FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID IS SOMEWHAT ARBITRARY. FOR ALL PURPOSES:

• FLAMMABLE LIQUID - FLASHPOINT BELOW 100 deg. F
• COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID - FLASHPOINT ABOVE 100 deg. F

FLASHPOINT - MINIMUM TEMPERATURE AT WHICH LIQUID GIVES OFF ENOUGH VAPORS TO FORM IGNITABLE MIXTURE WITH AIR.

• THE VAPOR BURNS NOT THE LIQUID ITSELF.

FLAMMABLE LIMITS (A.K.A. - EXPLOSIVE LIMITS)

UFL - VAPOR TO AIR MIXTURE ABOVE WHICH IS TOO RICH TO IGNITE.

LFL - VAPOR TO AIR MIXTURE BELOW WHICH IS TOO LEAN TO IGNITE.

FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

• ELIMINATE SOURCES OF IGNITION (ELECTRICAL, SPARKS, FLAME)
• EXCLUDING AIR (PREVENTION OF CONFINED SPACES)
• VENTILATION TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION OF VAPOR IN FLAMMABLE RANGE.

ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANKS - 3 CATEGORIES

1. ATMOSPHERIC: 0 - .5 PSI
2. LOW PRESSURE TANK: .5 - 15 PSI
3. PRESSURE VESSELS: GREATER THAN 15 PSI

SHOULD BE PLACED ON STURDY FOUNDATION

EXPOSED SUPPORTS UNDER TANK MUST HAVE FIRE RESISTANCE

PROPER DIKING - OVERFILL PROTECTION - EMERGENCY RELEIF VENTING

B.L.E.V.E. - BOILING LIQUID EXPANDING VAPOR EXPLOSION OCCURS WHEN EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE CAUSES CONTAINER TO RUPTURE AND EXPLODE VIOLENTLY.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

MAY BE SAFEST FORM OF STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE / COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS FOUND IN BULK AND RETAIL FULL STORAGE FACILITIES, CAR RENTALS, TRUCK DEPOTS, ETC.

ENSURE VENTS ARE NOT OBSTRUCTED AND PIPED AWAY FROM PEOPLE / CARS AND IGNITION SOURCES.

LEAKAGE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN - MAY CONTAMINATE.

BEST SAFETY MEASURE IS STRICT ADHERENCE TO INVENTORY.

SAFETY CONTAINERS

MAXIMUM CAPACITY IS 5 GALLONS AND EQUIPPED WITH SELF CLOSING LID. (PRESSURE RELEIF DEVICE)

STORAGE OF AMOUNT OF LIQUIDS DEPENDS UPON OCCUPANCY CLASS.

SMALL QUANTITIES IN NORMAL OPERATING AREAS SHOULD BE STORED IN APPROVED METAL STORAGE CABINETS. THE CABINET SHOULD BE LABELLED "FLAMMABLE - KEEP FIRE AWAY."

IF POURING LIQUIDS, ENSURE GROUNDING TO PREVENT STATIC ELECTRICITY

STORAGE OF LARGE AMOUNTS SHOULD BE IN A DETACHED, REMOTE FACILITY, PROTECTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A SPRINKLER SYSTEM.

Additional information about Flammable and Combustible Liquids

           
INDEX Heat

FPT 102 - Fire Prevention and Inspection // Instructor: Kevin M. Kolb        Slide #5