I don’t of any code that requires a lip. However, there is obviously a GEP that all things need to be properly stored and kept from being a hazard by falling. Any lip helps prevent falling as long as it is high enough. A lip taller than half a container makes it very hard for anything to fall out but I doubt it is very practical under most circumstances. A smaller lip, more like he typical =BD to 2” lip may, or may not, keep things in place. If you reach over the item and pull back catching the item, the lip may not be much better than nothing.

In my opinion, a door is no better than a lip as it may (and often is, left open – particularly a sliding door. A container may or may not provide any extra protection. It depends on the weight distribution. (an over loaded container could even be more prone to tipping and falling out.

So I think it all comes down to a judgement call. In my former life in Industry, most of the safety folks would cheerfully have banned cabinets all together due to their tendency to be over filled, filled with hazardous materials, and their tendency to become stretching hazards and accumulate junk.

Good morning wise ones,

I was recently made CHO at my institution and am still figuring things out. One thing I noticed is that our chemical shelves do not all have lips. I’ve tried looking it up but am having difficulty understanding the requirements. Here are my questions:

1. Does a shelf that has a door need a lip? (For instance, flammable cabinets and other cabinets with doors.)
2. I’m assuming all open shelves need lips. How high/tall does that lip need to be? (The shelves in my stockroom have lips of approximately an inch, is that good enough?)
3. May secondary containers be used as the “lip” or does the lip need to be physically attached to the shelf?

Thank you for whatever guidance you can give me.

Rose

Rose Rakers, Ph.D.

Director of Chemical Laboratories & Chemical Hygiene Officer

Benedictine University

5700 College Rd

Lisle, IL 60532

630-829-6571

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