Curtin University B308 Flammable Store Design

Users of the Flammable Goods Store in B308.137 reported excessive fumes when opening one of the flammable storage cabinets, housing xylene, which indicated there was an issue with the ventilation system. Xylene readily evaporates, making inhalation of the vapours a serious health risk. DEM was engaged to identify the problem with the cabinet ventilation, and to design the required remedial works. 

We identified the problem as an incorrect ventilation arrangement in which the exhaust connection was located in an upper section of the cabinet. As xylene vapours are heavier than air, the connection needed to be at a lower level to effectively exhaust the cabinet space. DEM designed the remedial works in collaboration with a Dangerous Goods consultant, to ensure compliance with the flammable goods and fire rating requirements, and with the builder, to confirm the practicality of undertaking the remedial works within the existing building. The feedback from the users at the end of DLP inspection has been satisfactory.