of compliance. Place flammable and corrosive cabinets away from exits, stairways and ignition sources, keep aisles and the path to the eyewash and shower clear, and never stack boxes on top of a cabinet.
Under-fume-hood cabinets keep small quantities where they are used, which cuts down on carrying open containers across the lab.
- Venting: NFPA 30 does not require flammable cabinets to be vented. If you do not vent, keep both bungs sealed with the metal caps supplied. If you vent, duct to the outside with a dedicated exhaust, never into a room or ceiling plenum.
- Acid cabinet venting: venting is often recommended to remove corrosive vapors; use corrosion-resistant duct.
- Grounding: bond and ground the cabinet when you dispense Class I liquids, using the grounding connector on the cabinet.
- Anchoring: full-height cabinets should be secured to the floor or wall, especially in seismic zones.
- Separation: keep flammables, oxidizers, acids and bases in separate cabinets, and keep biosafety cabinets out of drafts.
A common inspection finding: vent bungs removed and left open. An open, unducted vent defeats the cabinet’s fire rating, so either cap both openings or duct them correctly.
We include the venting and anchoring plan with every cabinet quote so the installer and your EHS team are working from the same layout.
Inspection and Maintenance
A quick monthly check keeps cabinets working and inspection-ready. Self-closing doors are the first thing inspectors test.
- Doors close fully and latch on their own; hinges and latch work freely
- Sump and trays clean and dry, no corrosion inside
- Contents match the label and inventory; no cardboard or incompatible items
- Quantities under cabinet and room limits
- Vent caps in place, or vent duct connections intact
- Labels legible; cabinet not blocked or used as a shelf
Biosafety cabinets: check that the certification sticker is current (within 12 months) and recertify after any move or filter change.
Applications: Where Each Safety Cabinet Is Used
The right mix of cabinets depends on the work done in each room. These are the setups we quote most often.
University and research chemistry labsFlammable cabinets under fume hoods and in each lab module, plus acid cabinets for digestion. Teaching labs often add 22-gallon under-counter cabinets at each bench row.
Manufacturing and quality-control labsCorrosive cabinets beside the wet bench, flammable cabinets for solvents and cleaning agents, and a clear path to the emergency shower.
Hospital and clinical labsClass II biosafety cabinets for microbiology, flammable cabinets for histology solvents and locked narcotic storage. See medical lab safety cabinets.K-12 and college science prep rooms: one locked flammable cabinet and one locked acid cabinet, usually 12 to 30 gallons, with anchored shelving and an eyewash station, as in the prep room pictured at the top of this page.
Other common applications:
- Pharmacies, vivariums and research animal facilities: DEA-compliant narcotic cabinets and locking drawers.
- Cannabis, food and flavor testing labs: flammable cabinets for extraction solvents and corrosive cabinets for sample digestion.
- Environmental and water testing labs: acid cabinets, often polypropylene, for nitric and hydrochloric acid preservation.
- Biotech and cell culture suites: Class II A2 biosafety cabinets, with flammable storage for ethanol and isopropanol.
Local service: we supply and install safety cabinets across the U.S. and have local pages for safety cabinets in Salt Lake City, safety cabinets in Utah, safety cabinets in Boise and safety cabinets in Denver.
How to Choose and Order Lab Safety Cabinets
List your hazards
Group your chemicals by hazard class (flammable, acid, base, oxidizer, toxic, biological, controlled) using the SDS.
Size by quantity
Total the gallons in each class at the point of use and check them against per-cabinet and per-room limits.
Plan the location
Mark each cabinet on the floor plan: under a hood, under a bench or standing, away from exits, with venting and anchoring noted.
Get a quote
Send the list and plan. We confirm models, lead time, delivery and installation.
Budgeting? Our safety cabinet cost and pricing guide explains what drives price, from capacity and door type to polypropylene and vented models. Some common sizes are in stock at select manufacturers, subject to confirmation.
Get a free safety cabinet review and quote
Send your chemical list, room sizes or a floor plan, and a Labs USA specialist will recommend the right cabinets, sizes and locations for your code and your budget.
Laboratory Safety Cabinet FAQs
What are laboratory safety cabinets?
What sizes do flammable safety cabinets come in?
How much flammable liquid can one cabinet hold?
How many flammable storage cabinets do I need?
Can acids and bases be stored in the same cabinet?
Do safety cabinets need ventilation?
What is the difference between a biological safety cabinet and a fume hood?
Do flammable cabinets have to be yellow?
How do I store controlled substances in a lab?
Are lab safety cabinets in stock?
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Flammable, acid/corrosive, biosafety and controlled substance cabinets, sized to your chemicals and your code, delivered and installed.