Flammable and Combustible LiquidsFlammable and Combustible LiquidsFlammable and Combustible LiquidsFlammable and Combustible Liquids

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IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionThe two primary hazards associated with flammable and combustible liquids are explosion and fireexplosion and fireSafe handling and storage of flammable liquids requires the use of approved equipment and practices per OSHA standards

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Flash PointFlash PointFlash PointFlash PointFlash point means the minimum temperature at which a li id i ff h t f i it bl i tliquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture In general, the lower the flash point, the greater the hazardhazardFlammable liquids have flash points below 100oF, and are more dangerous than combustible liquids, since they

b i i dmay be ignited at room temperatureCombustible liquids have flash points at or above 100oFAlthough combustible liquids have higher flash pointsAlthough combustible liquids have higher flash points than flammable liquids, they can pose serious fire and/or explosion hazards when heated

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Classes of FlammableClasses of Flammableand Combustible Liquidsand Combustible Liquidsand Combustible Liquidsand Combustible Liquids

200IIIA

II

200

140nt (o

F)

Combustible(FP 100 F)II

IC10073as

h P

oi (FP > 100oF)

Flammable

IA IB73

Fla (FP < 100oF)

100Boiling Point (oF)

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Boiling Point ( F)

Classes of Some Flammable LiquidsClasses of Some Flammable Liquidsqq

Common Name Flash Point (oF)

CLASS IA Ethyl Ether -49

CLASS IB Gasoline -45

Methyl Ethyl Ketone 21

Toluene 40

CLASS IC Xylene 81-115

Turpentine 95

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Turpentine 95

Program ComponentsProgram Components

A good plan for safe use of flammable and combustible liquids contains at least these

tControl of ignition sourcesProper storage

components:

Proper storageFire controlSafe handlingSafe handling

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Sources of IgnitionSources of IgnitionSources of IgnitionSources of IgnitionMust take adequate precautions to prevent ignition of

Open flames

q p p gflammable vapors. Some sources of ignition include:

SmokingStatic electricityCutting and weldingCutting and weldingHot surfacesElectrical and mechanical sparksElectrical and mechanical sparksLightning

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Static ElectricityStatic ElectricityStatic ElectricityStatic Electricity

Generated when a fluid flows through a gpipe or from an opening into a tankMain hazards are fire and explosion from

k t i i h tsparks containing enough energy to ignite flammable vaporsBonding or grounding of flammable liquidBonding or grounding of flammable liquid containers is necessary to prevent static electricity from causing a spark

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BondingBondingBondingBondingPhysically connect twoPhysically connect two conductive objects together with a bond wire to eliminate a difference in static chargea difference in static charge potential between themMust provide a bond wire between containers during flammable liquid filling operations, unless a metallic p ,path between them is otherwise present

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GroundingGroundingGroundingGrounding

Eliminates a difference in staticEliminates a difference in static charge potential between conductive objects and groundAlthough bonding will eliminate a difference in potential between objects, it will not eliminate a j ,difference in potential between these objects and earth unless one of the objects is connectedone of the objects is connected to earth with a ground wire

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VentilationVentilation

Always provide adequate ventilation t d th t ti l f i iti fto reduce the potential for ignition of flammable vapors.

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Storage FundamentalsStorage Fundamentals

Identify incompatible chemicals – check the Material Safety Data SheetI l t d t i tibl t i lIsolate and separate incompatible materials

Isolate by storing in another area or roomDegree of isolation depends on quantitiesDegree of isolation depends on quantities, chemical properties and packagingSeparate by storing in same area or room, but apart from each other

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Storage of FlammableStorage of Flammableand Combustible Liquidsand Combustible Liquids

St t t li it th fStorage must not limit the use of exits, stairways, or areas normally used for the safe egress of peopleIn office occ panciesIn office occupancies:

Storage prohibited except that which is required for maintenance and operation of equipmentand operation of equipmentStorage must be in:

closed metal containers inside Inside storage room

a storage cabinet, orsafety cans, oran inside storage room

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g

Safety Cans for Storage and TransferSafety Cans for Storage and TransferSafety Cans for Storage and TransferSafety Cans for Storage and Transfer

Approved container of notApproved container of not more than 5 gallons capacitySpring-closing lid and spout p g g pcoverSafely relieves internal pressure when exposed to fire

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Flame Arrester ScreenFlame Arrester ScreenFlame Arrester ScreenFlame Arrester Screen

Prevents fire flashback intoPrevents fire flashback into can contentsDouble wire-mesh constructionLarge surface area provides rapid dissipation of heat from fi th t t tfire so that vapor temperature inside can remains below ignition point

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Storage CabinetsStorage Cabinetsgg

Not more than 60 gal of Class I and/or Class II liquids, or not more than 120 gal of Class III liquids permitted in a cabinetpMust be conspicuously labeled, “Flammable - Keep Fire Away”Doors on metal cabinets must have a three-point lock (top, side, and bottom), and the door sill ),must be raised at least 2 inches above the bottom of the cabinet

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Fire ControlFire ControlFire ControlFire Control

Suitable fire control devices such asSuitable fire control devices, such as small hose or portable fire extinguishers must be available

h fl bl b tiblwhere flammable or combustible liquids are storedOpen flames and smoking must notOpen flames and smoking must not be permitted in these storage areasMaterials which react with water must

t b t d i th ithnot be stored in the same room with flammable or combustible liquids

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T f i Fl bl Li idT f i Fl bl Li idTransferring Flammable LiquidsTransferring Flammable Liquids

Si th i i bl i k h fl blSince there is a sizeable risk whenever flammable liquids are handled, OSHA allows only four methods for transferring these materials:

1. Through a closed piping system2. From safety cans

g

y3. By gravity through an approved self-closing safety

faucet4. By means of a safety pump

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SelfSelf Closing Safety FaucetClosing Safety FaucetSelfSelf--Closing Safety FaucetClosing Safety Faucet

B di i b tBonding wire between drum and containerGrounding wire betweenGrounding wire between drum and groundSafety vent in drumy

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Safety PumpSafety PumpSafety PumpSafety PumpFaster and safer than

i f tusing a faucetSpills less likelyNo separate safety ventsNo separate safety vents in drum requiredInstalled directly in drum bung openingSome pump hoses have integral bonding wiresintegral bonding wires

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Waste and ResidueWaste and ResidueWaste and ResidueWaste and ResidueCombustible waste and residue must be kept to a minimum, stored in covered metal receptacles and disposed of daily.

Waste drum with disposal funnel

Safety disposal can Oily-waste can (self-closing lid)

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disposal funnel (self closing lid)

Safe Handling FundamentalsSafe Handling FundamentalsCarefully read the manufacturer’s label on the flammable liquid container before storing or using itPractice good housekeeping in flammable liquid storage areasClean up spills immediately, then place the cleanup p p y, p prags in a covered metal containerOnly use approved metal safety containers or original manufacturer’s container to store flammable liquidsmanufacturer s container to store flammable liquidsKeep the containers closed when not in use and store away from exits or passagewaysUse flammable liquids only where there is plenty ofUse flammable liquids only where there is plenty of ventilationKeep flammable liquids away from ignition sources such

fl k ki tti ldi t

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as open flames, sparks, smoking, cutting, welding, etc.

SummarySummary

The two primary hazards associated with flammable and combustible liquids are explosion and fireS f h dli d t f fl bl li idSafe handling and storage of flammable liquids requires the use of approved equipment and practices per OSHA standardsp pAn excellent reference on this topic is National Fire Protection Association Standard No. 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Codeand Combustible Liquids Code

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