Where should unopened containers of methanol be safely stored?

Unopened containers of methanol should be safely stored in a flammable safety cabinet because these cabinets are specifically designed to contain flammable liquids and minimize the risk of fire hazards. They are constructed with materials that can withstand high temperatures and provide proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors. Storing methanol, which is highly flammable, in such a cabinet ensures compliance with safety regulations and protects laboratory personnel and the surrounding environment from potential fire risks.

Other storage locations, such as a general storage room, refrigerator, or under the lab sink, do not offer the same level of safety. A general storage room may not be appropriately ventilated and can pose increased risks of fire or explosion if flammable vapors accumulate. Storing methanol in a refrigerator could lead to hazardous conditions as it may not be designed to handle flammable substances and could increase the risk of ignition. Likewise, placing containers under a lab sink is inappropriate because it does not provide secure containment and could expose flammable materials to moisture and other chemicals, further increasing safety risks.