REGULATIONS
The methods established for the safe handling, storage and use of flammable liquids in an industrial or commercial setting are clearly defined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) - Code of Federal Regulations, and are reinforced in numerous industry standards written by nationally recognized advisory bodies. A listing of useful sources of information, as well as a summary of relevant portions of the OSHA requirements follow:
American Society of Safety Engineers, ASSE http://www.asse.org
United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA http://www.epa.gov
Factory Mutual Research, FM http://www.fmglobal.org
National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors, NAFED http://www.nafed.org
National Fire Protection Association, NFPA (Reference NFPA Standard #30) http://www.nfpa.org
National Safety Council, NSC http://www.nsc.org Occupational Health and Safety
Act, OSHA http://www.osha.gov
Society of Fire Protection Engineers, SFPE http://www.sfpe.org
Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE (Reference Standard #ARP1247) http://www.sae.org
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., UL http://www.ul.com
SATISFYING OSHA REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT SAFETY
This section should be helpful in selecting the particular Protectoseal safety container or device best suited to meet a specific requirement. To assist, paragraphs have been excerpted from the CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, specifically sections:
1910 - Occupational Safety and Health Act
1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
DEFINITIONS
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(a)(14) (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (14) "Flash Point" means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor within a test vessel in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
1910.106(a)(18) (a) Definitions. As used in this section : (18) "Combustible liquid" means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100�F. (37.8�C.). Combustible liquids shall be divided into two classes as follows: (I) "Class II liquids" shall include those with flashpoints at or above 100�F. (37.8�C.) And below 140�F. (60�C.) except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200�F. (93.3�C.) or higher, the volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. (ii) "Class III liquids" shall include those with flashpoints at or above 140�F. (60�C.). Class III liquids are subdivided into two subclasses: (a) "Class IIIA liquids" shall include those with flashpoints at or above 140�F. (60�C.) and below 200�F. (93.3�C.), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200�F. (93.3�C.) or higher, the total volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. (b) "Class IIIB liquids" shall include those with flashpoints at or above 200�F. (93.3�C.). This section does not cover Class IIIB liquids. Where the terms "Class III liquids" is used in this section, it shall mean only Class IIIA liquids. (iii) When a combustible liquid is heated for use to within 30�F. (16.7�C.) of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for the next lower class of liquids.
1910.106(a)(19) (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (19) "Flammable liquid" means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100�F. (37.8�C.), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100�F. (37.8�C.) or higher, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I liquids. Class I liquids are divided into three classes as follows: (I) Class IA shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73�F. (22.8�C.) and having a boiling point below 100�F. (37.8�C.). (ii) Class IB shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73�F. (22.8�C.) and having a boiling point at or above 100�F. (37.8�C.). (iii) Class IC shall include liquids having flashpoints at or above 73�F. (22.8�C.) and below 100�F. (37.8�C.).
1910.106(a)(29) (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (29) "Safety Can" shall mean an approved container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
1910.106(a)(35) (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (35) "Approved" - unless otherwise indicated, approved, or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
1926.155 Definitions applicable to this subpart.
1926.155(l) (I) "Safety can" means an approved closed container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity, having a flash-arresting screen, spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
SAFETY STORAGE AND DISPENSING CANS
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(d)(1)(I) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (1) Scope - (I) General. This paragraph shall apply only to the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in drums or other containers (including flammable aerosols) not exceeding 60 gallons individual capacity and those portable tanks not exceeding 660 gallons individual capacity.
1910.106(d)(2)(I) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (2) Design, construction, and capacity of containers - (I) General. Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used. Metal containers and portable tanks meeting the requirements of and containing products authorized by Chapter 1, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (regulations issued by the Hazardous Materials Regulations Board, Department of Transportation), shall be deemed to be acceptable.
1910.106(d)(5)(iii) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (5) Storage inside building - (iii) Office occupancies. Storage shall be prohibited except that which is required for maintenance and operation of building and operation of equipment. Such storage shall be keep in closed metal containers stored in a storage cabinet or in safety cans or in an inside storage room not having a door that opens into that portion of the building used by the public.
1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(a & b) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage of use of flammable and combustible liquids - (ii) Containers. Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in tanks or closed containers. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) of this subdivision, all storage shall comply with paragraph (d)(3) or (4) of the section. (b) The quantity of liquid that may be located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet in a building shall not exceed: (1) 25 gallons of Class IA liquids in containers. (2) 120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II or III liquids in containers. (3) 660 gallons of Class IB, IC, II or III liquids in single portable tank.
1910.106(g)(1)(v) (g) Service stations - (1) Storage and handling - (v) Dispensing into portable containers. No delivery of any Class I liquids shall be made into portable containers unless the container is constructed of metal, has a tight closure with screwed or spring cover, and is fitted with a spout or so designed that the contents can be poured without spilling.
1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1926.152(a)(1) (a) General requirements. (1) Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Approved metal safety cans shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities greater than one gallon, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping container. For quantities of one gallon or less, only the original container or approved metal safety cans shall be used for storage, use, and handling of flammable liquids.
1926.152(g)(1) (g) Service and refueling areas. (1) Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in approved closed containers, in tanks located underground, or in aboveground portable tanks.
1910.144 Safety color code for marking physical hazards.
1910.144(a)(1)(ii) (a) Color identification - (1) Red. Red shall be the basic color for the identification of: (ii) Danger. Safety cans or other portable containers of flammable liquids having a flashpoint at or below 80�F. (open cup tester), excluding shipping containers, shall be painted red with some additional clearly visible identification either in the form of a yellow band around the can or the name of the contents conspicuously stenciled or painted on the can in yellow.
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(d)(3)(I) & (ii)(a) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (3) Design, construction, and capacity of storage cabinets - (I) Maximum capacity. Not more than 60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Class III liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet. (ii) Fire resistance. Storage cabinets shall be designed and constructed to limit the internal temperature to not more than 325�F. when subjected to a 10-minute fire test using the standard time-temperature curve as set forth in Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, NFPA 251-1969. All joints and seams shall remain tight and the door shall remain securely closed during the fire test. Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable - Keep Fire Away". (a) Metal cabinets constructed in the following manner shall be deemed to be in compliance. The bottom, top, door, and sides of cabinets shall be at least No.18 gauge sheet iron and double walled with 1/2 inch air space. Joints shall be riveted, welded or made tight by some equally effective means. The door shall be provided with a three point lock, and the door sill shall be raised at least 2 inches above the bottom of the cabinet.
1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1926.152(b)(1) (b) Indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids. (1) No more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. 1926.152(b)(2)(ii & iii) (b) Indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids. (2) Quantities of flammable and combustible liquid in excess of 25 gallons shall be stored in an acceptable or approved cabinet meeting the following requirements. (ii) Approved metal storage cabinets will be acceptable. (iii) Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable - Keep Fire Away".
1926.152(b)(3) (b) Indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids. (3) Not more than 60 gallons of flammable or 120 gallons of combustible liquids shall be stored in any one storage cabinet. Not more than three such cabinets may be located in a single storage area. Quantities in excess of this shall be stored in an inside storage room.
DRUM STORAGE AND DISPENSING EQUIPMENT
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(d)(2)(ii) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (2) Design, construction, and capacity of containers - (ii) Emergency venting. Each portable tank shall be provided with one or more devices installed in the top with sufficient emergency venting capacity to limit internal pressure under fire exposure conditions to 10 psig, or 30 percent of the bursting pressure of the tank, whichever is greater.
1910.106(d)(4)(v) (d) Container and portable tank storage - (4) Design and construction of inside storage rooms - (v) Storage in inside storage rooms. In every inside storage room there shall be maintained one clear aisle at least 3 feet wide. Containers over 30 gallons capacity shall not be stacked one upon the other. Dispensing shall be by approved pump or self-closing faucet only.
1910.106(e)(2)(iii) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage or use of flammable and combustible liquids - (iii) Separation and protection. Areas in which flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one tank or container to another container shall be separated from other operations in the building by adequate distance or by construction have adequate fire resistance. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills. Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided.
1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(b) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage or use of flammable and combustible liquids - (iv) Handling liquids at some point of final use. (b) Where flammable or combustible liquids are used or handled, except in closed containers, means shall be provided to dispose promptly and safely of leakage or spills.
1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage of use of flammable and combustible liquids - (iv) Handling liquids at point of final use. (d) Flammable or combustible liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing valve. Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks shall be prohibited.
1910.106(e)(6)(ii) (e) Industrial plants - (6) Sources of ignition - (ii) Grounding. Class I liquids shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floor plate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filing operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with.
1910.106(e)(9)(I) (e) Industrial plants - (9) Housekeeping - (I) General. Maintenance and operating practices shall be in accordance with established procedures which will tend to control leakage and prevent the accidental escape of flammable or combustible liquids. Spills shall be cleaned up promptly.
1910.106(f)(3)(vi) (f) Bulk plants - (3) Loading and unloading facilities - (vi) Container filling facilities. Class I liquids shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floor plate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with.
1910.106(g)(1)(I)(a) (g) Service stations - (1) Storage and handling - (I) General provisions. (a) Liquids shall be stored in approved closed containers not exceeding 60 gallons capacity, in tanks located underground, in tanks in special enclosures described in subdivision (g)(I) of this section, or in aboveground tanks as provided for in paragraphs (g)(4)(ii),(b),(c) and (d) of this section.
1910.106(g)(3)(iv)(a & c) (g) Service stations - (3) Dispensing Systems - (iv) Dispensing Units. (a) Class I liquids shall be transferred from tanks by means of fixed pumps so designed and equipped as to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage or accidental discharge. �Class I liquids shall not be dispensed by pressure from drums, barrels, and similar containers. Approved pumps taking suction through the top of the container or approved self-closing faucets shall be used.
1910.106(h)(7)(I)(b) (h) Processing plants - (7) Sources of ignition - (I) General. (b) Class I liquids shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floor plate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with.
1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials.
1910.107(e)(9) (e) Flammable and combustible liquids - storage and handling - (9) Grounding. Wherever flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one container to another, both containers shall be effectively bonded and grounded to prevent discharge sparks of static electricity.
1910.107(I)(6) (I) Electrostatic hand spraying equipment - (6) Grounding - general. All electrically conductive objects in the spraying area shall be adequately grounded. This requirement shall apply to paint containers, wash cans, and any other objects or devices in the area. The equipment shall carry a prominent permanently installed warning regarding the necessity for this grounding feature.
1910.108 Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids.
1910.108(d) (d) Liquids used in dip tanks, storage and handling. The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in connection with dipping operations shall conform to the requirements of section 1910.106, where applicable. Where portable containers are used for the replenishment of flammable and combustible liquids, provision shall be made so that both the container and tank shall be positively grounded and electrically bonded to prevent static electric sparks.
1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1926.152(e)(2) & (3) (e) Dispensing liquids. (2) Transfer of flammable liquids from one container to another shall be done only when containers are electrically interconnected (bonded). (3) Flammable or combustible liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or tanks within a building or outside only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container, or portable tanks, by gravity or pump, through an approved self-closing valve. Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks is prohibited.
PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(a)(9) (a) Definitions. As used in the section: (9) Closed container shall mean a container as herein defined, so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid nor vapor will escape from it at ordinary temperatures.
1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(a) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage or use of flammable and combustible liquids - (iv) Handling liquids at point of final use. (a) Flammable liquids shall be kept in covered containers when not actually in use.
1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials.
1910.107(e)(3) (e) Flammable and combustible liquids - storage and handling - (3) Containers. Original closed containers, approved portable tanks, approved safety cans or a properly arranged system of piping shall be used for bringing flammable or combustible liquids into spray finishing rooms. Open or glass containers shall not be used.
1910.108 Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids.
1910.108(a)(1) (a) Definitions applicable to this section - (1) Dip tank. Shall mean a tank, vat, or container of flammable or combustible liquid in which articles or materials are immersed for the purpose of coating, finishing, treating, or similar processes.
1910.108(g)(6)(I) (g) Extinguishment - (6) Dip tank covers. (I) Covers arranged to close automatically in the event of fire shall be actuated by approved automatic devices and shall also be arranged for manual operation.
1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1926.152(f)(1) (f) Handing liquids at point of final use.- (1) Flammable liquids shall be kept in closed containers when not actually in use.
1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids.
1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(a, b & c) (e) Industrial plants - (2) Incidental storage or use of flammable and combustible liquids - (iv) Handling liquids at point of final use. (a) Flammable liquids shall be kept in covered containers when not actually in use. (b) Where flammable or combustible liquids are used or handled, except in closed containers, means shall be provided to dispose promptly and safely of leakage or spills. (c) Class I liquids may be used only where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel.
1910.106(e)(9)(iii) (e) Industrial plants - (9) Housekeeping - (iii) Waste and residue. Combustible waste material and residues in a building or unit operating area shall be kept to a minimum, stored in covered metal receptacles and disposed of daily.
1910.106(h)(8)(iii) (h) Processing plants - (8) Housekeeping - (iii) Waste and residue. Combustible waste material and residues in a building or operating area shall be kept to a minimum, stored in closed metal waste cans, and disposed of daily.
1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials.
1910.107(g)(3) (g) Operations and maintenance - (3) Residual disposal. Residue scrapings and debris contaminated with residue shall be immediately removed from the premises and properly disposed of. Approved metal waste cans shall be provided wherever rags or waste are impregnated with finishing material and all such rags or waste deposited therein immediately after use. The contents of waste cans shall be properly disposed of at least once daily or at the end of each shift.
1910.108 Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids.
1910.108(f)(2) (f) Operations and maintenance - (2) Waste Cans. When waste or rags are used in connection with dipping operations, approved metal waste cans shall be provided and all impregnated rags or waste deposited therein immediately after use. The contents of waste cans shall be properly disposed of at least once daily at the end of each shift.
1926.252 Disposal of waste materials.
1926.252(e) (e) All solvent waste, oily rags, and flammable liquids shall be kept in fire resistant covered containers until removed from worksite.