OSHA’s language tends to be less
prescriptive and defers to other regulating bodies where they are
more specific.
In this case, the applicable
OSHA standard is 29 CFR 1910.106, Flammable and Combustible Liquids,
which is based on
NFPA (National
Fire Protection Association)
30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. The 1969
version of NFPA 30 is incorporated by reference and is therefore,
legally enforceable by OSHA. Of course, NFPA 30 has been updated many
times since 1969, so although OSHA requires employers to be in
compliance with the 1969 version of NFPA 30; OSHA will also accept
compliance with the most current version of NFPA 30 (and certainly
that is the best way to go).
See this page for
FAQs about the NFPA 30 standard.
Background:
A flammable liquid is defined by OSHA and the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 30, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Code,” as any liquid with:
·
a flashpoint below 100° F. (37.8° C) and
·
a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia 100° F.
Flammable liquids are called Class 1 liquids and are divided into
three groups — Class 1A, 1B and 1C — according to the degree of the
hazard. Liquids with flashpoints above 100° F are called combustible.
Keep in mind that DOT has its own definitions for these same terms.
Flammable liquids are commonly further
divided into three classes
Class
Flash Point
Boiling Point
Examples
IA
Below 73°F
Below 100
°F
Ethyl Ether
IB
Below 73
°F
At or above 100
°F
Acetone, Benzene, Toluene
IC
At or above 73°F and
Hydrazine and Styrene
below 100°F
Combustible liquids are similarly
divided into three classes
Class
Flash Point
Example
II
100-139
°F
Acetic acid, naptha and stoddard solvent
IIIA
140-199
°F
Cyclohexanol, formic acid and nitrobenzene
IIIB
200
°F or above
Formalin and picric acid
The
flashpoint of a flammable liquid is the lowest temperature at
which it can form an ignitable mixture with air and produce a flame
when a source of ignition is present.
This page was updated on 27-Mar-2009