Flammable and Combustible Liquid Safety

• Flammable liquids are among the most common hazardous chemicals found in a
laboratory.  The primary hazard associated with flammable liquids is their ability to readily
ignite and burn.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines a flammable
liquid as a liquid whose flash point does not exceed 100°F (38°C).  Combustible liquids
are defined as liquids having flash points at or above 100°F (37°C).
• Flammable and combustible liquids exhibit multiple health hazards besides fire.
 Examples of health hazards that are associated with various flammable solvents are
listed in Table 1. The manufacturer’s safety data sheets (SDS’s) must always be reviewed
to identify the specific hazards of chemicals, recommended personal protective
equipment, and the best practices for storage. 
Storage
• The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard pictogram for flammable liquids
should be incorporated with other hazard pictograms at the entrance of areas
containing flammable materials. (Figure 1)
• Flammable liquids (not in active use) should be stored inside fire resistant flammable
storage cabinets when available.
• Always segregate flammable and combustible liquids from other hazardous chemicals
such as corrosives or oxidizers.
• Flammable liquid storage areas should be labeled with a font size that is no less than
one inch in height.
• Laboratory entrances containing hazardous chemicals should display a NFPA diamond
labeled
with appropriate hazard class ratings. (Figure 2)
• Flammable liquids that require refrigeration must be stored in a certified explosion-
proof refrigerator.  Never store flammable chemicals in a standard household
refrigerator.  There are several ignition sources located inside a standard refrigerator
that can cause a fire or explosion.
• Minimize the amount of flammable liquids stored in the laboratory. Use Table 2. to
determine the amount of flammable liquids that can be stored
 Usage and Handling
• Label all chemical containers with the identity of the contents and associated
hazard warning information.
• When utilizing flammable liquids in the laboratory, flame retardant lab coats
should be worn.
• Flammable liquids must be handled in a fume hood, unless it is known that the
permissible exposure limit (PEL) and lower explosion limit (LEL) will not be
exceeded. The minimum concentration of a particular flammable or
combustible vapor necessary to support combustion in air is defined as the
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Below this level, the mixture is too “lean” to
burn. The maximum concentration of a gas or vapor that will burn in air is
defined as the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL). Above this level, the mixture is
too “rich” to burn. The range between the LEL and UEL is known as the
flammable range for that gas or vapor. It is never safe to work in conditions
that exceed the UEL. Table 4. lists LEL and UEL conditions for several
common flammable chemicals.
 Usage and Handling
• Before handling flammable liquids consider all potential sources of ignition. Flammable vapors are generally heavier than air and tend to
settle - traveling along lab benches and the floor.
• The transfer of material to and from a container can result in an accumulation of static charge on the container. When transferring
flammable liquids, this static charge could generate a spark, thereby igniting the liquid. To make these transfers safer, flammable liquid
dispensing and receiving containers should be bonded together before pouring.
• Keep flammable and combustible liquids away from strong oxidizing agents, such as chromic acid, permanganates, chlorates,
perchlorates, and peroxides.
• Large containers (such as drums) must also be grounded when used as dispensing or receiving vessels. All grounding and bonding
connections must be on conductive surfaces.
• Never heat flammable liquids with an open flame. Use steam baths, water baths, oil baths, hot air baths, sand baths, or heating mantles.
• Use caution when handling miscible solvent/water mixtures. These mixtures can still be flammable depending on the partial pressures
involved.
• Treat water contaminated with water-immiscible solvents carefully. Hydrocarbon sheens provide adequate surface area for volatilization
and ignition.
• When volatile materials are present, use only non-sparking explosion-proof electrical equipment such as explosion-proof refrigerators.
• Laboratory desks and furniture should be constructed of fire-retardant materials.
• Avoid wearing clothing made of synthetic materials (e.g. Polyester) while handling highly flammable materials. In the event of a fire,
synthetic materials will melt and stick to the skin.
• When transporting organic solvent bottles, use secondary containers to prevent breakage and contain spills in case a bottle is dropped or
strikes a surface.
• Use only ventilated explosion proof ovens for flammable or combustible liquids, or materials that contain residual flammable or
combustible liquids.
• A spill containment kit should be available in the event of an accidental release. Kits should include appropriate absorbent material.
Waste Disposal
• Almost all flammable and combustible liquid waste is considered hazardous. Flammable and combustible hazardous
waste must be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. OSU guidelines for disposal of
flammable and combustible liquid waste are presented below.
• It is best practice to utilize approved waste disposal cans similar to Figure 3
• Do not use consumer goods containers (such as old milk) jugs to store waste aggregation for
disposal. 
• If specialized wastes cans are not utilized, it is best to return the material to the original container and
clearly label as waste.
• Rags or paper towels soiled with flammable or combustible liquids should be segregated from
common garbage. These materials should be placed in a disposal can be similar to Figure 4 and
disposed of according to hazardous waste guidelines.
• Flammable and combustible liquid waste must be segregated according to the guidelines below:
• Type A, “CHO” waste are hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons.
• Type B, “Nitrogenated Hydrocarbons” include hydrocarbons with nitrogen containing functional groups.
• Type C, “Halogenated Hydrocarbons” include hydrocarbons incorporated with halogens.

• (A+B=B), [(A&/or B) + C=C]

• A Chemical Surplus Removal Request form is required before any chemical can be picked up.  Each
container must be sealed and labeled with a Hazardous Chemical Surplus Tag (Form HM95-2).