Here’s a great summary article regarding OSHA’s flammable storage guidelines from BLR’s website:
Today’s EHS Daily Advisor Tip:
The Ups, Downs, Ins, and Outs of Safe Flammable Chemical Storage Topic: Chemicals |
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) revised Flammable Liquids standard (29 CFR 1910.106), every chemical with a flash point below 199.4°F (93°C) is flammable; the word “combustible” is no longer used. But, as before, some chemicals are more flammable than others, and storage and handling requirements are defined by flash point and boiling point. |
Storage requirements are also affected by the quantity of chemicals being stored and by whether they are stored inside or outside. Keep reading for more information on safe storage of flammables.
Large Quantity Storage How you store your flammables will be affected by the amount you need to store. If you’re storing large quantities of flammables (see below for a discussion of the maximum amount of flammable liquids you can store in a storage cabinet or portable tank), you’ll either need specially constructed indoor or outdoor storage areas, or permanent tanks and piping systems built to comply with the extensive requirements found in 1910.106. Small(er) Quantity Storage Flammable liquids must be stored in closed containers. Smaller quantities of flammable liquids can be stored in approved containers and portable tanks.
The table below offers a visual summary of OSHA’s limits for small-quantity storage of flammables. Get OSHA Compliant For 80% Less Than Hiring A Full Time Safety Manager
Maximum allowable sizes of containers and portable tanks for flammable liquids
In addition to the restrictions on the sizes of flammables storage containers, there are restrictions on the total amount of flammable liquids you can store in a single area. The quantity of liquid that may be located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet in a building or in any one fire area of a building must not exceed:
Great news! BLR’s renowned Safety.BLR.com® website now has even more time-saving features. Take our no-cost site tour! Or better yet, try it at no cost or obligation for a full 2 weeks. If you need a storage cabinet, it must be made to OSHA’s specifications, and you may not store more than 60 gal. of Category 1, 2, or 3 liquids, nor more than 120 gal. of Category 4 liquids, in a storage cabinet. Metal cabinets for storage of flammables must be constructed in the following manner (29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(a)):
Wood cabinets must be constructed in the following manner (29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b)):
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