Safe Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids are commonly used in day to day operations at industrial and commercial sites throughout the nation. These liquids present a danger of fire and explosion and their safe handling and storage is imperative. Flammable liquids are volatile and they tend to evaporate readily under normal atmospheric conditions. This evaporation rate increases if the liquids are stored in a warmer area or near a heat source. As the flammable liquid evaporates, vapors may arise which can ignite. The heat of a flame causes an increased generation of vapors, further fueling the flame.
Flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough concentrated vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air immediately above the liquid surface.
Flammable Liquid has a flashpoint below 100° F. It is more dangerous than a Combustible Liquid and it can ignite at room temperature. This is a Class I Liquid.
Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 100° F or higher and can pose a serious explosion or fire danger if heated. This is a Class II or Class III Liquid.
Class III A Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 140° F or higher.
Class III B Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 200° F or above.
OSHA has developed standards for the safe handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids. There are regulations for the use of storage cabinets as well as structural specifications for these cabinets. These cabinets meet a variety of chemical storage needs. There are:
Flammable Storage Cabinets
Acid and Corrosive Safety Cabinets
Polyethylene Acid And Corrosive Safety Cabinets
High Security Safety Cabinets
Storage Requirements For Flammable and Combustible Liquids
-Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately.
-All containers of flammable liquids must be stored in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet.
-Flammable and combustible chemicals must be stored in fire resistant cabinets, designated storage rooms or buildings which meet OSHA and NFPA 30 requirements.
-The cabinet must be constructed to limit the internal temperature to not more than 325° F when subjected to a standardized 10 minute fire test.
-During a 10 minute fire test, all joints and seams of the cabinet must remain tight and the door must remain securely closed.
-A maximum of 60 gallons of Class I or Class II Liquids can be stored in a single storage cabinet.
-Up to 120 gallons of Class III liquids can be stored in one storage cabinet.
-The number of storage cabinets in one area must comply with OSHA regulations.
-Storage cabinets must be clearly labeled, "Flammable - No Open Flames - No Smoking - Keep Fire Away".
Spill911.com is a wealth of information about safety in the workplace. Visit us to learn more about safety cabinets. For more information about Industrial

By Andy Clark