3.7.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 3.7.3 Identifying Safe Handling Practices for Flammable and Combustible Liquids Injecting

3.7.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

3.7.3

Identifying Safe Handling Practices for Flammable and

Combustible Liquids

Injecting methanol into propane storage containers, thinning and applying protective coatings to containers and cleaning machinery parts using de-greasing solvents are examples of tasks that require the handling and movement of flammable or combustible liquids. It is essential to know and understand safe handling practices for these and other circumstances.

In this module you will learn to identify:

(1) Codes and standards that apply to handling flammable and combustible liquids

(2) The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling flammable and combustible liquids

(3) Guidelines for the proper handling of flammable and combustible liquids


Codes & Standards: Flammable & Combustible Liquids

OSHA workplace standards are found in 29 CFR §1910.106 Flammable and combustible liquids &29 CFR §1910.1200 Hazard communication.

NFPA standards are found in NFPA 30, for general requirements, and NFPA 30A for service station and dispenser requirements.

NFPA 30

NFPA 30A

3.7.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 1 & 2

Handling Flammable & Combustible Liquids

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. To determine the PPE recommended for a particular chemical, you should read the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

2. In addition to PPE guidelines, you should consult the sections that detail fire, health and safety risks. You should also be familiar with first aid, fire prevention and fire-fighting measures that apply.



Indoor Storage

1. Use only properly labeled original shipping containers or containers approved for the liquid.

2. Store only in approved ventilated metal storage cabinets labeled to identify the contents as flammable.

Figure 1. Safety Cans



Outdoor Storage

1. Bulk quantities of flammable and combustible liquids may be stored in approved bulk storage tanks, or in metal drums.

2. Outdoor storage areas or tanks should be at least 20 feet away from propane transfer areas, and should be isolated from sources of ignition and other combustible materials.

3. Drums and bulk tanks must be labeled to indicate their contents, and the hazards associated with the stored liquid.



Container Labeling

14

0 22

0Figure 2.

NFPA 704 Hazard Label for Propane Figure 3.

Sample of Hazard Label for a Combustible Liquid with Low

to Moderate Health Risk



Transferring Flammable & Combustible Liquids from One Container to Another

Figure 4. Flammable/Combustible Liquid Drum Storage & Transfer Equipment

FLAMM ABLE

METHANOL

SOLVENTMETHANOL

SOLVENT

Manuf act ur eraddr essCi t y, St at e

Manuf act ur eraddr essCi t y, St at e

G roundingBar

G rounding Rod

ContainerElectricalGrounding Cables

Fire SafetyCan

33

0 22

0



Transferring Flammable & Combustible Liquids

1. Liquid storage drums should be electrically grounded. Grounding may be by individual electrical wire (typically 10 or 12 wire gauge) to a grounding stake, or by electrical connection to a common grounding strip that is electrically grounded.

2. If metal safety cans are used, an electrical bond should connect the safety can and the storage drum.

3. The transfer area should be isolated from potential ignition sources.

4. The person making the transfer should wear proper PPE throughout the transfer operation.



Transferring Flammable & Combustible Liquids

5. Receiving containers should be approved for the liquid transferred and labeled to indicate the contents. The label should state the common name of the liquid, such as, GASOLINE, METHANOL, NAPTHA, PAINT THINNER, etc. This does not apply if the contents will be used in the same shift and is under the control of the individual who filled the un-labeled container.

6. Care should be taken to avoid liquid spills and ground contamination. Any spill should be cleaned up following company spill and disposal procedures.



Transporting Flammable & Combustible Liquids

1. Limited quantities of these liquids may be transported as “materials of trade”.

2. Containers must be leak tight for liquids and gases, sift proof for solids, and be securely closed, secured against movement, and protected against damage.

3. Each material must be packaged in the manufacturer's original packaging, or a [container] of equal or greater strength and integrity.

4. A non-bulk packaging other than a cylinder (including a receptacle transported without an outer packaging) must be marked with a common name or proper shipping name to identify the material it contains, including the letters ``RQ'' if it contains a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance.



Transporting Flammable & Combustible Liquids

5. The maximum quantity for a Hazard Class 3 or 8 material designated as Packing Group II or Packing Group III (such as methanol, gasoline, or paint) is 66 pounds or 8 gallons.

6. The aggregate gross weight (including the weight of the containers) of all materials of trade on a motor vehicle may not exceed 440 pounds.

7. Hazardous materials of trade should not be transported in the cab; instead, they should be secured in cargo areas or auxiliary equipment storage boxes.


Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module…

• Complete the Review on page 6.

• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 7.

Documents

3.7.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 3.7.3 Identifying Safe Handling Practices for Flammable and Combustible Liquids Injecting