Flammable Storage Policy

Purpose

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 MIOSHA Part 75 and the National Fire Protection Association codes and standards (NFPA 30). This policy outlines procedures that apply to the storage of flammable and combustible liquids.

Definitions

Combustible Liquid: Any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100°F. Combustible liquids are divided as follows:

• Class II liquids include those with flashpoints at or above 100°F and below 140°F, except any mixtures having components with flashpoints of 200°F or higher.
• Class III liquids include those with flashpoints at or above 140°F. These liquids are divided into two subclasses:
  • Class IIIA liquids include those with flashpoints at or above 140°F and below 200°F, except any mixtures having components with flashpoints of 200°F or higher.
  • Class IIIB liquids include those with flashpoints at or above 200°F.

Flammable Liquid: Any liquid having a flashpoint below 100°F, except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100°F or higher.

Flammable liquids are known as Class I liquids and are divided into three classes:

• Class IA includes liquids having flashpoints below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F.
• Class IB includes liquids having flashpoints of 73°F and a boiling at or above 100°F.
• Class IC includes liquids having flashpoints at or above 73°F and below 100°F.

Safety can: an approved container of not more than 5 gallons capacity that has a spring closing lid and spout cover. Safety cans are designed to safely relieve internal pressure when exposed to fire conditions.

Flammable liquid cabinet: an approved cabinet that has been designed and constructed to protect the contents from external fires.

Storage

Flammable and combustible liquids should be stored in only certain types of approved containers. Containers used by the manufacturers of flammable and combustible liquids generally meet these specifications.

The type of container needed depends on the quantity and class of flammable or combustible liquid.

• Quantities should be limited to the amount necessary for the work in progress
• No more than 10 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids, combined, may be stored outside of a flammable storage cabinet unless safety cans are used.
• Storage of flammable liquids must not obstruct any exit.
• Flammable liquids should be stored separately from strong oxidizers, shielded from direct sunlight, and away from heat sources.
• Containers must be sealed when not in use.
• Flammable aerosols are in pressurized containers that may rupture when exposed to fire. As with flammable liquids, these should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet.

Handling Precautions

• Control all ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used.
• Smoking, open flames and spark producing equipment should not be used.