Flammable and Combustible Liquids

by Environmental, Health and Safety Services

Lacquer thinner Isopropyl alcohol

Acetone

Overview

Gasoline
Toluene Diethyl ether MEK

Definitions Classes of Liquids Precautions Storage Requirements Preventive Measures

Methyl formate
Kerosene

Ethyl ether

Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids can cause a fire or explosion, and like many other substances, they can also cause serious health effects from overexposure.

3
Note: On the NFPA diamond label, a fire hazard rating of 3 or 4 denotes a flammable liquid.

Flammable Liquids
A flammable liquid is any liquid having a flashpoint below 100F.
Exception: Any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100F or higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture.
Note: The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air.

Flammable Liquids
The vapors of flammable liquids often present the most serious hazard.
The vapors can easily ignite or explode. Flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air and may settle in low spots, or move a significant distance from the liquid itself.

Explosive Limits
The explosive concentration of vapors in air has a lower and upper limit.
The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is the lowest concentration that will ignite. The Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) is the highest concentration that will ignite. If the vapor concentration is between the LEL and UEL, there is serious risk of fire or explosion.

Explosive Limits
Above the Upper Explosive Limit, the mixture is too rich to burn UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT Explosive Range LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT

Below the Lower Explosive Limit, the mixture is too lean to burn

Classification
Flammable and combustible liquids are classified according to their flashpoints.
This is important to know because the quantity of flammable/combustible liquids that can be stored in any one location is determined by the class of the liquid.

Flammable Liquids
Class 1A Liquids having flashpoints below 73F and having a boiling point below 100F. Liquids having flashpoints below 73F and having a boiling point at or above 100F. Liquids have flashpoints at or above 73F and below 100F.

Class 1B

Class 1C

Combustible Liquids
A combustible liquid is any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100F.
Note: Check your Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) sheet for the characteristics or classification of a particular liquid.

Combustible Liquids
Class II
Class III Class IIIA Class IIIB

Liquids with flashpoints at or above 100F and below 140F.

Liquids with flashpoints at or above 140F Those with flashpoints at or above 140F and below 200F. Those with flashpoints at or above 200F.

Area Exempt Amounts

There are certain amounts of flammable and combustible liquids stored in each control area that are considered exempt.
If these amounts are exceeded, then the area or building may have to be reclassified as a Hazardous Use Group under the building code.

Excessive storage is a serious violation of the fire code!

Contact the EHSS Fire Safety Engineer at 231-9198 for assistance, if necessary.

Storage Areas
Flammables should be stored in an approved cabinet in a cool, well ventilated area to avoid pressure buildup and vaporization.

Storage Areas
There should be at least one fire extinguisher in the area.
Large storage areas should have a fire protection system installed and must be approved for this use.

Storage Cabinets
Use flammable liquid storage cabinets where greater quantities of liquids are needed.

Contrary to popular belief, these cabinets are not designed to contain a fire, but to prevent an outside fire from reaching the contents for a period of 10 minutes enough time to evacuate the area.

Flammable Liquid Exempt Amounts (in gallons)

Condition
Inside; unprotected by sprinklers or cabinets.

IA
30

IB
60

IC
90

Within approved cabinet; unsprinklered structure. Not in approved cabinet; sprinklered structure. In approved cabinet; sprinklered structure. Outside storage.

60
60 120 60

120
120 240 120

180
180 360 180

Combustible Liquid Exempt Amounts (in gallons)

Condition
Inside; unprotected by sprinklers or cabinets.

II
120

IIIA
330

IIIB
13,200

Within approved cabinet; unsprinklered structure. Not in approved cabinet; sprinklered structure. In approved cabinet; sprinklered structure. Outside storage.

240
240 480 240

660
660

26,400
unlimited

1,320 unlimited 660

unlimited

Limitations on Storage
The maximum storage of flammables and combustibles in any one area under the Virginia Fire Prevention Code is 60 gallons of flammables and 120 gallons of combustibles.
These quantities must be in an approved storage area, i.e. a flammables cabinet or other acceptable means.

There are also limitations on quantities stored in individual containers.

Storage Containers
Containers should be tightly sealed when not in use. Approved safety cans are recommended for smaller quantities.
The spring-loaded safety cap prevents spillage, prevents vapors from escaping, acts as a pressure vent if engulfed in fire, prevents explosions and rocketing of the can!

Flammable Liquid Limitations (in gallons)

Container
Glass or approved plastic

IA

IB

IC
1

1 pt. 1 qt.

Metal (other than DOT drum)

Safety cans

1
2

5
5

5
5

Metal drums (DOT specifications)

Approved portable tanks

60
660

60
660

60
660

Combustible Liquid Limitations (in gallons)

Container
Glass or approved plastic

II
1

III
1

Metal (other than DOT drums)

Safety Cans

5
5

5
5

Metal drums (DOT specifications)

Approved portable tanks

60
660

60
660

Precautions
The unsafe use, storage, dispensing, or disposal of flammable materials can be a prime source of fires and explosions.
Read labels of all spray cans to identify those with flammable gas-propellants.

Ex. Butane and Propane

Precautions
Some flammable liquids have a tendency to accumulate a static electric charge, which can release a spark that ignites the liquid.
Always bond metal dispensing and receiving containers together before pouring.

Precautions
To bond containers, each container is wired together and one container is connected to a good ground point to allow any charge to drain away safely.
Because there is no easy way to bond plastic containers, their use should be limited to smaller sizes (no more than 4L).

Precautions
Overexposure to flammable liquids may present health hazards. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the material you will be using to identify health hazards and protective measures to be taken.

Precautions
Effects of overexposure to flammable liquids includes:
Inhalation: Irritation to respiratory passages, nausea, headaches, muscle weakness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, disorientation, confusion, unconsciousness, and death.

Precautions
Skin Contact: irritated, dry, cracked skin, rashes, dermatitis. Eye Contact: burning, irritation, eye damage. Ingestion: irritated digestive tract, poisoning, death.

Preventive Measures
Quantities of flammable and combustible liquids located outside of storage cabinets should be restricted to one days supply, or to what can be used during a single shift.
If possible, substitute nonflammable, nonhazardous materials for flammable liquids.

Preventive Measures
To prevent the accumulation of vapors inside of storage areas, a continuous mechanical ventilation system must be in place.

Preventive Measures
All nonessential ignition sources must be eliminated where flammable liquids are used or stored.
Common ignition sources include:
Open flames from cutting and welding Furnaces, matches, heaters, smoking materials Static electricity, friction sparks Motors, switches, circuit breakers

Preventive Measures
Materials that contribute to a flammable liquid fire should not be stored with flammable liquids. For example,
Oxidizers Organic peroxides

Preventive Measures
If a spill occurs:
Limit spread by diking with suitable absorbent material. Minimize vapors by covering surface of spill with same absorbent material. Ensure all sources of ignition are off or controlled. Notify your supervisor immediately and call 911 if necessary.

Preventive Measures
If a spill occurs:
Begin cleanup right away.
Sweep saturated absorbent material into a dustpan. Place material into a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Place any saturated rags or cloths into the same container. Contact EHSS at 231-2982 for pickup and proper disposal.

Preventive Measures
Always check the labels of containers (or the MSDS) for recommended personal protective equipment to be worn.
Lab coats Splash aprons Eyewear Gloves Overboots

Summary
Careless mistakes and safety shortcuts lead to serious problems when it comes to flammable liquids.
Respect flammable liquids and their dangers - their hazards are deadly

Contact Information
Environmental, Health and Safety Services
www.ehss.vt.edu 231-5985

Fire Safety
Firesafe@vt.edu 231-9198