8.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
8.2 Flammable and Combustible LiquidsThe OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a flammable liquid as any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) or higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture.
Flashpoint is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite in the presence of an ignition source. The risk of a fire requires that the temperature be above the flashpoint and the airborne concentration be in the flammable range above the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and below the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL).
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a combustible liquid as any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), but below 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C), or higher, the total volume of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture. OSHA further breaks down flammables into Class I liquids, and combustibles into Class II and Class III liquids.
| Liquid Type | Classification | Flash Point | Boiling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable Liquid | Class IA | <73 degrees F | <100 degrees F |
| Class IB | <73 degrees F | >=100 degrees F | |
| Class IC | >=73 degrees F, <100 degrees F | >100 degrees F | |
| Combustible Liquid | Class II | >=100 degrees F, <140 degrees F | no data |
| Class IIIA | >=140 degrees F, < 200 degrees F | no data | |
| Class IIIB | >=200 degrees F | no data |
Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard class system, flammable liquids are listed as hazard class 3.
Flammable and combustible liquids are one of the most common types of chemicals used at Cornell and are an important component in a number of laboratory processes. However, in addition to the flammable hazard, some flammable liquids also may possess other hazards such as being toxic and/or corrosive.
When using flammable liquids, keep containers away from open flames; it is best to use heating sources such as steam baths, water baths, oil baths, and heating mantels. Never use a heat gun to heat a flammable liquid. Any areas using flammables should have a fire extinguisher present. If a fire extinguisher is not present, then contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more assistance.
Always keep flammable liquids stored away from oxidizers and away from heat or ignition sources such as radiators, electric power panels, etc.
When pouring flammable liquids, it is possible to generate enough static electricity to cause the flammable liquid to ignite. If possible, make sure both containers are electrically interconnected to each other by bonding the containers, and connecting to a ground.
Always clean up any spills of flammable liquids promptly. Be aware that flammable vapors are usually heavier than air (vapor density > 1). For those chemicals with vapor densities heavier than air (applies to most chemicals), it is possible for the vapors to travel along floors and, if an ignition source is present, result in a flashback fire.
8.2.1 Flammable Storage in Refrigerators/Freezers
8.2.1 Flammable Storage in Refrigerators/FreezersIt is important to store flammable liquids only in specially designed flammable storage refrigerators/freezers or explosion-proof refrigerators/freezers. Do not store flammable liquids in standard (non-flammable rated) refrigerators/freezers. Standard refrigerators are not electrically designed to store flammable liquids. If flammable liquids are stored in a standard refrigerator, the build up of flammable vapors can be in sufficient quantities to ignite when the refrigerator’s compressor or light turns on, resulting in a fire or an explosion.
Properly rated flammable liquid storage refrigerators/freezers have protected internal electrical components and are designed for the storage of flammable liquids. Explosion-proof refrigerators/freezers have both the internal and external electrical components properly protected and are designed for the storage of flammable liquids. Refrigerators and freezers rated for the storage of flammable materials will be clearly identified as such by the manufacturer.
For most laboratory applications, a flammable storage refrigerator/freezer is acceptable. However, some operations may require an explosion-proof refrigerator/freezer. Flammable storage refrigerators currently cost approximately $1500 - $3000 each. In the case of limited funding where a laboratory cannot purchase a flammable storage refrigerator for the laboratory’s own use, EHS strongly encourages departments and laboratory groups on each floor to consider purchasing a communal flammable storage refrigerator for the proper and safe storage of flammable liquids.
8.2.2 Flammable Storage Cabinets
8.2.2 Flammable Storage CabinetsThe requirements for the use of flammable storage cabinets are determined by the classification of the flammable liquids, the quantities kept on hand, the building construction (fire wall ratings), and the floor of the building the flammables are being stored on.
For stand-alone flammable cabinets (as opposed to cabinets underneath fume hoods), there are vent holes on each side of the cabinet (called bung holes) that must have the metal bungs screwed into place for the cabinet to maintain its fire rating. Venting of flammable cabinets is NOT required, however, if a flammable cabinet is vented, the cabinet must be vented properly according to the manufacturer’s specifications and NFPA 30.
Typically, proper flammable cabinet ventilation requires that air be supplied to the cabinet and the air be taken away via non-combustible pipes. If you plan to vent your flammable storage cabinet, please contact EHS at 607-255-8200 or askEHS@cornell.edu for more information.