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8.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

The 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.

Please note: this classification is different than the criteria used for DOT classification. This distinction is important because allowable container sizes and storage amounts are based on the particular OSHA Class of the flammable liquid.

OSHA Classification of Flammable and Combustible 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.

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