Storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. standards for steel ASTs storing flammable and combustible liquids include the following ... 

Cylindrical or rectangular tanks storing flammable and combustible liquids (UL 142 ASTs) will normally comply with UL 142. The Seventh Edition published in 1993 was particularly notable, as it incorporated secondary containment designs (diking or steel secondary containment tanks) and rectangular tank designs. 

Store flammable and combustible liquids in appropriate containers according to their characteristics. 

A wide variety of chemicals can be used in any laboratory environment, including those chemicals that have the properties of being flammable or combustible. Before discussing some of the general precautions to take in handling and storing flammable and combustible liquids, the following definitions are necessary ... 

The container size for storing flammable and combustible liquids is limited both by NFPA Standards 30 and 45 and by OSHA. Limitations are based on the type of container and the flammability of the liquid, as shown in Table 4.3. 

Abovegroimd Storage Tanks Aboveground storage tanks are classified as either field-erected or shop-fabricated. The Tatter is typically 190-m (50,000-gal) capacity or less and is able to be shipped over the highway, while larger tanks are more economically erected in the field. Whereas field-erected tanks likely constitute the majority of total AST storage capacity, shop-fabricated ASTs constitute the clear majority of the total number of ASTs in existence today Most of these shop-fabricated ASTs store flammable or combustible liquids at atmospheric pressure and have 45-m (12,000-gal) capacity or smaller. 

Separating incompatible chemicals Chemicals that may react with each other violently should be stored separately. For example, acids should be separated from bases, and oxidizers should be separated from flammable and combustible liquids. 

NFPA 430, 2.4.2.2 4.1.7.3 When flammable and combustible liquids are stored in segregated warehouses (see definition) with oxidizers, they shall be separated from those oxidizers by a distance of 25 ft. with dikes, drains, or sloping floors present to prevent the flammable liquids from encroaching on the separation. 

Flammable gas cylinders shall be stored a minimum distance of 20 ft. from storage of flammable and combustible liquids and solids. 

NFPA 30, 4.5.28.(a) 4.3.4 In general purpose warehouses, flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored in the same pile or on the same rack as ordinary combustibles. 

NFPA 30, 4.9 29CFR1910.106(d)(7) (i) 4.3.9 Suitable fire control devices shall be available at locations where flammable and combustible liquids are stored. 

NFPA 45, 2.2.1.4 4.3.15 With the exception of Section 4.3.12 and 4.3.13, all Class I, II, and IIIA flammable and combustible liquids not in a flammable liquids storage room shall be stored in flammable liquid storage cabinets when not in use. 

Flammable and combustible liquids should be stored only in approved flammable-liquid storage cabinets, not in a fume hood, out on the benches, or in a nonapproved storage cabinet. 

Flammable and combustible liquids should be stored in a container away from any activity which might cause an explosion. Most liquids must be stored in an approved room, and if they are stored outside of that room, it should be in quantities less than 25 gallons. In addition, this subpart informs the employer how close the employee must have the containerfor refilling operations and on moving containers from one area to another. 

In addition to basic fire prevention, emergency response training and fire extinguisher training, employees must be trained on the hazards involved with flammable and combustible liquids. 29 CFR 1910.106 addresses this area. Industrial facilities typically use all types of flammable and combustible liquids. These dangerous materials must be clearly labeled and stored safely when not in use. The safe handling of flammable and combustible... 

Are approved containers and tanks used to store and handle flammable and combustible liquids ... 

However, if pressure vessels are used to store flammable or combustible liquids, 1910. 106(b)(l)(v)(b) mandates that Code pressure vessel construction requirements apply. However, due to the serious hazards employees may be subject to as a resrdt of the failure of pressure vessels used for oil and gas production processing proposes, an employer may be subject to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act which requires employers to fixmish a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees. 

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