|
Medical College of Georgia Administrative Policies and Procedures
Office of Primary Responsibility: Environmental Health &
Safety, Chemical Safety
No. 4.2.01
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
1.0 Purpose
To outline the policy and procedures which apply to the storage of flammable
and combustible liquids.
2.0 Policy
Only certain specified amounts of flammable and combustible liquids are
allowed to be in use, kept in certain containers within a workspace, and
stored in approved cabinets or storage area as outlined by the National Fire
Protection Association codes and standards (NFPA 30) as adopted and amended
by the State of Georgia.
3.0 Flammable/Combustible Liquid
Classification
The liquids are classified according to flashpoint and at times, boiling
point.
3.1 Flammable Liquids
Any liquid having a flash point below 100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C.
3.1.1 Class IA
Flash point below 73 degrees F/22.8 degrees C.
Boiling point below 100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C.
3.1.2 Class IB
Flash point below 73 degrees F/22.8 degrees C.
Boiling point at or above100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C.
3.1.3 Class IC
Flash point of 73 degrees F/22.8 degrees C to 99 degrees F/37.8 degrees C.
3.2 Combustible Liquids
Any liquid having a flash point above 100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C.
3.2.1 Class II
Flash point of 100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C to 140 degrees F/60 degrees C.
3.2.2 Class IIIA
Flash point of 140 degrees F/60 degrees C to 200 degrees F/93 degrees C.
3.2.3 Class IIIB
Flash point of 200 degrees F/93 degrees C and above.
4.0 Flammable/Combustible Liquid Containers
4.1 According to their classification,
flammable and combustible liquids are required to be stored in the following
maximum-allowable size of containers.
|
Container Type |
|
Flammable |
|
Combustible |
|
|
IA |
IB |
IC |
|
II |
III |
| Glass |
|
1pt |
1qt |
1gal |
|
1gal |
5gal |
| Approved Plastic |
|
1gal |
5gal |
5gal |
|
5gal |
5gal |
| DOT Polyethylene |
|
1gal |
5gal |
5gal |
|
60gal |
60gal |
| Safety Cans |
|
2gal |
5gal |
5gal |
|
5gal |
5gal |
| DOT Drum |
|
60gal |
60gal |
60gal |
|
60gal |
60gal |
4.2 All flammable and combustible liquids shall
be maintained in containers according to the chart above, with the exception
of glass containers of no more than 1 gallon capacity; glass may be used for
Class IA or Class IB flammable liquid if:
4.2.1 Such liquid would be either rendered
unfit for its intended use by contact with metal or it would excessively
corrode a metal container and create a leakage hazard.
4.2.2 The user's process requires that more
than one pint of Class IA liquid or more than one quart of a Class IB
liquid of a single assay lot to be used at one time.
5.0 Flammable/Combustible Liquid Use
The use of flammable and combustible chemicals is restricted to
locations that are properly designed for such use. Laboratories or groups of
laboratories using these liquids are required to be a fire area. A fire area
is defined as a structurally protected room or section of a building having
at least a 1-hour fire rated construction in accordance with the codes
adopted by the State of Georgia.
6.0 Flammable/Combustible Liquid Storage
Storage of flammable and combustible liquids in fire areas shall not
exceed the following amounts.
6.1 Ten (10) gallons in proper containers but
not in safety cans.
6.2 Twenty-five (25) gallons in UL
(Underwriters Laboratory) approved safety cans with automatic closures and
flame arrestors.
6.3 Three Hundred and Sixty (360) gallons in
safety cabinets (UL approved).
7.0 Responsibility Of All Personnel
To ensure that each laboratory, fire area, and storage area housing
flammable and combustible liquids is in compliance with these guidelines.
Date: 25 January 1989 | Rev. No:
02-1 |
Rev. Date: 1 December
2002 | No. 4.2.03 |