ARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNE
Flammable or Combustible Liquid
Safety Containers
Virtually every place of business, and even homeowners, have occasion
to use flammable or combustible liquids.
Gasoline, chemicals, solvents, and a variety of
other hazardous liquids are found in varying
amounts and locations. Whereas these liquids
are relatively commonplace, it is important to
understand the dangers they present and the
special storage and handling procedures
required ensuring safe usage.
Classification of Flammable and Combustible
Liquids
"Flammable liquid" refers to any liquid having a
flash point below 37.7 C (100 F). Gasoline is an
example of a flammable liquid.
"Combustible liquid" refers to any liquid having a
flash point at or above 37.7 C (100 F). Diesel
fuel is an example of a combustible liquid.
Accidents and fire risks can be reduced or
prevented by using proper safety equipment to
store flammable and combustible liquids. The
National Fire Protection Association Standard
#30 is very specific in regard to the
requirements of a safety container in order for it
to perform as expected under fire conditions.
The basic purpose of a safety container is to
control flammable or combustible vapors, while
providing a convenient means of carrying,
dispensing, and storing up to 20 Liters (5
gallons) of flammable or combustible liquid.
Safety containers serve several other critical
functions:
• They safely contain hazardous liquids
and control vapors to reduce the risk of
fire, protecting both employees and
facilities.
LP-59 Ed. 6-06
•
•
They offer compliance with safety
regulations and local fire codes.
They improve efficiency with ease-of-use
features to enhance pouring and filling
operations.
Flammable and combustible liquid safety
containers are storage vessels specifically built
to withstand moderate mechanical shock with
safety features such as vapor control,
emergency venting, leak tight self-closing
covers and flame arrestor protected pour
spouts. Safety containers are ruggedly
constructed of such materials as terne plate,
stainless steel, or polyethylene. They should not
be confused with lighter duty gasoline
dispensing containers that do not incorporate
the fire safety features of safety containers.
Safety containers will have the independent
testing laboratory listing or approval mark on
the container.
A variety of safety containers are available
depending on your needs including:
Type I Storage containers: These are available
in sizes up to 20 Liters (5 gallons). The larger sizes
are intended for dispensing into tanks or
largemouth vessels since the pour opening is
relatively large.
Type II Storage containers: These are designed
to aid in the accurate pouring into fuel tanks
and small fill openings. In most designs, a single
action opens the valve to the flexible hose and
to the vacuum breaker fill opening for smooth
liquid transfer. Sizes are available up to 20 Liters
(5 gallons).
Plunger can: This container is used for
dispensing measured amounts of liquid into the
upper pan to moisten a cleaning cloth or swab.
Excess liquid drains back into the base through
a flash arrestor screen.
Swab pail: Used in place of an open pail when
flammable solvents are used on clean up work
and where quick access to contents and easy
portability are needed. A hinged manual
closing cover minimizes vapor loss and the flash
arresting screen protects the liquid surface.
Bench can: Used for immersing small parts in a
cleaning solvent. Often used with a small
basket to hold the parts. The spring-loaded
screen holds the parts while draining and
protects the liquid surface. The manually closed
hinged cover reduces solvent loss.
Containers for flammable and combustible
liquids should not exceed the maximum
capacities shown below. Follow the size
limitations for containers to prevent ignition of
flammable or combustible liquids by sparks from
static discharge during pouring operations.
Maximum Capacity of Containers for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
TABLE 1
Container Type
Container Type
Flammable Liquids
Combustible
Class 1A
Class 1B
Class 1C
Class II
Class III
Glass or approved
plastic*
0.5 L (1 pt)
1 L (1 qt)
5 L (1.1 gal)
5 L (1.1 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
Metal
5 L (1.1 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
Safety Cans
10 L (2.6 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
20 L (5 gal)
*Approved means approved or listed by either Underwriter's Laboratories or Factory Mutual Engineering
Corporation.
Partners In Prevention
At Federated Insurance, we believe Loss
Prevention is a critical component of your Risk
Management Program. Your Risk Services
Coordinator and our Loss Prevention Team are
available to assist you in reviewing your specific
situation and providing advice on the proper
storing of flammable and combustible liquids.
Working together to reduce your loss exposures,
ultimately impacts your bottom line!
Federated Insurance provides this Loss Prevention
Bulletin as a service to our policyholders and their
business advisors. The information provided is
intended to be general in nature, and may not apply
in your province. The advice of independent legal or
other business advisors should be obtained in
developing forms and procedures for your business.
The recommendations in this bulletin are designed to
reduce the risk of loss, but should not be construed as
eliminating any risk or loss.
For more information, contact your Risk Services
Coordinator, or our Loss Prevention Department
at 1-800-665-1934, or visit our website at
www.federated.ca
ARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNERS IN PREVENTION · PARTNE