Loss Control Services

Flammable Liquid Storage

Containers
To help prevent fires, it is necessary to remove one of the three elements of
the fire triangle: fuel; oxygen; or a source of ignition. Flammable liquid storage
containers are used to limit the fuel that’s available to start a fire or feed a fire
that’s already started. Many companies use a variety of flammable liquids. These
vary from something as common as gasoline for lawn mowers to commercial
solvents such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Storing flammables in safety containers
also helps to reduce worker exposure to toxic vapors. In addition, safety
containers help workers to safely dispose of rags that have been soaked with
flammables or combustibles.
Flammable liquids are defined and classified using the liquid’s flash point and
boiling point. Flash point is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid
gives off vapors in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air.
Boiling point is defined as the temperature at which a liquid is vaporized when
heated. Flammables are defined as liquids that have a flash point under 100
degrees Fahrenheit (F).
To further define the
hazards involved,
the National Fire
Protection As-
sociation (NFPA)
divides flammables
into three categories:
IA; IB; and IC. The
terms flammable
and combustible are
often confused and
incorrectly used.
Combustible liquids
are defined as a liquid
with a flash point at or
above 100 degrees F.
Table 1 shows the NFPA classification requirements and gives several examples
of various flammable and combustible liquids.
The manufacturer of the liquid is requried to supply a Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS will indicate both the flash point and boiling point of
the liquid so that it is fairly easy to determine whether the liquid is flammable.
Whenever flammable liquids are used in the workplace, the Flammable and
Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA 30) requires that safety containers be used to
store and dispense the liquids. Photo 1 illustrates the various safety features of a
typical safety container. Safety containers are tested by various authorities such
as Factory Mutual (FM) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the test results are
compared to stringent standards of performance. Any safety container used in
the workplace should display the FM or UL symbol.

LCS 5211 (07-11) Page 1 of 2

 Table 1 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable liqiuds Flash points (F) Boling points (F) Examples
Class IA Below 73° Under 100° Ethyl ether, pentane
Class IB Below 73° At or above 100° Acetone, gasoline, methyl ethyl
ketone
Class IC 73° - 100° Under 100° Ethyl alcohol (50%, turpentine
Combustible liquids
Class II 100°-140° Mineral spirits or Stoddard solvent
Class III 140°-200° #4 and #5 fuel oil
Class IV Over 200° Cutting and lubricating oils

Safety containers have a capacity of less than five gallons. They also have a
spring-loaded, self-closing lid and spout cover so that the container won’t be
accidentally left open. The containers are designed with a
pressure relieve device to prevent them from exploding when
the contents are heated. They also have a spark arrestor
device which helps to prevent a fire from flashing back into
the container and exploding. Safety containers are made of
substantial construction designed to prevent containers from
leaking when bumped or dropped.
Some safety containers are made of metal and some are
made of plastic as illustrated in Photo 2. While listed and
Plastic safety container approved plastic safety containers may

be appropriate in certain situations, they should not be

used on construction job sites. OSHA regulations found
in 29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926, prohibits
the use of these plastic containers on job sites because
they can’t stand up to the physical abuse of construction
work. When a flammable liquid is not stored in the original
container, labels specifying the content and identifying the
hazards should be placed on the approved or listed safety
container. The labeling should follow your company’s Hazard
Rag disposal safety
Communication procedures. container

In addition to safety containers for flammable liquids, there are safety containers
used for the disposal of solvent-soaked rags or combustible
trash. Rags soaked with flammables can undergo a
phenomenon known as spontaneous combustion. This
occurs when the flammable liquid and the material in the rags
undergo a chemical reaction that can generate enough heat
to cause a fire. Precautions against this hazard involve the
use of a metal rag disposal safety container as illustrated in
Photo 3.
Manufacturers of safety containers make a wide variety of
safety containers for specialized uses. For example, a plunger
Plunger safety container
type safety container as illustrated in Photo 4, can be used to
soak a rag with a flammable solvent. This type of container brings the flammable
liquid up to the rag to wet it and then when released drains the surplus liquid
back into the container to minimize the release of vapors.
The information contained in this publication is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only.
While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the publication does not list every action,
reaction, interaction, scenario or precaution; and all information is presented without guarantees or warranties by
the author, consultants and the publisher, who disclaim all liability or responsibility in connection with its use, includ-
ing but not limited to loss, damage, injury, or violation of any federal, state or local laws with which the information
may conflict. The user is encouraged to refer to the specific requirements of such laws.
Photos courtesy of Justrite Mfg. Co.
QBE and the links logo are registered service marks of QBE Insurance Group Limited.
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