Construction Concerns: Job Site Fuel Storage, Part 2
Article by Gregory Havel
August 24, 2015
Most construction job sites have power tools and equipment that use liquid or gaseous
fuels. This article will discuss the storage of flammable and combustible liquids in larger
quantities. A previous article discussed the storage of smaller quantities, usually in
safety cans.
The requirements for the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids
may be found in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30, Flammable and
Combustible Liquids Code, 2015 edition. This code or an earlier edition is incorporated
by reference into many state and municipal building and fire codes.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
regulations on the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids in 29
CFR 1910.106 and 1926.152 incorporate much of the language from an earlier edition of
NFPA 30. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations are located in 49
CFR 171-180 and 390-397 and incorporate much of the language from an early edition
of NFPA 30. Although the details may not be identical when comparing NFPA codes with
OSHA and DOT regulations, the principles and definitions are the same.
Flammable liquids (Class I) and combustible liquids (Class II and Class III) are classified
according to NFPA 30, Chapter 4.3.1 and 4.3.2:
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Class IA (flammable). Liquids with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and a
boiling point below 100°F (37.8°C) including ethers and other volatile solvents.
Class IB (flammable). Liquids with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and a
boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°C) including acetone and gasoline.
Class IC (flammable). Liquids are those with a flash point at or above 73°F
(22.8°C), but below 100°F (37.8°C) including turpentine, and paint thinners.
Class II (combustible). Liquids are those with a flash point at or above 100°F
(37.8°C) and below 140°F (60°C) including diesel fuel, naphtha, fuel oils, and
Stoddard solvent.
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Class IIIA (combustible). Liquids are those with a flash point at or above 140°F
(60°C), but below 200°F (93°C) including kerosene, some fuel oils, and
nitrobenzene.
Class IIIB (combustible). Liquids are those with a flash point at or above 200°F
(93°C) including formalin, motor oils, and some fuel oils.
Larger quantities of flammable and combustible liquids on construction job sites,
especially those used as motor and heating fuels, must be stored in and dispensed from
tanks that are labeled with the name of their contents as well as hazard warnings and
hazardous materials placards if the tanks have a capacity of 1,001 pounds (454 kg) or
more.
According to manufacturer MSDS/SDS, gasoline weighs 6.0 pounds per U.S. gallon,
while diesel fuel weighs 7.0 pounds per U.S. gallon. One-hundred-and-forty-three (143)
gallons (541 l) of Number 2 diesel fuel weighs 1,001 pounds (454 kg), while 167 gallons
(632 l) of gasoline also weighs 1,001 pounds (454 kg).
Photo 1 shows a tank trailer provided by a fuel supplier for use on a construction job site.
It contains diesel fuel that is suitable for use in off-road construction machinery.
(1)
The advantage to a fuel tank that is mounted on a trailer or truck chassis is that it can be
moved from one location to another on the job site as required. This tank has a vertical
atmospheric vent with a flame arrester on top of the tank. The dispensing pump, meter,
and fuel hose are locked in the black box at the end of the trailer.
August 24, 2015
Photo 2 shows a skid-mounted fuel tank provided by a fuel supplier on a different
construction job site.
(2)
It contains diesel fuel that is suitable for use in off-road construction machinery. From left
to right in the photo, this tank has the following equipment required by NFPA 30:
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A vacuum/pressure vent cap.
A hoisting lug for lifting and moving the (empty) tank with a crane.
A second vacuum/pressure vent cap.
A float-type fuel level indicator.
The electric fuel-dispensing meter and pump.
The steel skid base that is welded to the bottom of this tank has pockets for a forklift and
for moving the tank empty or partially filled.
Photo 3 shows the other end of the tank in Photo 2.
August 24, 2015
(3)
This tank has a double wall so that any leakage from the inner fuel tank will be contained
by the outer tank. The following is shown in the photo (from right to left):
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The vertical atmospheric vent pipe with a flame arrester and vent cap at the top.
The locked fill cover with overfill protection.
A float-type fuel level indicator installed in the vertical pipe at the left end of the
tank is connected to the bottom of the space between the inner tank and its outer
containment. Normally, this indicator shows “Empty.” It takes only a small amount
of leakage into the space between the two tanks for this indicator to show a leak.
This is the same type of tank that is often used at fixed facilities; it needs no additional
diking or other containment because it is all self-contained.
On construction job sites, as at any fixed facility, these types of fuel tanks cannot be
located inside of buildings; they must be located at a distance from property lines and
from any structure while being protected from damage from traffic as required by NFPA
30 and building and fire codes.
The key points in the storage of flammable and combustible liquids on construction job
sites and in commercial occupancies follow:
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Store these products in approved tanks or safety cans, as required by NFPA 30,
and building and fire codes.
August 24, 2015
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Never dispense combustible or flammable liquids inside buildings.
Never fuel motorized vehicles, equipment, or power tools close to buildings or
other structures.
Have a Class B fire extinguisher of the proper size in the area where flammable
or combustible liquids are dispensed or used; as required in NFPA 10, Standard
for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
NFPA Codes and Standards are available by subscription in print or online versions.
Check with your fire prevention bureau for access to these publications or visit the library
at your local technical college or regional fire training center.
OSHA regulations are available for downloading at no charge at www.osha.gov.
U.S. DOT regulations are available for downloading at no charge at www.dot.gov.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations are available for downloading at
no charge at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Gregory Havel is a member of the Town of Burlington (WI) Fire
Department; retired deputy chief and training officer; and a 30-year
veteran of the fire service. He is a Wisconsin-certified fire instructor
II, fire officer II, and fire inspector; an adjunct instructor in fire
service programs at Gateway Technical College; and safety director
for Scherrer Construction Co., Inc. Havel has a bachelor's degree
from St. Norbert College; has more than 30 years of experience in
facilities management and building construction; and has presented
classes at FDIC.
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MORE CONSTRUCTION CONCERNS
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Job Site Fuel Storage, Part 1
Porches, Decks, and Stairs
Fuels and Fire Behavior
Blocked Emergency Exits
Types of Gypsum Drywall Board
Radiant Floor Heating Panels
Vertical Rolling Fire Doors
Misleading Marketing
Fire Doors
Snow Load
August 24, 2015