Fusible Closures Approved For Hazardous Warehouse Storage

Storage of steel drums containing hazardous materials just got a boost…a one row boost! Recent testing conducted by Factory Mutual Global concluded that using fusible (melt-able) non-metallic plugs in closed head drums allows for early relief when the drums are under pressure. Unlike metal plugs that maintain their seal even under severe pressure, the fusible plugs ultimately relieve a pressure build up by melting and therefore prevent the drum from exploding. As a result of these findings, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code provides for drums in a qualifying hazardous material warehouse to be stored 4 levels high, which is one more allowed prior to the testing. This new storage permission will have the greatest impact on the economics of storage.