In January 2000, a laboratory fire started from an electrical fault in a refrigerator, used for storing experimental samples - small quantities of solvents, and other chemicals. Apparently, the fire burned for some time, igniting the plastic fridge lining before burning through the door seal and spreading into the room. The refrigerator was adjacent to the solvent store - a double skin metal storage cabinet to AS1940.
The first photo (right) shows the cabinet after the fire. The scorch on the right side of the cabinet was caused by the burning fridge (at the seat of the fire). The mark at the top of the door was caused by a burning plastic light diffuser which dripped on to the cabinet and continued to burn.
The second photo (below) shows the upper door frame and cabinet interior. Although burning material has dripped into the lap seal above the door, there is no sign of any flame within the cabinet, and the interior paint finish is in original glossy condition. Soot has outlined the storage bottles on the shelf. Although the soot was drawn into the cabinet by the ventilation fan, anti-flash vents have prevented flames from entering the cabinet.
In conclusion in a real test the cabinet isolated a large quantity of flammable solvents from the fire, even in close proximity to the seat of ignition. The anti-flash vents allowed the cabinet to breathe but still prevented internal fire.
