Storage

DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 Hazards of Chemicals and Gases FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS Rev. 0 CH-05 Page 39 Figure 9 Storage Container With Spring-loaded Cover A summary of reports of experimental evidence and practical experience in the petroleum industry shows that no significant increase in fire safety is gained by the use of spark-resistant hand tools in the presence of gasoline and similar hydrocarbon vapors. However, some materials such as carbon disulfide, acetylene, and ethyl ether have very low ignition energy requirements. For these and similar materials, the use of special tools designed to minimize the danger of sparks in hazardous locations can be recognized as a conservative safety measure. Leather-faced, plastic, and wood tools are free from the friction-spark hazard, although metallic particles may possibly become embedded in them. Flammable and combustible liquids and their vapors may create health hazards from both skin contact and inhalation of toxic vapors. Irritation results from the solvent action of many flammable liquids on the natural skin oils and tissue. A toxic hazard of varying degree exists in practically all cases, depending on the concentration of the vapor. Most vapors from flammable and combustible liquids are heavier than air and will flow into pits, tank openings, confined areas, and low places in which they contaminate the normal air, and cause a toxic as well as explosive atmosphere. Oxygen deficiency occurs in closed containers, such as a tank which has been closed for a long time, and in which rusting has consumed the oxygen. All containers should be aired and tested for toxic and flammable atmosphere as well as the oxygen level before entry. Storage Class I and Class II liquids should not be kept or stored in a building except in approved containers, as illustrated in Figure 9, within either a storage cabinet or a storage room that does not have an opening that communicates with the public portion of the building. The spring-loaded cover is designed to open in order to relieve internal vapor pressure. Quantities stored in such locations should be limited. They should not be stored so as to limit use of exits, stairways, or areas normally used for the safe egress of people. Neither should they be stored close to stoves or heated pipes, nor exposed to the rays of the sun or other sources of heat.