When handling flammable liquids in a factory setting, proper storage is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a critical safety measure that helps protect employees, property and the surrounding community.
With strict regulations in place for the storage and handling of these materials, factory managers and operators must stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines to prevent hazardous incidents and avoid costly penalties. From OSHA standards to NFPA codes, these regulations provide a framework that promotes safe practices for storing potentially volatile substances.
Whether it’s understanding the classifications of different liquids or setting up designated storage areas with proper ventilation, following these guidelines is vital for creating a safer, more compliant workplace.
There are several key standards in place to help guide factories in the safe handling and storage of these potentially
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets foundational guidelines for flammable and combustible liquids under standard 29 CFR 1910.106. OSHA’s regulations categorize liquids by their flash points and boiling points to determine appropriate storage and handling measures.
For example, flammable liquids (Category 1-3) have flash points below 200°F, while combustible liquids (Category 4) have flash points above 200°F. Compliance with these standards is not only essential for workplace safety but is also legally mandated.
The NFPA provides further guidance with its NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. This code includes requirements for safe storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids, covering everything from the construction of storage areas to specific containment and labeling requirements.
NFPA 30 also aligns with OSHA guidelines, making it a valuable resource for more detailed standards that can help a factory establish compliant storage setups.
While OSHA and NFPA set national standards, additional state or local regulations may apply. Some states have stricter rules or additional storage requirements concerning flammable liquids, often enforced by local fire departments or state safety agencies. Checking in with these authorities ensures that your factory meets all regional compliance requirements.
The EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates hazardous waste, which can include certain flammable liquids that need specific disposal methods.
Although not directly related to storage, these guidelines are important for factories storing hazardous materials since they ensure that any waste management complies with environmental laws.
By understanding and implementing these regulatory requirements, your factory can establish a safer workplace, reduce the risk of costly penalties, and minimize the potential for incidents related to improper storage of flammable liquids.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies flammable and combustible liquids in six classes: I-A, I-B, I-C, II,
Flammable liquids are substances that can easily ignite and burn rapidly at normal temperatures. They have a low flash point, which is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can produce enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture in the air.
Combustible liquids, while still capable of catching fire, have a higher flash point compared to flammable liquids. They require higher temperatures to ignite, but once ignited, they can burn and sustain a fire.
When storing flammable and combustible liquids, these substances must be kept in containers of particular size and material. The chart below outlines some of the requirements when storing flammable liquids.
|
Type |
Class I-A |
Class I-B |
Class I-C |
Class II |
Class III-A – B |
|
Glass or approved plastic containers |
1 pint (0.47L) |
1 quart (0.94L) |
1 gallon (3.79L) |
1 gallon (3.79L) |
1 gallon (3.79L) |
|
Metal containers |
1 gallon (3.79L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
|
OSHA compliant safety cans |
2 gallon (7.58L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
5 gallon (18.95L) |
Source: UC San Diego
There are some exceptions to the above guidelines. Glass or approved plastic containers up to 1 gallon may be used for flammable liquids when the liquid may corrode metal containers or when the metal container could affect the analytical standard of the liquid.
In addition to primary storage guidelines, several other crucial regulations and industry guidelines govern environmental controls, safety protocols and emergency preparedness, all of which help mitigate the risks associated with storing flammable liquids in factory environments.
Regulations mandate adequate ventilation in storage areas to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, which can create explosive conditions if allowed to concentrate. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends mechanical ventilation systems that provide continuous air circulation to disperse vapors safely.
Temperature control is also essential to maintain the stability of flammable liquids since temperature fluctuations can increase vapor pressure within containers. Temperature-controlled environments minimize this risk and are particularly important for high-flashpoint liquids stored in large quantities.
Flammable liquids should be stored in clearly designated areas designed to isolate hazards. NFPA and OSHA guidelines specify that these areas must be well-marked, secured against unauthorized access and located away from sources of ignition.
Common solutions include fire-resistant storage rooms or specially designed cabinets for smaller quantities. Cabinets and rooms should meet NFPA’s fire-resistance standards to contain flames for a specified time in the event of an incident. Signs must be posted to warn employees and first responders of flammable materials in the area.
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for detecting and correcting potential issues before they lead to accidents. OSHA recommends periodic inspections to ensure that storage containers, safety equipment and ventilation systems are in good working order.
Inspections should check for leaks, rust or other damage that could compromise container integrity. Maintenance of storage cabinets, spill containment systems and fire extinguishers is also essential to remain in compliance. Documenting inspections and maintenance activities provides a record of compliance and can be useful during safety audits or regulatory inspections.
Emergency preparedness is a foundational requirement for flammable liquid storage. Facilities are required to have fire suppression systems such as sprinklers in storage areas. Emergency procedures and evacuation plans should be in place, and employees should be trained to follow them.
Spill containment systems, such as bunding or drip trays, are important for limiting the spread of flammable liquids in the event of a leak or spill. Facilities should also provide spill kits and train staff on their proper use to contain and neutralize spills quickly.
By implementing these additional safety measures, factories not only stay compliant with regulations but also create a safer environment that protects employees, property and the surrounding community from the potential hazards associated with flammable liquids.
Understanding how flammable liquids should be stored also impacts other areas of the waste management process, including transportation and disposal.
Hazardous waste transporters that haul your stored waste must be licensed in the United States. Samex Environmental only accepts waste from brokers that are licensed hazardous waste transporters.
Another important decision in waste management is where to send your waste. When evaluating the safety and efficiency of how you manage your flammable liquids, consider what happens to them once they are no longer stored in your factory or manufacturing facility.
For example, solvent distillation offers factories an opportunity to safely dispose of flammable or combustible spent solvents.
What is solvent distillation? The solvent distillation process takes a liquid or vapor mixture of two or more substances and separates it into its component fractions of desired purity. Through the application of heat, this process separates the solvents from other substances. By heating a liquid mixture containing solvents, the solvent vaporizes. The vapor is then condensed back into a liquid form, resulting in the separation and recovery of the solvent.
At Samex, our priority is to minimize waste, helping companies reach the highest sustainability standards with the waste they produce. After the solvent distillation process, any resulting still bottoms are directed to our fuel blending facility, where they’re mixed with other flammable liquids to create a blend specifically tailored for use as an alternative fuel in cement kilns.
Samex also operates an on-site water treatment facility, repurposing commercially clean, nonhazardous water for use in brick manufacturing. Solid byproducts from this process are transferred to the fuel blending area, where they’re included in the blend intended for cement kiln fuel.
Opting for this sustainable solution for your flammable or combustible waste ensures not only effective waste management but also supports a healthier environment through responsible disposal practices.