Flammable Liquids

Safety Cans… did you know?

Are “safety cans” created equally?  Nope, and which UL standard they meet will dictate how much “safety they provide.” OSHA’s 1910.106 defines a “safety can” as Safety can shall mean an approved container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve…...

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“Over-Fill” requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks

Have you ever walked up to a atmopsheric storage tank and seen the paint bubbling and the hazard signs/placards faded/peeling off?  Look up and you will most likely see the atmopsheric vent line on that side of the tank.  What are these indicators of?  The tank being over filled, which is a serious event and…...

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DOT tank vehicles and tank cars are NOT allowed to be used as flammable liquid storage tanks

Although it is done often, most state Fire Codes PROHIBIT the use of DOT tank vehicles and tank cars as “Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks.”  We call this “dropping trailers,” and my 2014 Article “Dropping Trailers of Flammable Liquids” got quite the debate going.  But trust me, there are sound engineering reasons why we can not…...

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Facility Siting – LPG Containers and Flammable Liquid Tanks (OSHA & NFPA)

This is another opportunity for facility sitting to apply specific metrics to the exercise. Just as the distances for Tank Truck and Rail Car Unloading/Loading facilities are intended to protect our bulk storage tanks, this is intended to prevent BLEVE(s) that could impact the above-ground storage tank. (emphasis by me) 1910.106(b)(2)(ii)(f) The MINIMUM SEPARATION between…...

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Facility Siting – Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading (OSHA & NFPA)

In some cases, we can actually put specific measurements in our “facility siting” analysis.  Take, for example, an old but often missed distance between the tank truck/railcar and the closest aboveground tank.  (emphasis by me) 1910.106(e)(4) Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading. 1910.106(e)(4)(i) Tank vehicle and tank car loading or unloading facilities shall…...

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If glass, plastic or other non-conductive container with a capacity of 5 gallons or more is used to transfer a flammable liquid

A common question we get regarding flammable liquids is: Do we have to ground and bond non-conductive containers smaller than 5 gallons?   The proper question should be… what do we need to do to SAFELY transfer flammable liquids into non-conductive containers that are 5 gallons and smaller?   The British Columbian Worker’s Compensation Board…...

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Did NFPA make “30 seconds” the norm for “relaxation time”?

Did the 2024 edition of NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity establish a norm for “relaxation time”?  In six (6) different sections across five (5) chapters, the recommended practice cites “30 seconds” as a “suitable precaution.” (emphasis by me)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...

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Layers of Protection for Flammable Liquids

The protection provided by the 2021 IFC is to prevent flammable and combustible liquids from becoming ignited. This is accomplished by one or more of the following layers of protection:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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Cell manufacturing, Acetone, a plastic office mat, and an office chair ends in serious injuries

I was asked to participate in a serious flash fire accident cause and origin investigation earlier this year.  The worker received severe injuries from the flash fire; they survived with life-altering injuries to their lower extremities.  The flash fire involved Acetone vapors from a manufacturing cell, an office chair, and a plastic chair mat.  Can…...

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Linseed Oil, rags, and spontaneous combustion work together to cause $1.5 million in damages

On July 15, 2022, the 79.9-foot-long yacht Pegasus caught fire while moored at the Peninsula Yacht Basin in Gig Harbor, Washington.  No persons were on board, and the fire burned for about an hour before it was reported. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had engulfed the aft section of the yacht, and the…...

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Use of Personal Electronic Devices for Payment Activities at Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities (NFPA)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been alerted to reports and rumors that suggest it is dangerous to use a wireless phone while filling your vehicle with gas or in the presence of flammable materials.  The rumors and reports may be fueled by warnings posted at gas stations or included in wireless phone owners’ manuals…...

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