Flammable Liquids and Gases

Storage and handling of flammable liquids and gases should not occur in areas where the activities would create hazards that could hinder egress unless permitted by the following codes  

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 

Labs that use chemicals should conform to the requirements found in NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. 

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Nitric acid, fuming Organic matter, nonmetals, most metals, ammonia, chlorosulfonic acid, chromium trioxide, cyanides, dichromates, hydrazines, hydrides, HCN, HI, hydrogen sulflde, sulfur dioxide, sulfur halides, sulfuric acid, flammable liquids and gases... 

The loading and unloading of bulk flammable liquids and gases at harbours and inland waterways Lithium batteries... 

This chapter is not concerned with the hazards of obviously dangerous materials, such as highly flammable liquids and gases, or toxic materials. Rather, the focus is on accidents involving those common but dangerous substances air, water, nitrogen, and heavy oils. 

Most heat transfer systems are of a closed loop design that circulates a heat transfer medium between heaters and heat exchangers. Circulation pumps provide flow and regulating valves are used for process control. The heat transfer medium is usually steam, a high flash point oil, or in process plants flammable liquids and gases. Inherently steam is a safer medium to use and is preferred over other mediums. When steam supplies are unavailable high flash point oils (organic or synthetics) are sometimes used. 

Fire hazard calculation techniques for combustible and flammable liquids and gases range from the basic rule-of-thumb to the sophisticated, including computer modeling techniques. A relatively simplistic approach is adopted for this FHA framework in recognition of the uncertainty of other inputs to the FHA (e.g., leak sizes, orientations, ignition delays, and total volume of discharge). 

This section discusses basic design guidelines for fireproofing or passive fire protection in areas where flammable liquids and gases are processed, handled, and stored. API 2218, Fireproofing Practices in Petroleum and Petrochemical Processing Plants (API, 1999) can be referenced for additional information. 

Inerting of flammable liquids and gases 1.1 x inerting concentration... 

A number of flammable liquids and gases used in processing facilities are stored in refrigerated vessels. Common among these are liquefied gases, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and anhydrous ammonia, and a number of reactive or self-polymerizing liquids, such as acrylic acid and organic peroxides. 

The hazards common to the petrochemical industry involve flammable liquids and gases. Many of the fire models that can be used to assess these hazards fall under the categories mentioned above. The models discussed below are fire models or conglomerate models that have been designed specifically to address fire hazards presented in the petrochemical industry. 

A California statue requiring hazardous materials management was passed in 1985 (24), but guidance for compliance for industries covered by the act was not issued until 1988 (25). A revised standard, which became effective in January of 1994 (26), applies to facilities handling any of 128 toxic materials flammable liquids and gases in quantities of 10,000 lb (4.541) or more, except where used as fuel or in atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature tanks and explosives. 

The regulation lists 137 toxic and reactive substances and a threshold quantity for each. The regulation also applies to flammable liquids and gases in quantities of 10,000 lb or more (>4.5 metric tons), except hydrocarbon fuels and liquids stored in unpressurized, ambient temperature tanks, as well as to the manufacture of any quantities of explosives (see Exlosives and propellants) and pyrotechnics (qv). 

Flammability of Liquids, No. 340, Underwriters Laboratories Northbrook, 111., 1972 Flame Arresters, No. 525, 1973 Flammable Liquid Dispensing, No. 1238,1975 Group Classification of Flammable Liquids and Gases, Test Report MH8593, 67C2889,1967. 

After the Second World War, the expansion of the petroleum refining and chemical process industries far outstripped that of the rest of the manufacturing industries. The chemical industry also was different than the older established industries due to the nature of toxic and flammable liquids and gases. [12] Naturally, the handling and storage of hazardous materials presented a potential peril that was often far greater than those posed by the traditional industries. 

Flammable liquids or gases and meet the definition of the OSHA Hazard Communication standard [A-7] as a liquid having a flash point <100°F or a gas having a lower flammable limit of 13% by volume or having a flammable range that is wider than 12% by volume. The OSHA Threshold Quantity for flammable liquids and gases is 10,000 pounds. 

Emergency responders should have a thorough knowledge of corrosive materials. After flammable liquids and gases, corrosives are the most frequently encountered hazardous material. Responders should have proper chemical protective equipment and SCBA to deal safely with corrosive materials. Firelighter turnouts will not provide protection from corrosives. The most common exposures are contact with the hands and feet, and inhalation of the vapors. Make sure that the chemical suits chosen for use are compatible with the corrosive material. No suit will protect you from chemicals indefinitely they all have breakthrough times. Make sure personnel are rotated to avoid prolonged exposure, and make sure they do not contact the material unless absolutely necessary. Safety should be your primary concern. 

Oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids, solids, gases Acetic acid, hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids and gases Air, oxygen... 

TABLE IX.1 Flash Point and Autoignition Temperatures of Common Flammable Liquids and Gases... 

Section 4.5 consolidates the requirements for the training of constmction woikers who handle harmful substances such as poisons, caustics, flammable liquids and gases, and other toxic substances. This section also covers the training of employees required to enter enclosed or confined spaces. 

Unexpected releases of toxic, reactive, or flammable liquids and gases in processes facilities involving highly hazardous chemicals/hydrocarbons have been reported for many years. Regardless of the industry, there is a potential for an accidental and undesirable release of these substances if they not are not properly handled and controlled. This, in turn, creates the possibility of disaster at any or all fronts of HSE issues, and hence creates strong reason to control them. 

Area classification is employed to identify locations where electrical equipment could provide a source of ignition to flammable liquids and gases/vapours that may be present. It is also used to prevent dust explosions. Area classification is necessary for selecting and installing safer electrical and instrumentation equipment, and its review is very important for revamp projects as it may influence site selection and also project cost. In some cases it may require a change in electrical area classification for existing facilities and hence require replacement of some electrical and instrumentation equipment. 

Application. The standard applies to a process that contains a threshold quantity or greater amount of a toxic or reactive highly hazardous chemicals as specified in the appendix to this chapter. Also, it applies to 10,000 pounds or greater amounts of flammable liquids and gases and to the process activity of manufacturing explosives and pyrotechnics. 

To eliminate fuel as a source of fire, all flammable liquids and gases should be stored correctly, usually in an outside locked store. The working environment should be kept clean by placing rags in a metal bin with a lid. Combustible waste material should be removed from the work site or burned outside under controlled conditions by a competent person. 

Table 24.5. Properties of some flammable liquids and gases...

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