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Flammable Material & Storage Safety
Take the time to know what flammable liquids you're working with and what the necessary precautions are. Remember flashpoints, auto ignition temperatures, and the basic principles of air and vapor mixtures. When flammable liquid is within the explosive range, you need to take extra precautions and follow the rules. Flammable liquids are used in hundreds of thousands of processes and they're used safely every day. However, the potential for mishaps is always there. Someone forgets to do this or that or some procedure is violated.
The answer to answer flammable liquid safety is to follow company safety procedures and work rules and, of course, the information provided for the manufacturer. Each employee holds the key to safety when working with flammable liquids. Knowledge is the first step, but putting that information to work for you makes the difference in safety.
Proper flammable material storage is essential for fire prevention. Flammable storage locations can range from purpose built building or storerooms to NFPA rated flammable storage cabinets. All flammable storage cabinets must be vented to the outside when they are installed.
Flammable Storage Locker Requirements include:
•Bottom, top and sides of cabinet shall be at least No. 18 gauge sheet steel
•Cabinet must be doubled walled with 1½" airspace
•Joints shall be riveted, welded or made tight by some equally effective means
•Door shall have a three point latch
•Door sill shall be raised at least 2" above the cabinet bottom to retain spilled liquid within the cabinet
•Cabinet shall have a "FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY" legend
These regulations also provide an option for wood cabinets. 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b) states that wood cabinets shall be constructed in the following manner:
•Bottom, top and sides of cabinet shall be at constructed of exterior grade plywood at least 1" thick
•Plywood shall not break down or delaminate under fire conditions
•Joints shall be rabbeted and fastened in two directions with flathead wood screws
•When more than one door is used, they should have a rabbeted overlap of not less than 1"
•Doors shall be equipped with latches and hinges that are mounted to not lose their holding capacity when subjected to fire
•Door sill or pan shall be raised at least 2" above the cabinet bottom to retain spilled liquid within the cabinet
•Cabinet must have a "FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY" legend
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