COSHH Cabinet Buying Guide
An essential guide to help you be better informed when purchasing hazardous-substance storage cabinets, often marketed as COSHH cabinets. To view the PDF version of this guide, click the guide cover image.
How to Choose the Right Hazardous-Substance Storage Cabinet
Hazardous-substance storage cabinets are one part of a wider system for controlling chemical-storage risks. The appropriate cabinet depends on the exact substances and quantities held, container sizes, chemical incompatibilities, spill-containment requirements, security needs and the findings of the workplace risk assessment.
COSHH addresses risks to health from hazardous substances. Where substances may create fire, explosion or similar safety risks, DSEAR must also be considered. Always use the product label, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), manufacturer information and workplace risk assessment when deciding how and where a substance should be stored.
Advice in a nutshell: select storage by the exact substances, quantities, hazards, incompatibilities and documented cabinet performance – not by cabinet colour or a broad marketing label alone.
Quick COSHH Cabinet Recommendations
If you need a quick starting point, use the table below. It is only a selection guide: final storage decisions must still be checked against the product label, SDS, supplier information and your workplace risk assessment.
| Substances / Application |
Typical Storage Approach |
Key Point to Confirm |
| Compatible non-flammable chemicals and cleaning products |
Compatible general chemical / hazardous-substance cabinet |
Construction, shelves, sump and coatings must be suitable for the exact products stored. |
| Flammable liquids such as suitable solvents and solvent-based reagents |
Flammable-liquid storage cabinet or other assessed flammable-liquid storage |
Confirm intended contents, quantity limits, fire-performance evidence, sump capacity and installation requirements. |
| Compatible acids and acid-based products |
Corrosive acid cabinet |
Confirm resistance of shelves, trays, liner, hinges and sump to the specific acids stored. |
| Compatible alkalis and alkaline products |
Corrosive alkali cabinet |
Keep incompatible acids and other substances separate; check model-specific chemical resistance. |
| Pesticides / agrochemicals |
Purpose-appropriate pesticide or agrochemical storage |
Check sector-specific guidance, containment basis, ventilation needs and access controls. |
| Mixed inventory with incompatible hazard groups |
Multiple cabinets, separate compartments or separate stores |
Do not rely on different shelves within one open undivided cabinet as adequate segregation. |
Important: pressurised gas cylinders are a special case. Do not treat gas cylinders as general chemical-cabinet contents; use dedicated secured storage or an appropriate specialist gas-cylinder safety cabinet where relevant.
1. Identify Your Primary Use Case
Before comparing cabinet models, record the inventory and the conditions in which the cabinet will be used. This prevents the cabinet type, size or colour from being chosen before the actual storage problem is understood.
Record the substances
- Product and chemical names.
- Maximum quantity likely to be stored.
- Largest individual container.
- Physical state.
Record the hazards
- Primary and secondary hazards.
- Whether the material is flammable, oxidising, corrosive, toxic or water-reactive.
- Known incompatibilities.
- Relevant SDS Sections 2, 7 and 10.
Record the storage use
- Whether waste, part-used products or contaminated materials will also be held.
- Who requires authorised access.
- Room conditions and ventilation.
- Space, fixing and installation constraints.
| Environment |
Typical Requirements to Consider |
| School / Teaching Labs |
Clear labelling, robust construction, adjustable shelves and secure locking to restrict student access. |
| Research / Professional Labs |
Corrosion-resistant interiors where required, appropriate ventilation options and reliable segregation of incompatible chemicals. |
| Workshops / Engineering Departments |
Durable construction, spill-retaining shelves and a robust finish suitable for frequent use. |
| Industrial / Chemical Handling Areas |
Higher-capacity or specialist storage for flammables, acids, alkalis, pesticides or other assessed hazards, with containment and documented performance matched to the use. |
Buying Tip: if the inventory contains different hazards or incompatibilities, plan the segregation first. Multiple cabinets or independently contained compartments may be needed.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is for anyone specifying hazardous-substance storage in schools, laboratories, workshops, cleaning stores, maintenance areas and professional workplaces.
Science Teachers
Choosing suitable storage for teaching chemicals and supervised practical work.
Science Technicians
Managing inventories, segregation, containment, labelling, access and routine inspections.
School Procurement Teams
Comparing cabinet specifications, documented performance, capacity and long-term suitability.
Health & Safety Leads
Linking cabinet selection to risk assessment, SDS information, COSHH and DSEAR controls.
Facilities & Estates Teams
Selecting storage for cleaning products, maintenance chemicals, workshops and site stores.
Laboratory Managers
Planning specialist storage for flammables, corrosives, general chemicals and larger inventories.
Contents
Use the links below to jump directly to the section most relevant to your buying decision.
What Is a COSHH Cabinet?
“COSHH cabinet” is a common market term for hazardous-substance storage cabinets. COSHH itself is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and is concerned with controlling risks to health from hazardous substances. A cabinet can form part of those controls, but cabinet selection must come from the substance-specific risk assessment rather than from the marketing term alone.
Where dangerous substances can create fire, explosion or related safety risks, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) may also apply. A general hazardous-substance cabinet is therefore not automatically suitable for flammable liquids, corrosives, pesticides or pressurised gas cylinders.
Buying Tip: start with the exact products, quantities, container sizes and hazards, then confirm the cabinet's intended contents, exclusions, chemical resistance, containment basis, installation conditions and any fire-performance evidence.
Typical Features of a Steel Hazardous-Substance Cabinet
Features vary by cabinet type and intended contents. Confirm every specification for the exact model rather than assuming that all cabinets sold under the same broad category perform in the same way.
Compatible Cabinet Construction
Steel, lined steel or polymer construction should be compatible with the substances stored and the intended performance.
Hazard Symbol and Label
Signage should reflect the actual stored hazards and applicable workplace-sign requirements.
Spill-Retaining Shelves
Raised or tray-style shelves help retain minor leaks and drips within the cabinet.
Integral Liquid-Tight Sump
A sealed lower containment area retains spills and leaks. It should remain available for containment rather than being used as storage space.
Stated Sump Capacity
The manufacturer should clearly state the sump volume so the required containment basis can be checked.
Stated Shelf Load
Each shelf should have a documented maximum safe uniformly distributed load.
Secure Locking
Locks should restrict unauthorised access and suit the users, substances and workplace controls.
Ventilation Provisions
Where fitted, ventilation openings or connections should be manufacturer-designed and used only where the assessment and cabinet instructions support them.
Chemical-Resistance Information
The supplier or manufacturer should identify suitable chemicals and known limitations of coatings, liners, shelves and sumps.
Model Identification and Documentation
Look for model identification plus relevant standard, classification, certification or test-report information where performance claims are made.
Anchoring or Restraint Points
Provision for secure wall or floor fixing can help prevent tipping where required by the installation assessment.
Durable Finish
A robust finish can support long service life, but chemical compatibility must be verified for the exact coating and substances.
Typical cabinet features include secure locking, spill-retaining shelves, an integral sump, documented load limits and material compatibility.
2. Understand the Types of COSHH Cabinets
Not all hazardous substances can be safely stored together. Select by documented suitability, compatibility and risk assessment. Cabinet colours vary between manufacturers and are not a compliance criterion.
| Cabinet Type |
Intended Substances |
What Must Be Checked |
Documentation / Performance |
| Compatible General Chemical Cabinet |
Compatible non-flammable chemicals and cleaning products where hazards and incompatibilities are understood. |
Exclude flammable liquids and any incompatible corrosives, oxidisers or reactive materials unless the exact model is documented as suitable. |
Inventory, SDS information, chemical-compatibility data, shelf and sump details, installation guidance and maintenance instructions. |
| Flammable-Liquid Storage Cabinet |
Compatible flammable liquids such as suitable solvents and solvent-based reagents. |
Exclude oxidisers, incompatible corrosives, reactive substances and gas cylinders. Check the intended spill-retention basis. |
Where fire performance is required, obtain the exact standard, edition, classification and certificate/report reference for the exact cabinet model. |
| Corrosive Acid Cabinet |
Compatible acids and acid-based products where cabinet materials, liner, trays and sump are suitable. |
Exclude alkalis and other incompatible chemicals. Do not assume all corrosives belong together. |
SDS information, compatibility data, load and sump details, and maintenance / inspection instructions. |
| Corrosive Alkali Cabinet |
Compatible alkalis and alkaline products where the cabinet materials are suitable. |
Exclude acids and other incompatible chemicals; verify resistance to the exact alkalis stored. |
Supplier compatibility data and model-specific installation and inspection instructions. |
| Pesticide / Agrochemical Cabinet |
Plant-protection products and related agrochemicals where authorised by site policy and supplier information. |
Exclude unauthorised materials and incompatible chemicals. Separate flammable or oxidising products where required. |
Inventory, SDS information, supplier instructions, containment details and any sector-specific guidance. |
| Multiple Cabinets / Separate Stores |
Inventories containing different hazards or incompatibilities that cannot safely share one undivided cabinet. |
Choose each cabinet or compartment for the exact substance group and foreseeable spill scenario. |
Segregation plan, inventory, SDS information, cabinet specifications, installation records and inspection arrangements. |
Do not store incompatible substances in one undivided cabinet. Different shelves within the same open cabinet do not necessarily provide adequate segregation.
Understanding COSHH, DSEAR and Product Evidence
COSHH applies when assessing risks to health from hazardous substances. DSEAR applies where dangerous substances create fire, explosion or related safety risks. A Safety Data Sheet supports the workplace assessment, but it does not itself replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Product Label and SDS
Use the current label and SDS to identify classification, hazards, storage conditions, incompatibilities and relevant handling information.
Workplace Risk Assessment
Consider quantities, users, work activities, location, foreseeable spills, fire risk, access, emergency arrangements and site conditions.
Manufacturer Documentation
Confirm the intended contents, excluded substances, shelf loads, sump capacity, chemical resistance and installation requirements for the exact model.
Performance Claims
Where a cabinet claims fire or other tested performance, verify the exact standard edition, classification, model coverage and certificate or test-report reference.
Relevant guidance may include: current HSE guidance on flammable liquids in workrooms and laboratories; HSG51 for flammable liquids stored in containers; HSG71 for packaged dangerous substances; and AIS16 for pesticide storage by farmers and other professional users.
Chemical Storage Compatibility and Segregation
Compatibility decisions should be based on the exact product, its classification and hazards, the product label, SDS and workplace risk assessment. Broad groups such as “general chemicals”, “pesticides/agrochemicals” or “gases” should not be treated as blanket compatibility categories.
1. List the Inventory
Record every product and the maximum quantity likely to be stored.
2. Check Label and SDS
Review the product label and especially SDS Sections 2, 7 and 10.
3. Identify All Hazards
Identify primary and secondary hazards for each product, not just the most obvious pictogram.
4. Group Only Compatible Substances
Confirm that substances can safely share the same cabinet, compartment or store.
5. Separate Incompatible Groups
Use separate cabinets, independently contained compartments or separate stores as required.
6. Obtain Competent Advice
Seek competent advice where products have multiple, unusual or uncertain hazards.
| Example |
General Separation Principle |
| Flammable liquids |
Keep away from oxidising agents and incompatible corrosives. |
| Acids |
Generally keep away from alkalis; confirm other substance-specific incompatibilities from the SDS. |
| Oxidising agents |
Keep away from reducing agents and combustible materials. |
| Cyanides and sulphides |
Keep away from acids. |
| Special reactive products |
Store according to their exact documented requirements. |
| Gas cylinders |
Use dedicated secured storage or a suitable specialist gas-cylinder cabinet where relevant. |
Do not identify corrosive acids or alkalis by pH alone. Use the actual product classification, label and SDS information. Some incompatibilities can also exist within the same broad class.
Fire Protection Options for Chemical Storage
There is an important difference between a non-fire-rated chemical storage cabinet, a cupboard or bin following HSE nominal construction principles for indoor flammable-liquid storage, and an independently type-tested fire-safety storage cabinet.
| Storage Type |
What It Is |
Fire-Performance Evidence |
Key Limitation |
| Non-Fire-Rated Chemical Storage Cabinet |
General chemical storage with no claimed fire-resisting performance. |
No fire-resistance claim; it should not be described as fire rated. |
Not suitable where the risk assessment requires fire-resisting storage. |
| Fire-Resisting Cupboard or Bin – HSE Nominal Construction |
Storage following HSE nominal construction principles for indoor flammable-liquid storage. |
Nominal construction is intended to provide about 30 minutes integrity. This is not the same as a complete cabinet being independently type-tested to BS EN 14470-1. |
Suitability depends on the exact contents, quantities and site conditions. |
| Independently Type-Tested Fire-Safety Storage Cabinet |
A flammable-liquid safety cabinet independently type-tested to a product standard. |
For example, BS EN 14470-1:2023 with a stated tested classification for the exact model. |
A tested cabinet does not automatically justify storing larger quantities in a workroom; quantity still depends on the risk assessment and HSE guidance. |
HSE workroom quantity guidance: keep only the minimum quantity needed for current work. HSE recommends no more than 50 litres for extremely/highly flammable liquids and those with a flashpoint below the maximum ambient temperature of the workroom, and no more than 250 litres for other flammable liquids with a flashpoint up to 60°C. Higher quantities require robust risk-assessment justification and may need dedicated storage.
Supplier colour is not evidence of fire performance. Where fire performance is required, obtain the exact standard, edition, classification and certificate or test-report reference for the exact model.
Spill Sump Capacity – Use the Right Basis
A spill sump or bund is the built-in containment area intended to retain leaks and spills. There is no single universal sump-capacity formula for every cabinet type. The correct basis depends on the substances, quantities, storage use and applicable guidance.
| Storage Situation |
Containment Basis to Check |
Example / Note |
| Flammable liquids in workroom cabinets or bins |
Use current HSE guidance. The guide illustrates a spill-retention basis of 110% of the largest vessel normally stored. |
If the largest container is 20 L, the illustrated minimum is 22 L. Confirm the exact cabinet sump capacity and intended use. |
| Professional pesticide stores |
AIS16 uses a different basis: 110% of the total quantity likely to be stored; 185% in environmentally sensitive areas. |
For 40 L total stock, the guide illustrates 44 L minimum, or 74 L in an environmentally sensitive area. |
| Other chemicals |
No single universal percentage applies to all other chemical cabinets. |
Determine containment from the exact substances and storage use, considering SDS/supplier information, foreseeable spills, environmental requirements and any sector-specific guidance. |
Before choosing sump capacity, check: product classification and container sizes, the largest single container, maximum quantity likely to be stored, the manufacturer's stated sump capacity, the risk of leaks reaching drains or sensitive areas, and whether separate stores or independently contained compartments are needed.
Do not assume the 110% largest-container rule applies to every cabinet. Keep the sump unobstructed and do not use it as ordinary storage space.
3. Construction Materials & Durability
Material quality affects durability, corrosion resistance and heat tolerance. Construction should be compatible with the intended substances and with any claimed performance.
Compatible Construction
Robust welded steel may be suitable for many applications, while corrosive products may require resistant liners or different construction materials.
Durable Finish
Check the manufacturer's chemical-resistance data for the exact coating and substances rather than assuming all powder coatings are equivalent.
Reinforced Doors
Strong doors support security, reliable closure and long service life.
Spill-Retaining Shelves
Shelves should help retain minor leaks and be suitable for the loads and chemicals stored.
Integral Liquid-Tight Sump
The sump should have a stated capacity, compatible material and remain unobstructed.
Adjustability and Inspection
Removable or adjustable shelves can improve fit, visibility, cleaning and inspection where designed for the cabinet.
Avoid: thin or unstable construction, cabinets without suitable spill containment, shelves that cannot safely support the intended load, and materials without compatibility information for the substances being stored.
4. Room Ventilation & Cabinet Extraction
Most hazardous-substance storage cabinets are designed for passive storage, not as extraction units. Cabinet ventilation may be necessary where vapour build-up is an identified risk, but it should never be added simply because odour is present.
No Cabinet Extraction
Appropriate only where supported by the substance information, room conditions, cabinet design and risk assessment.
Vent Ports / Optional Fans or Filters
Use where the assessment identifies a specific vapour-control requirement and the cabinet is designed for the proposed arrangement.
Ducted Extraction
May be needed for some industrial or higher-hazard uses, subject to manufacturer instructions and the site assessment.
Fire-Rated Cabinets
Any ventilation or installation arrangement must preserve the tested configuration and manufacturer requirements.
- Do not judge control by odour alone.
- Do not drill or modify cabinet ventilation without manufacturer approval.
- Include powered equipment in the DSEAR assessment where flammable atmospheres may occur.
- Ventilation does not replace closed containers, minimal stock or correct segregation.
Incorrect ventilation can reduce containment, compromise fire performance or introduce unsuitable powered equipment. Ventilate only where the cabinet design, manufacturer instructions and risk assessment support it.
5. Size, Capacity & Internal Layout
Choose a cabinet around the documented inventory and the space in which it will be installed. Internal dimensions, shelf ratings and access can be more important than the external volume alone.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Useful for small teaching labs or bench-level access. Confirm wall construction, load capacity, manufacturer-approved fixings and a safe access height; avoid placing heavy liquid containers above eye level.
Under-Bench Cabinets
Can provide convenient point-of-use storage where fire risk, door operation, ventilation, access and means of escape have been assessed.
Tall Upright Cabinets
Provide higher capacity and adjustable shelves. Check anchoring or anti-tip requirements, place heavier containers low and verify both total and individual shelf loads.
Mobile COSHH Cabinets
Use only purpose-designed models with secure doors and lockable castors. Assess thresholds, slopes, collision and spill risk, and avoid routine movement while fully loaded.
Also consider: number of shelves, vertical clearance for tall bottles, shelf load ratings, door configuration, internal dimensions, door swing and the ability to remove containers without moving several others first.
6. Labelling & Compliance
Labels and signs should reflect the actual contents and hazards. Colour alone is not a substitute for current labels, product identification or a chemical-storage assessment.
- Signage reflects the actual stored hazards.
- Signs follow applicable workplace-sign requirements.
- Product containers retain their original labels.
- The cabinet or store has a current inventory.
- SDS information is readily available outside the cabinet.
- Old, duplicated or irrelevant signs have been removed.
Documentation check: where a product standard or classification is relevant, confirm the exact model, standard edition, tested classification and certificate or report reference. Do not rely on broad marketing terms.
7. Security, Locking and Safe Placement
Access controls should reflect the substances, users, workplace and applicable requirements. Cabinet placement should protect people, property and the environment without obstructing access or emergency routes.
Security and Locking
- Keyed locking mechanisms are common for controlled access.
- Padlockable latches may suit shared or supervised facilities.
- Reinforced lock housings and doors can help deter unauthorised access.
- Maintain controlled key issue, named authorised users and emergency access arrangements.
Placement Principles
- Use a stable, secure location suitable for the cabinet load and fixing method.
- Keep access available to authorised users without blocking escape routes.
- Avoid heat, ignition sources, direct sunlight, damp conditions and vulnerable impact areas where relevant.
- Consider spill pathways, drains, environmental receptors and emergency response.
Do not install a cabinet where it narrows or blocks an emergency route or safety equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s fixing, clearance, ventilation and anchoring instructions.
8. Ease of Maintenance
A well-designed cabinet should be straightforward to inspect and clean without disturbing safety-critical components.
Easy-Clean Surfaces
Look for smooth surfaces and finishes that can be cleaned using methods compatible with the cabinet and stored substances.
Removable Spill-Retaining Shelves
Where designed to be removed, shelves should be easy to inspect and clean while maintaining correct installation afterwards.
Accessible Sump
The sump should be inspectable and cleanable. Never use the sump as routine storage space.
Replaceable / Serviceable Parts
Check availability of locks, hinges, seals, filters or other model-specific components where fitted.
Maintenance checks should include:
- Corrosion, blistering or damage to the cabinet body.
- Shelf condition, load supports and sump cleanliness / integrity.
- Hinges, handles, locks and door closure.
- Labels and warning signs.
- Anchoring and anti-tip fittings.
- Seals, ventilation closures or fire dampers where fitted.
- Fans, ducts or filters where fitted.
- Any evidence of unauthorised drilling or modification.
Maintenance Tip: keep an inspection record appropriate to the risk assessment and cabinet type, and act promptly on leaks, corrosion, damaged labels, failed locks or other defects.
Warning Labels and Hazard Signage
Cabinet signage should help users identify the actual hazards present, but it must never replace the product labels, current inventory, SDS information or risk assessment.
Use current, relevant signage for the actual stored hazards and remove obsolete or conflicting labels.
Common COSHH Cabinet Buying Mistakes
Buying by Colour Alone
Supplier colour is not a compliance criterion and does not demonstrate fire performance or chemical compatibility.
Using Broad Hazard Groups as Compatibility Rules
Products within the same broad group may still have different incompatibilities. Base decisions on the exact product and SDS.
Assuming One Cabinet Can Hold Everything
Mixed inventories may require multiple cabinets, independently contained compartments or separate stores.
Assuming 110% Is a Universal Sump Rule
The correct spill-retention basis depends on the substances, storage use and applicable guidance.
Confusing Nominal Fire-Resisting Construction With Type Testing
HSE nominal construction and independently type-tested fire-safety cabinets are not the same thing.
Adding Unapproved Ventilation
Unauthorised drilling, fans or ducting can compromise containment or tested fire performance.
Ignoring Model-Specific Documentation
Claims about fire performance, chemical resistance, shelf load and sump capacity should be checked for the exact model.
Using the Sump as Storage Space
The sump must remain available for spill containment and easy inspection.
Equipment Commonly Used With COSHH Cabinets
Cabinets are only one part of a safe chemical-storage system. Associated equipment must be selected for the exact substances and site procedures.
Spill Kits
Use substance-compatible spill-control materials and procedures for foreseeable leaks or spills.
View Spill Kits
Absorbent Granules
Absorbents may be useful for some spills, but compatibility with the substance must be confirmed.
View Absorbents
Safety Goggles
Eye protection should be selected through the task and substance-specific risk assessment.
View Goggles
Chemical Resistant Gloves
Glove material and breakthrough performance should match the exact chemical and task.
View Gloves
Lab Coats and Aprons
Protective clothing should be selected to suit the handling task and foreseeable exposure.
View PPE
Safety Data Sheet Holders
Keep current SDS information accessible outside the cabinet or store.
View SDS Storage
Warning Signs and Labels
Use current signs and labels that reflect the actual hazards and applicable workplace requirements.
View Signs
Eye Wash Stations
Emergency facilities should be selected and located according to the risk assessment and site procedures.
View Eye Wash
Chemical Storage Bottles
Use compatible, correctly labelled containers suitable for the substance and storage conditions.
View Bottles
Buying Tip: storage, handling, spill response, PPE and emergency arrangements should be planned together rather than treating the cabinet as a stand-alone control.
Frequently Asked Questions About COSHH Cabinets
What does COSHH stand for?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It concerns the control of health risks from hazardous substances in the workplace.
What is a COSHH cabinet used for?
The term is commonly used for hazardous-substance storage cabinets. A suitable cabinet can support secure, labelled and contained storage, but the exact cabinet must be selected from the substances, quantities and workplace risk assessment.
Is a COSHH cabinet a legal requirement?
COSHH requires suitable control of exposure to hazardous substances; it does not simply prescribe a cabinet because it is marketed as a “COSHH cabinet”. The required storage control depends on the risk assessment, SDS information and applicable safety requirements.
When does DSEAR matter?
DSEAR must be considered where dangerous substances may create fire, explosion or related safety risks. This is particularly relevant when selecting storage for flammable liquids and other dangerous substances.
Can flammable liquids go in a standard general chemical cabinet?
Only if the storage arrangement is suitable for the exact flammable liquids and the workplace risk assessment. Where fire-resisting storage is required, use storage with appropriate documented construction or tested fire performance rather than assuming a general cabinet is suitable.
What is the difference between HSE nominal fire-resisting construction and a type-tested cabinet?
HSE nominal construction principles are intended to provide a degree of fire resistance for indoor flammable-liquid storage, commonly described as about 30 minutes integrity. They are not the same as a complete cabinet independently type-tested to a product standard such as BS EN 14470-1.
What is BS EN 14470-1?
BS EN 14470-1:2023 is a product specification for fire-safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids. If it is relevant to your application, verify the exact cabinet model, tested classification, standard edition and certificate or report reference.
Can acids and alkalis be stored together?
Do not assume they can. Acids and alkalis are commonly incompatible and may require separate storage. Use the exact product label, SDS and risk assessment, and remember that incompatibilities can also exist within broad hazard classes.
Can I identify an acid or alkali cabinet simply from pH?
No. Do not identify corrosive acids or alkalis by pH alone. Use the actual product classification, label, SDS and cabinet compatibility information.
What colour should a COSHH cabinet be?
Cabinet colours vary between manufacturers and are not a compliance criterion. Use the correct hazard signage and select by documented suitability, compatibility and performance.
Do COSHH cabinets need ventilation?
Not automatically. Many cabinets are intended for passive storage. Ventilation should only be used where supported by the substance information, cabinet design, manufacturer instructions, room conditions and risk assessment.
Can I drill a cabinet and add an extractor fan?
Do not modify a cabinet unless the manufacturer permits the proposed arrangement. Unauthorised ventilation changes can compromise containment or tested fire performance.
What is a spill sump?
A spill sump or bund is the built-in containment area intended to retain leaks and spills. It should have a stated capacity and remain unobstructed.
Does every cabinet sump need to hold 110% of the largest container?
No. There is no single universal percentage for every cabinet type. The correct containment basis depends on the exact substances, storage use and applicable guidance.
Can I store chemicals in the cabinet sump?
The sump should remain available for containment and inspection. Do not use it as routine storage space unless the exact cabinet design and manufacturer documentation explicitly permit that arrangement without reducing required containment.
What size cabinet should I buy?
Choose around the documented inventory, largest containers, shelf ratings, vertical clearance, segregation needs and installation space. Avoid overfilling or creating a layout where containers cannot be inspected and removed safely.
Can COSHH cabinets be wall mounted?
Only where the cabinet is designed for wall mounting and the wall construction, load capacity, fixings and access height are suitable. Avoid heavy liquid containers above eye level.
Are mobile COSHH cabinets suitable for moving chemicals around?
Use only purpose-designed mobile models. Check lockable castors, secure doors, thresholds, slopes, collision risk and spill risk, and avoid routine movement while fully loaded.
Where should a hazardous-substance cabinet be located?
Use a secure, stable location that suits the cabinet design and risk assessment, keeps emergency routes and safety equipment clear, and considers heat, ignition sources, ventilation, impact, spill pathways and environmental receptors.
How often should a cabinet be inspected?
Inspection frequency should be based on the risk assessment and use. Checks should cover corrosion, shelves, sump, locks, labels, anchoring, door closure and any fitted ventilation or safety components.
What should I check before buying?
Confirm intended use, excluded substances, compatibility, construction, shelf load, sump capacity, fire-performance evidence where relevant, ventilation requirements, access controls, location, installation, documentation and supplier support.
Buying Tip: use the product label, SDS, supplier information and workplace risk assessment together. If information conflicts or a product has multiple or unusual hazards, obtain competent advice before purchase or use.
9. Buying Checklist
Before purchasing, confirm the points below for the exact cabinet model and intended inventory.
1. Compliance & Certification
- Intended use and excluded substances clearly stated.
- Relevant product standard and exact edition stated where applicable.
- Exact model is covered by the test certificate or report.
- Fire classification is stated without ambiguous marketing terms.
- Manufacturer or supplier provides a technical specification.
- Applicable product marking confirmed for the exact product and market.
2. Construction & Build Quality
- Construction and joints suitable for the intended use and performance.
- Chemical-resistant finish or lining as required.
- Doors operate smoothly and close fully.
- Spill-retaining shelves are suitable.
- Liquid-tight sump has a stated capacity and compatible material.
3. Size, Capacity & Layout
- Capacity and layout match the documented intended inventory.
- Shelf load ratings are adequate.
- There is enough vertical clearance for larger containers.
- Separate storage is available for incompatible chemical classes where needed.
- Internal dimensions, door swing and access are suitable.
4. Chemical Compatibility
- Cabinet materials are compatible with stored substances.
- Supplier provides chemical-compatibility information.
- Acids, alkalis, flammables, oxidisers and other incompatible groups can be separated as required.
- No reactive products are grouped together without documented compatibility.
5. Ventilation & Extraction
- Ventilation need is based on the SDS, room conditions, cabinet design and risk assessment.
- Any vent ports or connection options are manufacturer-approved.
- Ventilation arrangement does not compromise required fire performance.
- Powered equipment is suitable for the intended environment and DSEAR assessment where relevant.
6. Fire Protection
- Required fire performance has been established by the risk assessment.
- Supplier states the exact test standard, edition and classification where applicable.
- Certificate or test-report reference and exact model coverage are available.
- Installation or ventilation conditions needed to maintain performance are understood.
7. Safety & Security
- Lock type and access control suit the users and substances.
- Hazard signage is correct and visible.
- Anti-tip design or anchoring is available where needed.
- Emergency-access and spare-key arrangements are defined.
8. Spill & Leak Management
- Containment basis is established for the intended substances and use.
- Stated sump capacity meets the applicable requirement.
- Sump material is compatible with stored products.
- Sump remains available and is not used as storage space.
- Spill-response materials are compatible with the substances.
9. Documentation & Supplier Support
- Technical specification is available.
- Warranty and replacement-part availability are clear.
- Installation guidance is supplied.
- Chemical-storage and compatibility information is available.
10. Location & Installation
- Location is suitable for the cabinet and intended contents.
- Heat and ignition sources are considered.
- Floor or wall fixing is suitable and level.
- Door-opening and inspection space are adequate.
- Evacuation routes and safety equipment remain clear.
- Room ventilation and area signage are appropriate.
Final Recommendation: choose the cabinet by the exact substances, quantities, incompatibilities, required containment, access needs, location and documented model performance. Do not use supplier colour or a broad “COSHH cabinet” label as the deciding criterion.
Ready to Choose Your COSHH Cabinet?
Better Equipped supplies hazardous-substance storage cabinets, flammable-liquid cabinets and associated safety equipment for schools, colleges, laboratories, workshops and professional environments.
Browse our range or contact us if you need help comparing cabinet specifications for your intended application.
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Important – Scope and References
Every workplace, laboratory and school has different substances, quantities, activities, users and site conditions. This guide provides general purchasing guidance only. It does not replace a suitable and sufficient workplace risk assessment, competent advice, the current product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or the manufacturer's technical documentation for the exact cabinet model. An SDS supports, but does not itself constitute, the workplace assessment.
Apply the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) when assessing risks to health from hazardous substances. Apply the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) when assessing fire, explosion and related safety risks from dangerous substances.
Where relevant, consult current HSE guidance on flammable liquids in workrooms and laboratories; HSG51 for flammable liquids stored in containers; HSG71 for packaged dangerous substances; and AIS16 for pesticide storage by farmers and other professional users.
Where specialist fire-safety cabinets are being considered, verify the exact product model, standard edition, tested classification, certificate or test-report reference, and any installation or ventilation conditions. Relevant product standards include BS EN 14470-1:2023 for fire-safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids and BS EN 14470-2:2006 for safety cabinets for pressurised gas cylinders.
Chemical-compatibility decisions, quantity limits, spill-containment requirements and cabinet-performance claims must be supported by current, substance-specific and model-specific evidence. Where information conflicts, or a substance has multiple or unusual hazards, obtain competent chemical-safety, fire-safety or health-and-safety advice before purchase, installation or use.
About This Guide
This guide was written and reviewed by Better Equipped's technical team to support the selection of hazardous-substance storage for schools, colleges, laboratories, workshops and professional environments.
Last reviewed and updated: August 2026
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