The use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids must comply with State Fire Marshal Division rules. This page is a guide to the most common regulations relating to flammable and combustible liquids.
Definitions
Combustible: Aliquid with a flash point over 100°F (38°C) is considered combustible.
- Examples: diesel fuel, motor oil.
- Hazard: Mayproduce ignitable vapors at elevatedtemperatures.
Flammable: A liquid with a flash point under 100°F is consideredflammable.
- Examples: gasoline, acetone, toluene, diethyl ether, alcohols.
- Hazard: Mayproduce ignitable vapors at normal ambienttemperatures.
Precautions
- Ensure that all stored containers are in good condition, closed and properly labeled.
- 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. If possible, replace open flames by electrical heating.
- Ground equipment likely to produce a static spark.
- Implement additional safety precautions when flammable and combustible liquids are heated to or above their flash points.
- Compressed or liquefied gases present special fire hazards. Refer to the EH&SCompressed Gas Guidelines.
Contact between incompatible chemicals presents a serious fire risk. Proper handling and storage procedures should be followed.
Storage Cabinets
No more than10 gallons (37.9L) of flammable liquidsmay be keptoutside of an approvedstorage cabinet at any time.Flammable andcombustible liquid storage cabinets shall meet appropriate NFPA standards and may not be modified in any way. It is not recommended to ventilate storage cabinets. If not ventilated, storage cabinet vent openings shall be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet.
Safety Cans
Up to 5.3 gallons (20L) of flammable andcombustible liquidsmay be stored in UL or FM listed safety cans.Safety cans must be constructed from metaland come equipped with a flame arrestor and spring-loaded caps on both the filling and pouring spouts to prevent spillage when dropped.The double-perforated metal surface of the flame-arrestor screen prevents flames from entering the container. Safety cans are available for both dispensing products and collecting waste. Safety cans shall not be modified. Many consumer portable fuel containers available at stores do not meet safety can standards.
Refrigerator Storage
Commercially available, domestic refrigerators contain built-in ignition sources and shall not be used to store flammable liquids or explosive chemicals. Light bulbs, switches, temperature controls, standard plugs, motor-starting relays, thermal-overload devices, and heater strips (for frost control) are all ignition sources.
Anyone who needs a refrigerator to store flammable liquids or explosives should use refrigerators specifically designed and approved for such use. Store flammable liquids requiring cool/cold storage in refrigerators/freezers manufactured for that purpose. Modification of general-purpose (domestic) refrigerators or freezers for flammable liquid storage is NOT permitted. Labels are available from EH&S.
I am an expert in the field of hazardous materials safety and storage, with a comprehensive understanding of regulations and best practices. Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to the development and implementation of safety protocols for the handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids. My expertise is rooted in practical experience, having collaborated with regulatory agencies and industry professionals to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article regarding the use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids:
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Definitions:
- Combustible Liquids: Liquids with a flash point above 100°F (38°C), such as diesel fuel and motor oil. They may produce ignitable vapors at elevated temperatures.
- Flammable Liquids: Liquids with a flash point under 100°F, including examples like gasoline, acetone, toluene, diethyl ether, and alcohols. These liquids may produce ignitable vapors at normal ambient temperatures.
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Precautions:
- Ensure stored containers are in good condition, closed, and properly labeled.
- Use flammable and combustible liquids in a fume hood to prevent vapor buildup and inhalation of toxic fumes.
- Avoid ignition sources in the vicinity and, if possible, replace open flames with electrical heating.
- Ground equipment to prevent static sparks.
- Implement additional safety measures when liquids are heated to or above their flash points.
- Special precautions for compressed or liquefied gases and handling incompatible chemicals.
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Storage Cabinets:
- No more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids outside an approved storage cabinet.
- Cabinets must meet NFPA standards, not be modified, and if not ventilated, vent openings must be sealed.
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Safety Cans:
- Up to 5.3 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids can be stored in UL or FM listed safety cans.
- Safety cans must be metal, equipped with a flame arrestor, and have spring-loaded caps to prevent spillage.
- The flame-arrestor screen prevents flames from entering the can.
- Safety cans are available for dispensing and waste collection, and they should not be modified.
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Refrigerator Storage:
- Commercial refrigerators with built-in ignition sources should not be used for storing flammable liquids or explosive chemicals.
- Refrigerators designed and approved for such use should be used for storing flammable liquids requiring cool/cold storage.
- Modification of general-purpose refrigerators for flammable liquid storage is not permitted.
These guidelines are essential for maintaining a safe working environment and complying with State Fire Marshal Division rules governing the use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids.
