Module 3: Storage for Flammable-Combustible Materials Copy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11582″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Flammable and combustible materials must be stored in secure containers which are approved by the government. Of course, the storage area has to be free from ignition sources.

If your project plans to use hand containers for flammable and combustible liquids, they’ll need to be approved too. The most common of these would be a gas or diesel container which needs to be a metal safety container, with a spring closing cover, and flame arresters. All portable fuel containers will need to be inspected upon entry to the project site.

Quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in excess of 25 gallons need to be stored in approved storage cabinets or portable tanks which meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.152 and the current version of EM 385 1-1. These requirements will be in your Course Materials for future use and reference.

A single storage cabinet cannot contain more than 60 gallons of flammable— or 120 gallons of combustible liquids, and no more than 3 storage cabinets can be located in a single area.

Only keep the minimum amount of gasoline stored on site. In other words, store only what you’ll need to run gasoline powered equipment, and always use diesel-powered equipment over gas powered equipment if available.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”peacoc” style=”double”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11581″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All storage cabinets and containers must be visible and clearly marked, indicating the presence of combustible and flammable materials.

If the project is taking delivery of flammable or combustible liquids by tank or truck, the delivery must comply with the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.152 and NFPA Standard 385-1966.

Storage Requirements

Storage requirements need to be strictly adhered to. For instance, all heat and ignition sources must be separated from combustible liquids, gases, or other flammable materials by a minimum of 50 feet. If fire resistant barriers are used, they’ll need to be rated for at least one hour. And, if there are combustible materials on the project site but not in use, they must be stored in a well ventilated, cool place and at a safe distance from buildings.

1. Combustible Waste such as oily rags, accumulations of trays, paper, shavings, sawdust, boxes and packing materials have to be removed from the jobsite at the end of each workday. For rags that are intended to be reused, these can be stored in closed metal containers.
2. Internal combustion-engine powered equipment, including vehicles and mobile equipment must be located in an area that will prevent hot exhaust from gases impacting combustible materials.
3. Exhaust piping must also be well away from all combustible materials.
4. Fuel lines and tanks on motorized equipment must be inspected weekly if not in use, and on each day of use. These inspections must include damage or leakage.
5. Equipment powered by gasoline engines will be shut off prior to refueling. And cell phones will be shut off in close proximity to locations where gas powered equipment is being refueled or is being transferred from one container to another.

A few more storage requirements include:

1. All material storage areas and equipment staging areas must be kept free from accumulated rubbish and equipment. And pay special attention to keeping all storage areas free of flammable liquids and combustibles.
2. If combustible materials are going to be piled or stacked, do so with regard to the stability of the piles and in no case can these piles be higher than twenty feet.
3. Arrange the storage areas to limit the spread of fire, and leave adequate access for firefighting equipment.
4. Don’t store flammable substances on equipment or vehicles unless the vehicle has a storage area designed specifically for storing flammable substances.
5. Finally, any materials designated by the DOT as incompatible, need to be separated by a minimum distance of 50 feet or by a 1-hour rated fire resistive barrier.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Module 3 Quiz” margin_design_tab_text=””]Please click the Module 3 Quiz link below to take the short quiz. When you’ve completed the quiz, we can start on Module 4 which is about Hot Work. Good luck on the quiz and we’ll see you back here soon![/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row]