Regulations for Chemical Storage
Chemical storage regulations are based on how dangerous the chemical is. The NFPA and OSHA classify chemicals based on their physical and chemical properties. The more flammable a chemical is, the higher the restrictions on its use and storage. Summary tables of the two classification systems are as follows:Class | Flashpoint | Boiling Point |
---|---|---|
I-A | < 73.4 F (23 C) | <= 100 F (38 C) |
I-B | < 73.4 F (23 C) | >= 100 F (38 C) |
I-C | 73.4-100 F (23-38 C) | |
II | 101-140 F (39-60 C) | |
III-A | 141-199 F (61-93 C) | |
III-B | >200 F (>93 C) |
Table 1 – NFPA Flammable Classifications
Category | Flashpoint | Boiling Point |
---|---|---|
1 | < 73.4 F (23 C) | <= 95 F (35 C) |
2 | < 73.4 F (23 C) | > 95 F (35 C) |
3 | 73.4-140 F (23-60 C) | |
4 | 140-199.4 F (60-93 C) |
Table 2 – OSHA Flammable Categories
Small Volumes of Chemicals Don’t Need Special Storage
Regulations allow the storage of very small volumes of flammable liquid outside cabinets or chemical storage rooms. These liquids must be in containers and have the following limits:- 25 gallons of Category 1*
- 120 gallons of Category 2, 3 or 4
- 660 gallons of Category 2, 3 or 4 in a single portable tank
*Per IFC Table 911.1, 1A flammable liquids require explosion control methods regardless of volume stored.
Flammable Chemical Safety Cabinets
- 60 gallons of Class I and II (Category 1, 2 and 3)
- 120 gallons of Class III (Category IV)
Chemical Storage Buildings
- Non fire-rated: more than 30 feet from an occupied building
- 2-hour fire-rated: between 10 and 30 feet from an occupied building
- 4-hour fire-rated: within 10 feet of an occupied building
Factors to Consider when Determining What Chemical Storage Method to Use
Safety Cabinet | Chemical Storage Building | |
---|---|---|
Regulations | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 NFPA 30 | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 NFPA 30 and 70 UFC Articles 79 and 80 EPA 40 CFR 264 IBC, IFC, NEC |
Secondary Containment Required? | Yes. Door sills must be raised 2 inches above the floor for containment purposes. | Yes. A spill containment sump must have capacity for 100 percent of the largest container or 10 percent of the total volume of all containers, whichever is the greater. |
Venting Required? | Not recommended unless specifically required by local authorities. | Yes. Chemical storage buildings must be vented to remove hazardous vapors. Mechanical ventilation is the safest method to ensure flammable vapors are drawn out of the building at all times. |
Explosion Relief Panels | N/A | Explosion relief construction is required if storing or dispensing Class IA or dispensing Class IB materials. |
Simple Tips for Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage Compliance
- Check the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This indicates which flammable class or category your chemical fall into.
- Determine the chemical volumes required on site.
- Decide on the location. What volume of chemical do you need inside the facility? How far away could you practically locate a bulk storage area?
- Always use an FM- or UL-approved safety cabinet or chemical storage building. This ensures that the cabinet or building meets the regulatory requirements.
- Regularly inspect cabinets and storage buildings to ensure they are in good condition and are being used as per design.
Contact U.S. Chemical Storage for Compliant Chemical Storage Buildings
U.S. Chemical Storage, part of the Justrite Safety Group, supplies chemical storage buildings for flammable and combustible materials. We also have access to the Justrite range of safety cabinets. As experts in chemical storage, we can help assess your needs and recommend the best solution to keep you safe and compliant. Find out more here.References
- Justrite. Redbook
- Grainger. Flammable Liquid Handling and Storage
- Grainger. Outdoor Chemical Storage Buildings
- Safeopedia. Hazardous Materials: Is Your Chemical Storage Solution Compliant?