1. Storage of Flammable Liquids
Subpart H §
Rev 2: 07/06/2012
The information in this presentation is provided voluntarily by the N.C. Department of Labor, Education Training and Technical Assistance Bureau as a public service and is made available in good faith. This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA outreach training for workers. Since workers are the target audience, this presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.
The information and advice provided on this Site and on Linked Sites is provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements, and information.
This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina or for any standards issued by the N.C. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the N.C. Department of Labor.

2. Objectives In this course, we will discuss the following:
29 CFR
In this course, we will discuss the following:
Scope of the standard
The four elements of the fire tetrahedron and how the standard aims to interrupt those elements
Classifying flammable liquids
Storage requirements for liquids covered under the standard
(MS Clip Art)

3. Flammable Liquids (a) Definitions (b) Tank storage
(a) Definitions
(b) Tank storage
(c) Piping, valves, and
fittings
(d) Container and portable
tank storage
(e) Industrial plants
(f) Bulk plants
(g) Service stations
(h) Processing plants
(i) Refineries, chemical
plants, and distilleries
(j) Scope

4. Flammable Liquids
Are compressed gases in a flammable liquid phase covered under 29 CFR ?
Photo: MS Clip Art

5. Scope of the Standard "Scope"
(j)
"Scope"
This standard applies to the handling, storage, and use of flammable liquids with a flashpoint at or below 199.4ºF (93ºC).
The flashpoint of the liquid determines if it falls within the scope of the standard.
(MS Clip Art)

6. Flammable Liquids
The standard focuses on liquid temperature by using Flashpoint and Boiling Point to establish a Category Rating.
Different categories of flammable liquids pose different hazards and therefore have different rules.
(MS Clip Art)

7. Fire Tetrahedron and the Standard
Combustible
Flammable
Liquid
Fuel
Increased
Surface
Temperature
Heat
Source
Production of
Vapor
(Tetrahedron illustration from Wiki Commons: (I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide.)
(Text boxes and text by Andy Sterlen, NCDOL-OSH Division)
Oxygen
Suitable
Chemical
Reaction
Flame
Established
Sustained
Combustion

8. Flashpoint Flashpoint
Temperature where a enough evaporated fuel vapor is generated from a liquid to support a flash of combustion after a heat source has been introduced.
Not fire point
Photo: Lawrence Livermore Laboratory

9. Boiling Point Boiling Point
(a)(5)
Boiling Point
Temperature at which the saturated vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to atmospheric pressure
Photo: US Geologic Service

10. Classifying Flammable Liquids

11. Classifying Flammable Liquids
Flashpoint
Category
N/A ( Not Applicable) unless heated for use to within 30°F of its FP, then treat as Category 4
Flammable
Category 4
Category 3
Category 1
Category 2
< 95° F >
Boiling Point
199.4°F
140°F
73.4°F
(Illustration by Fleda Anderson, NCDOL-OSH Division)

12. Tank Storage
(b)(1)(i)
Shall be made of steel or other approved nonflammable materials
Other materials are permitted for underground use
Concrete tanks (must have a special interior lining) and be designed with sound engineering practices
Operating pressures must never exceed the design pressure
Photo fedcenter.gov

13. Tank Storage Metal tanks Filler metals used in tank brazing
(b)(1)(ii)[b]
Metal tanks
Shall be welded, riveted, and caulked, brazed, or bolted, or constructed by use of a combination of these methods
Filler metals used in tank brazing
Shall be nonferrous metal or an alloy having a melting point above 1000° F and below that of the metal joined
Illustrations: MS Clip Art

14. Tank Storage Atmospheric tanks
(b)(1)(iii)
Atmospheric tanks
Shall be built in accordance with acceptable standards
Not exceed 2500 gallons, if originally designed for underground but placed above ground
Not be used to store liquids at or above their boiling points
(MS Clip Art)

15. Tank Storage Low pressure tanks and pressure vessels
(b)(1)(iv) and (v)
Low pressure tanks and pressure vessels
Normal operating pressure of the tank shall not exceed the design pressure of the tank.
May be used as atmospheric tanks.
Pressure vessels may be used as low-pressure tanks.
Shall be built in accordance with acceptable standards.

16. Tank Storage Outside aboveground tanks between tanks shall not be
(b)(2)(ii)
Outside aboveground tanks
Spacing - (shell-to-shell) between any two flammable liquid above ground storage tanks shall be no less than three feet
Unstable liquids - Distance
between tanks shall not be
less than ½ the sum of their
diameter
Photo: Fedcenter.gov (US Government)

17. Tank Storage Outside aboveground tanks
(b)(2)(ii)(f)
Outside aboveground tanks
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - containers next to flammable storage tanks shall have a minimum of 20 feet of separation
Must be a minimum of 20 feet between these tanks
(Illustrations courtesy of MS Clip Art, with additions from Andy Sterlen, NCDOL-OSH Division)

18. Tank Storage Normal and emergency venting
(b)(2)
Normal and emergency venting
Required on all above ground tanks
Enough venting to prevent vacuum or rupture
Refer to Table H-10 for venting flow rates
Illustration: MS Clip Art

19. Results of Improperly Vented Tank
Photo: NFPA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook

20. Tank Storage Drainage, dikes and walls
(b)(2)(vii)
Drainage, dikes and walls
Area surrounding aboveground tanks shall be provided with drainage or be diked to prevent accidental discharge of liquid.
If diked, the area should be able to hold the capacity of a full tank.
Walls of the diked area shall be of earth, steel, concrete or solid masonry designed to be liquid tight.

21. Tank Storage
(b)(5)
Supports, foundations and anchorage for all tank locations
Tank supports shall be installed on firm foundations.
Steel supports or exposed piling shall be protected by materials having a fire resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Tanks shall rest on the ground or on foundations made of concrete, masonry, piling, or steel.

22. Tank Storage Supports, foundations and anchorage in flood zones
(b)(5)
Supports, foundations and anchorage in flood zones
When a tank is located in an area that may be subjected to flooding, check established flood stage markings.
Liquid level in the tank must never go below the established maximum flood line
Please note: There are many requirements for tanks that are located in flood zones. For more in-depth detail, refer to (b)(5)(vi).

23. Tank Storage Ignition sources
(b)(6)
Ignition sources
Precautions shall be taken to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors.
Includes but are not limited to open flames; lightning; smoking; cutting and welding; hot surfaces; frictional heat; static, electrical, and mechanical sparks; spontaneous ignition, including heat-producing chemical reactions; and radiant heat.
(Clip Art – OSHA.gov)

24. Pipes, Valves, and Fittings
(c)
The design (including selection of materials) fabrication, assembly, test, and inspection of piping systems containing flammable liquids shall be suitable for the expected working pressures and structural stresses.
(Clip Art)

25. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Applies only to the storage of flammable 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.
NOTE: Exceptions apply.
Refer to standard for more information.

26. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used.
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.
Flammable liquid containers shall be in accordance with Table H-12.

27. Containers - Table H-12 Container type Category 1 Category 2
Glass or approved plastic
1 pt.
1 qt.
1 gal.
Metal (other than DOT drums)
5 gal.
Safety cans
2 gal.
Metal drums (DOT specifications)
60 gal.
Approved portable tanks
660 gal.
Table: NCDOL-OSH Division
Note: Container exemptions: (a) Medicines, beverages, foodstuffs, cosmetics, and other common consumer items, when packaged according to commonly accepted practices, shall be exempt from the requirements of § (d)(2)(i) and (ii).

28. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Storage cabinets
Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable Keep Fire Away"
Must be fire resistant
Contain no more than 60 gallons of
Category 1, 2, or 3 nor contain no more
than 120 gallons of Category 4 liquids
Specific requirements for metal and wood
Photo: OSHA.gov

29. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Inside storage rooms
Shall be constructed to meet the required fire-resistive rating for their use.
If used for Category 1, 2, or 3 (FP < 100°F) liquids, electrical wiring and equipment in “inside storage” rooms shall be approved for Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations. Category 3 (FP >100°F) and Category 4 liquids shall be approved for general use.
Provided with either a gravity or a mechanical exhaust ventilation system.

30. Container and Portable Tank Storage
In “inside” storage rooms
Maintain 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
Storage shall comply with Table H-13
(Photo courtesy of OSHA.gov)

31. Storage Inside Rooms - Table H-13
Fire Protection (1) Provided
Fire Resistance
Maximum Size
Total Allowable Quantities – Gal./Ss. Ft/Floor Area
Yes
2 hours
500 Sq. Ft. 10 No 4*
1 hour
150 Sq. Ft. 5* 2
Table: NCDOL-OSH Division
Footnote(1) Fire protection system shall be sprinkler, water spray, carbon dioxide, or other system.
*Note: These numbers are shown incorrectly in 29 CFR

32. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Office occupancies
Storage prohibited except if required for maintenance, operation of building and operation of equipment, and then…
Shall be kept in closed metal containers stored in a storage cabinet or in safety cans or in an inside storage room
Photo: MS Clip Art

33. Container and Portable Tank Storage
General purpose public warehouses
Refer to Table H-14 – Indoor container storage, or Table H-15 – Indoor portable tank storage
Flammable liquid warehouses or storage buildings

34. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Storage outside buildings
Maximum of 1,100 gallons of flammable liquids
Area shall be protected against tampering or trespassers
Area shall be graded in a manner to divert possible spills away from buildings
Storage shall comply with:
Table H-16 – Outdoor container storage, or
Table H-17 – Outdoor portable tank storage
(MS Clip Art)

35. Container and Portable Tank Storage
Fire control
Fire control devices shall be available at locations where flammable liquids are stored.
Open flames and smoking shall not be
permitted in flammable liquid storage
areas.
Water reactive materials shall not be
stored in the same room with flammable
liquids.

36. Industrial Plants Incidental storage or use of flammable liquids
Quantity (within a building) located outside of a storage room or storage cabinet
or in any one fire area:
25 gallons of Category 1 liquids
120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 liquids
660 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 liquids
(in one approved portable tank)
Photo: MS Clip Art

37. Industrial Plants
(e)(2)
“Separation and Protection” of the incidental use of flammable liquids
Transferring flammable liquids from one tank or container to another container:
Containers shall be separated from other operations in the building by adequate distance or by adequate fire wall.
Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills.
Adequate ventilation shall be provided.

38. Industrial Plants “Handling” the incidental use of flammable liquids
Kept in covered containers when not in use
No open flames or other sources of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel
Transfer flammable liquids only:
Through a closed piping system
From safety cans
By means of a device drawing through the top, or
By gravity through an approved self-closing valve

39. Industrial Plants Unit physical operations
Each building or unit of equipment is accessible from at least one side for firefighting and fire control purposes.
Chemical processes shall be separated from the remainder of the plant by a fire wall of 2-hour minimum fire resistance rating.
Ventilated at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot of solid floor area.

40. Industrial Plants
(e)(5)
Portable fire extinguishment and control equipment shall be provided to meet the special hazards of operation and storage.
All plant fire protection facilities shall be adequately maintained and periodically inspected and tested to make sure they are always in satisfactory operating condition.
Photo: Courtesy of firesafety.gov

41. Industrial Plants
(e)(6)
Category 1, 2, or 3 (FP <100°F) flammable liquids shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected
(bonded and grounded)
Illustrations added by Fleda Anderson, NCDOL – OSH Division

42. Industrial Plants
(e)(7)
All electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in accordance with Subpart S of this part.
Locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under normal operations shall be classified Class 1, Division 1.
Locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under abnormal conditions shall be classified Division 2.

43. Industrial Plants Housekeeping Spills shall be cleaned up promptly.
Adequate aisles shall be maintained for unobstructed movement of personnel.
Combustible waste material and residue shall be stored in covered metal receptacles and disposed of daily.
Keep ground area free of weeds, trash, or other unnecessary combustible materials.

44. We are not covering… (f) Bulk plants (g) Service stations
(h) Processing plants
(i) Refineries, chemical plants, and
distilleries
Photo from Environmental Protection Agency

45. Summarizing Storage Requirements
Consider the following:
Occupancy
Category of liquids that will be present
Engineering specifications such as fire wall size, fire suppression systems, tank design, etc.
Maximum volume restrictions
State, County and Local codes
Marking and labeling requirements
HMIS
(OSHA.gov)

46. Summarizing Storage Requirements
The flashpoint determines if a substance falls within the scope of the standard.
The flashpoint and boiling point together, determine how substances are stored:
Container capacity and spacing
Maximum amount per location
The H-Tables help you determine storage limits, venting capacities, allowable sizes of containers and more...

47. Summary In this course, we discussed the following:
Scope of the standard
The four elements of the fire tetrahedron
and how the standard aims to interrupt
those elements
Classifying flammable liquids
Storage requirements for liquids covered
under the standard
(MS Clip Art)

48. Thank You For Attending!
Final Questions? 48

49. Flammable Liquid Chart
Flashpoint
Category
N/A ( Not Applicable) unless heated for use to within 30°F of its FP, then treat as Category 4
Flammable
Category 4
Category 3
Category 1
Category 2
< 95° F >
Boiling Point
199.4°F
140°F
73.4°F

50. Class Exercise Liquid Flashpoint (° F) Boiling Point (° F) Category
Diesel Fuel #2
126
320
Toluene 40
231
Motor Oil
392
599
Isoamyl Acetate 77
288
Ethyl Ether
- 49 94
Phenol
174
360
NOTE: Use the FP (Flash Point) and the BP (Boiling Point) to determine the Category using the Flammable Liquid Chart.

51. Class Exercise (Answers)
Liquid
Flashpoint (° F)
Boiling Point (° F)
Category
Diesel Fuel #2
126
320 3
Toluene 40
231 2
Motor Oil
392
599
N/A
Isoamyl Acetate 77
288
Ethyl Ether
- 49 94 1
Phenol
174
360 4