FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS Hazards of Chemicals and Gases CH-05 Rev. 0 Page 30 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS One of the most devastating industrial accidents is an explosion resulting in fire. Carelessness is often the root cause. Improper handling and storage can also lead to disastrous results. This chapter introduces precautions taken to avoid accidents with flammable and combustible liquids. EO 1.12 DEFINE the following terms: a. Flammable liquid b. Combustible liquid EO 1.13 STATE general safety precautions regarding the use, handling, and storage of flammable and combustible liquids. EO 1.14 STATE the reasons for and techniques used in bonding and grounding of flammable liquid containers. EO 1.15 LIST four sources of ignition of flammable liquids. EO 1.16 STATE the health hazards associated with flammable and/or combustible liquids. Flammable And Combustible Liquids Definitions As defined by OSHA, DOT, and the National Fire Protection Association Standard, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30, a flammable liquid is one having a flash point below 100 F, and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia at 100 F. Combustible liquids are those with flash points at or above 100 F, but below 200 F. Although combustible liquids do not ignite as easily as flammable liquids, they must be handled with caution because of their ability to ignite under certain conditions. Flammable and combustible liquids are further subdivided by NFPA 30 into classes as follows. Class I - Those liquids having flash points below 100 F. IA - Those liquids having flash points below 73 F and having a boiling point below 100 F. IB - Those liquids having flash points below 73 F and having a boiling point at or above 100 F.