The important information from this chapter is summarized below.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids Summary

The following terms are defined:

Flammable liquid is one having a flash point below 100F, and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia at 100F.

Combustible liquids are liquids with flash points at or above 100F, but below 200⁰F.

General safety precautions regarding the use, handling, and storage of flammable and combustible liquids include the following:

The vapor-air mixture formed from the evaporation of the liquid poses a hazard; therefore, exposures of large liquid surface areas and sources of heat shall be avoided or prevented during handling or storage of these liquids.

Accidental mixture of flammable and combustible liquids shall be avoided.

Fill and discharge lines and openings, as well as control valves associated with flammable and combustible systems, shall be identified by labels, color coding, or both to prevent mixing different substances.

All storage tanks shall be clearly labeled with the name of contents.

Transfer lines from different types and classes of flammable products should be kept separate, and preferably, different pumps should be provided for individual products.

When handling quantities of flammable liquids up to five gallons, a portable FM (Factory Mutual Engineering Corp.) or UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved container should be used. The container should be clearly labeled.

Smoking, the carrying of strike-anywhere matches, lighters, and other spark-producing devices should not be permitted in a building or area where flammable liquids are stored, handled, or used.

The reasons for and techniques used in bonding and grounding of flammable liquid containers are:

Static electricity is generated by the contact and separation of dissimilar material. The principal hazards created by static electricity are those of fire and explosion, which are caused by spark discharges. A spark between two bodies occurs when there is a poor electrical conductive path between them. Bonding is done to eliminate a difference in potential between objects. Grounding is done to eliminate a difference in potential between an object and ground.

Four sources of ignition concerning flammable liquids include the following:

All sources of static electricity (induce sparks)

Improper type of electrical equipment for these atmospheres or poorly maintained electrical equipment

Flame-producing operations (smoking, grinding or welding) Improper hand tools that cause sparks

The health hazards associated with flammable and/or combustible liquids are: Fire and explosions

Skin irritation from the solvent action of many flammable liquids

Vapors gather in low points or enclosed areas and cause a toxic environment