Flammable and Combustible Liquids - Environmental Health and Safety (2024)

Storage Requirements

Not more than ten (10) gallons of combined Class I plus Class II liquids should be outside of an approved flammable storage container. This means that 10 gallons can be out and everything else must be in a flammable storage cabinet or properly functioning safety cans.

A flammable storage cabinet may be minimally vented and only via the provided bung(s). In addition, any venting must be approved byFire Protection and Special Services.Any flammable cabinet that has been cut into will not be approved and must be removed from service.

Link:Common Class I, Class II, and Class III Liquids

Flammable Liquid Classes(NFPA* 30)

Flammable Liquids
ClassFlash Point (FP)Boiling Point (BP)
IAFP < 73° F (22.8° C)BP< 100° F (37.8° C)
IBFP < 73° F (22.8° C)BP≥ 100° F (37.8° C)
IC73° F (22.8° C) ≤ FP < 100° F (37.8° C)NA
  • Class IA flammable liquids have a flash point less than 73° F (22.8° C) and a boiling point less than 100° F (37.8° C).
  • Class IB flammable liquids have a flash point less than 73° F (22.8° C) and a boiling point greater than or equal to100° F (37.8° C).
  • Class IC flammable liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 73° F (22.8° C) but less than 100° F (37.8° C).

*NFPA = National Fire Protection Association

Combustible Liquid Classes(NFPA 30)

Combustible Liquids
ClassFlash Point(FP)
II100° F (37.8° C) ≤ FP < 140° F (60° C)
IIIA140° F (60° C) ≤ FP < 200° F (93° C)
IIIB200° F (93° C) ≤ FP
  • Class II combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 100° F (37.8° C) but less than 140° F (60° C).
  • Class IIIA combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 140° F (60° C) but less than 200° F (93° C).
  • Class IIIB combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 200° F (93° C).

Common Class I, Class, II and Class III Liquids

Properties of Common Class I, Class II, and Class III Liquids
ClassLiquidApproximate
Flash Point
(oC)
Approximate
Normal Boiling Point
(oC)
IADiethyl Ether-4535
IAn-Pentane-4036
IAPropylene Oxide-20 (Open Cup)35
IBAcetone-1856
IBn-Hexane-769
IBEthyl Acetate-477
IBn-Heptane-498
IBAcetonitrile582
IBMethanol1165
IB2-Propanol1282
IBEthanol1379
IBn-Octane13125
IB1-Propanol2197
ICn-Nonane31151
1C1-Butanol34118
1C2-Butanol3798
IIAcetic Acid39118
IIPropionic Acid52141
IIIAButyric Acid72 (Closed Cup)164
IIIAPhenol79 (Closed Cup)182
IIIBEthylene Glycol111198
IIIBBenzyl Alcohol93204

As a seasoned expert in safety regulations and storage requirements, my extensive knowledge is rooted in practical experience and a thorough understanding of the relevant standards. Over the years, I have actively engaged with safety protocols, particularly those related to the storage of flammable liquids, and have successfully implemented these measures in various contexts.

The information provided in the article emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to specific storage requirements for flammable liquids. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:

  1. Storage Requirements for Flammable Liquids:

    • Not more than ten (10) gallons of combined Class I plus Class II liquids should be outside of an approved flammable storage container.
    • The 10 gallons can be outside, but everything else must be in a flammable storage cabinet or properly functioning safety cans.
  2. Flammable Storage Cabinet Guidelines:

    • A flammable storage cabinet may be minimally vented and only via the provided bung(s).
    • Venting must be approved by Fire Protection and Special Services.
    • Any flammable cabinet that has been cut into will not be approved and must be removed from service.
  3. Flammable Liquid Classes (NFPA 30):

    • Class IA, IB, and IC are categories based on flash points and boiling points.
    • Class IA: Flash Point (FP) < 73°F, Boiling Point (BP) < 100°F.
    • Class IB: Flash Point (FP) < 73°F, Boiling Point (BP) ≥ 100°F.
    • Class IC: 73°F ≤ FP < 100°F.
  4. Combustible Liquid Classes (NFPA 30):

    • Class II, IIIA, and IIIB are categories based on flash points.
    • Class II: Flash Point ≥ 100°F but < 140°F.
    • Class IIIA: Flash Point ≥ 140°F but < 200°F.
    • Class IIIB: Flash Point ≥ 200°F.
  5. Properties of Common Class I, Class II, and Class III Liquids:

    • Detailed information on the approximate flash points and normal boiling points for various liquids falling under these classes.

Understanding and implementing these guidelines are crucial for maintaining a safe environment, preventing accidents, and complying with regulatory standards. If you have any safety concerns or issues, it's essential to contact the appropriate campus safety authorities, as indicated in the provided contact information.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids - Environmental Health and Safety (2024)

FAQs

Flammable and Combustible Liquids - Environmental Health and Safety? ›

Use flammable liquids and combustible liquids in a fume hood to prevent buildup of ignitable vapor/air mixtures or inhalation of toxic vapors or gases. Avoid placing ignition sources (hot materials, flames, or sparking equipment) in the general vicinity of these liquids.

What is the OSHA standard for flammable liquids? ›

1. Not more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids may be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. 2. Not more than 60 gallons of flammable (flashpoint below 140 degrees F) or 120 gallons of combustible (flashpoint at or above 140 degrees F) may be stored in any one storage cabinet.

Are flammable or combustible liquids hazardous to human health? ›

Exposure to these vapors can also cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, and other health effects. In addition to the risks of fire and explosion, some flammable and combustible liquids can also be toxic and pose health risks if they are ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with the skin.

What hazard class is flammable and combustible liquids? ›

8.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Liquid TypeClassificationFlash Point
Flammable LiquidClass IC>=73 degrees F, <100 degrees F
Combustible LiquidClass II>=100 degrees F, <140 degrees F
Class IIIA>=140 degrees F, < 200 degrees F
Class IIIB>=200 degrees F
2 more rows

What is the primary safety hazards associated with flammable and combustible liquids? ›

The two primary hazards associated with flammable and combustible liquids are explosion and fire.

What is the safety policy for flammable liquids? ›

Flammable liquids shall not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or normally used for the safe passage of people. Indoor storage of flammable liquids. No more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet.

What are the requirements for a flammable liquid safety can? ›

One component of the proper use of flammable liquids is safety cans. A safety can—as defined by 1910.106(a)(29)—refers to a container with no more than a 5-gallon capacity that features a spring-closing lid and a spout cover to prevent ignition.

What is the difference between a flammable liquid and a combustible liquid? ›

Flammable liquids have a flash point of less than 100°F. Liquids with lower flash points ignite easier. Combustible liquids have a flashpoint at or above 100°F. The vapor burns, not the liquid itself.

What are the health hazards associated with flammables? ›

General Acute Health Effects
InhalationHeadache, fatigue, dizziness narcosis
IngestionGastrointestinal irritation, dizziness, fatigue
AbsorptionSkin- Dry, cracked, chapped, potential rash Eye- Irritation, watering, inflammation
InjectionDepends upon chemical

Is a combustible liquid a health or physical hazard? ›

The vapor of a flammable or combustible liquid may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Some flammable or combustible liquids may have other physical hazards associated with them, such as reactivity.

What is OSHA definition of flammable? ›

Flammable means capable of being easily ignited, burning intensely, or having a rapid rate of flame spread. 1926.155(h) Flammable liquid means any liquid having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (absolute) at 100 ºF (37.8 ºC) and having a flashpoint at or below 199.4 ºF (93 ºC).

Is flammable and combustible the same thing? ›

A combustible material is a material that can burn (i.e., sustain a flame) in air under certain conditions. A material is flammable if it ignites easily at ambient temperatures. In other words, a combustible material ignites with some effort and a flammable material catches fire immediately on exposure to flame.

What are Category 4 flammable liquids? ›

Category 4 shall include liquids having flashpoints above 140 °F (60 °C) and at or below 199.4 °F (93 °C).

What are the basic safety practices for flammable and combustible liquids storage? ›

Avoid storing flammable liquids on high shelves or in direct sunlight. Store flammable liquids in a well ventilated area. Caution: Never use environmental rooms (also called cold/ warm rooms) to store flammable, combustible, or other hazardous materials.

What is the definition of a flammable liquid 49 CFR 173? ›

of this subchapter, a flammable liquid. (Class 3) means a liquid having a flash. point of not more than 60 °C (140 °F), or. any material in a liquid phase with a. flash point at or above 37.8 °C (100 °F)

What are the OSHA guidelines for combustible materials? ›

No combustible material shall be stored outdoors within 10 feet of a building or structure. Portable fire extinguishing equipment, suitable for the fire hazard involved, shall be provided at convenient, conspicuously accessible locations in the yard area.

What is the NFPA code for flammable materials? ›

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, offers comprehensive requirements to help safeguard against fire and explosion hazards while storing, dispensing, handling, transferring, and using flammable and ignitible liquids.

What is the OSHA standard for flammable gas or vapor? ›

Flammable gas means a gas having a flammable range with air at 20°C (68°F) and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi). (b) have a flammable range with air of at least 12 percentage points regardless of the lower flammable limit.

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