General Flammable Liquid Storage Conditions - All Spaces

Transcription

1 Section 1 UW Superior Flammable Liquid Storage Program Barstow Hall Section, Appendix of the UW Superior Chemical Hygiene Plan Prepared by Carol Lindberg, CIH, Environmental Health and Safety (EH & S) Department Introduction December 2012 The NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, and NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code are two fire safety regulations adopted as part of building codes and occupational safety regulations that are implemented in the State of Wisconsin. Both NFPA codes have a direct impact on flammable liquid use and storage in UW Superior laboratories and storage areas. Flammable and combustible liquids are classified using boiling point and flash point data for the substances. Since any amount of flammable and combustible liquids, including empty containers, are a significant fire risk for personal injury and property damage, strict storage requirements are both essential and required by law. Section 2 Definitions NFPA: National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA produces recommended standards for fire safety. State and Federal agencies adopt the NFPA standards as law through the standard setting process. Flammable liquid: A liquid with a flash point below 100 F (37.8 C) [closed cup] and a maximum vapor pressure of 2068 mm Hg at 100 F (37.8 C). Flammable liquids are further categorized as Class IA, IB and IC. Class 1A: Liquids having a flash point less than 73 F and boiling point less than 100 F Class 1B: Liquids having a flash point less than 73 F and boiling point equal to or greater than 100 F Class 1C: Liquids having a flash point equal to or greater than 73 F, but less than 100 F Combustible liquid: A liquid with a flash point at or above 100 F (37.8 C) [closed cup]. Combustible liquids are further categorized as Class II, IIIA and IIIB. Class II: Liquids having a flash point equal to or greater than 100 F, but less than 140 F Class IIIA: Liquids having a flash point equal to or greater than 140 F, but less than 200 F Class IIIB: Liquids having a flash point equal to or greater than 200 F Section 3 General Flammable Liquid Storage Conditions - All Spaces Storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids in laboratories is governed by NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, as adopted through occupational health and safety regulations enforced by the State as well as the local fire marshal. 1. NFPA 45 specifies that no more than three flammable liquid storage cabinets are permitted in a single space (lab space enclosed with a door). For safety purposes, UW Superior recommends that no more than two flammable liquid storage cabinets be kept in an academic lab, space. Three flammable liquid cabinets are permitted in labs and prep areas not used as teaching labs, such as prep labs and research labs, as long as the space has appropriate ventilation. The number of cabinets in a space is not size dependent: an 18 gallon capacity cabinet, 30 gallon capacity cabinet, 45 or 60 gallon cabinet (even if built-in) would all count as one cabinet each. 2. Quantities of flammable liquids in a space or cabinet should be limited to the amount necessary for the work in progress.

2 3. No more than a combined total of 10 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids and liquefied flammable gases can be stored outside of a flammable storage cabinet unless safety cans are used. This volume includes any flammable solvents found in refrigerators, etc. 4. No more than 25 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids combined can be stored in safety cans in a laboratory outside of a flammable liquid storage cabinet. The safety can must be UL or FM approved, have a spring-closing lid and a spout cover, and cannot exceed 5 gallons in size. 5. Storage of flammable liquids must not obstruct any exit or safety equipment. It is recommended that flammable liquid storage cabinets not be installed next to room exits. 6. Flammable liquids should be stored separately from strong oxidizers (i.e. bleach, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitrates, potassium permanganate, etc), shielded from direct sunlight, and away from heat sources. 7. Flammable liquid storage cabinet doors must be kept closed and latched at all times. Locking the cabinets is the user s discretion. Section 4 Flammable Liquid Storage Room - Barstow 10A (formerly room 10B) In 2012, the Flammable Liquid Storage room (Barstow 10A) was re-designated for use by all programs within Barstow. An agreement by a committee of primary users designated the Chemical Hygiene Officer (EH & S Director) to provide oversight for the room and its use as a neutral party. It is important to note that no individual department purchased any of the storage units located in flammable liquid storage room, and therefore no individual department ownership. The intended use of the Flammable Liquids Storage room is to: 1. Store flammable or combustible chemicals that are not in regular use, and/or 2. Store samples waiting to be processed, and/or 3. Store samples for long-term storage/preservation. Flammable liquid storage cabinets found in prep rooms and laboratories should be used to meet shortterm storage and routine use to reduce the risks associated with transporting flammable liquids outside of the laboratory or between the laboratory and flammable liquid storage room. Anyone who enters the flammable liquid storage room must have completed lab safety training, be aware of emergency procedures such as fire safety, spill response and the location of emergency equipment. Regular users of the flammable liquid storage room can request a key following the University Key Policy. The supervisory signature for the key request is the Chemical Hygiene Officer. The Academic Department Associate in the Department of Natural Sciences will have a key that can be checked out as needed for intermittent access. Requirements for use of the Flammable Liquid Storage Room 1. The maximum capacity of the Flammable Liquid Storage room (Barstow 10A) is 450 gallons of Class I, II and III flammable and combustible liquids combined, as established through a variance granted by the Superior Fire Department (see Section 9). Of this total quantity, no more than a total of 60 gallons of Class IA flammable liquids are allowed in the storage room. a. The amount of non-flammable solvents (chloroform, methylene chloride, etc) is not counted towards the total capacity of the room. Non-flammable solvents will be stored in flammable liquid storage cabinets with the flammable solvents. 2. The variance REQUIRES that ALL FLAMMABLE and COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS be kept in cabinets at ALL TIMES. ANY VIOLATION of this will INSTANTLY REDUCE THE ROOM CAPACITY TO 120 GALLONS. This includes materials in 5 gallon pails, safety cans, coolers, bottles, aerosol cans or fueled equipment like generators. Note: ALL materials being delivered to the flammable liquid storage room must be stored properly immediately upon delivery.

3 3. Violating the conditions in Section 3 items 1 and 2 above may result in the revocation of the variance by the Superior Fire Department. Should a violation occur: a. Violators may lose their storage privileges in Barstow 10A. b. The violator may be required to pay the monetary penalties if UW Superior is cited for improper storage in Barstow 10A by the Superior Fire Department. 4. The capacity rating on a flammable liquid storage cabinet is a recommended capacity based on an average number of shelves and container sizes of typical users. Users are permitted to exceed the stated capacity (i.e. 30 gallon, 45 gallon, etc) of the cabinet provided that the cabinet contents never exceeds 60 gallons (maximum) of Class I and Class II flammable liquids combined regardless of the cabinet size. 5. Dispensing or transferring flammable liquids from one container into another is FORBIDDEN in the flammable liquid storage room. Dispensing must be conducted in a laboratory hood. 6. The priorities for use of the flammable liquid storage cabinets in Barstow 10A are: a. Storage of flammable chemicals purchased in bulk or used infrequently. b. Academic department specimen storage (not research related) c. Active research specimen storage d. Archival research sample storage lowest priority. 7. Each cabinet in Barstow 10A is assigned a number to track its use. See Table 1 for a description of each cabinet. 8. Flammable liquid storage cabinets will be assigned by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. a. Some cabinets will be permanently assigned for priority uses. b. Other cabinets will be assigned for temporary use for specific time periods based on project needs, as agreed upon by both the user and Chemical Hygiene Officer. Users are encouraged to discuss their storage needs well in advance of the project s anticipated start date and are expected to honor the time frame agreed upon so the cabinet s future use can be considered in planning needs for fairness to all users. c. The EH & S Department is permanently assigned one flammable liquid cabinet in Barstow 10B for emergency use in case the hazardous waste facility experiences a critical breakdown. This cabinet will be available to be assigned for temporary storage as discussed in 8-B. d. Principle investigators must consider the limited amount of flammable liquid storage available in project design and proposals. Commitments for long term storage (more than 1 year) and permanent sample archiving are discouraged. If long term or archival storage is proposed, arrangements should be discussed with the Chemical Hygiene Officer prior to making any contractual agreements. The flammable storage area in the Hazardous Waste Building may be available and has a larger capacity, but should not be depended upon for long-term storage needs. e. If the contents of cabinets require secured access, padlocks will be assigned to user by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will hold a copy of the key for emergency access. 9. Users are expected to do the following: a. Regularly check the materials in storage for condition and age and properly dispose of any chemicals or samples that are outdated or poor condition. b. Ensure that the flammable liquid storage cabinet contents never exceed a total of 60 gallons of Class I and Class II solvents.

4 Table 1 Cabinet# c. Maintain a department chemical inventory of any laboratory chemicals stored in the flammable liquid storage cabinets in room 10B. d. Ensure that the vent covers on the cabinets are not removed. e. Provided a description of the general contents of each cabinet posted on the front of the cabinet. This inventory should be maintained on a regular basis. (See attached) f. Record the amount of Class IA flammable liquids in the storage cabinet on the inventory sheet. No more than a total of 60 gallons of Class IA flammable liquids can be stored in Barstow 10B at a time. Volumes do not need to be reported for Class IB, IC, II, IIIA or IIIB materials. Description of Each Flammable Liquid Cabinet in Barstow 10B Cabinet Brand Shelf Dimensions Mfr Permanently Assigned or Size Cabinets are 65 tall with multiple shelves Key # Temporary Usage FLC-01 Justrite 45 gal x 14 CH545 FLC-02 Justrite 60 gal FLC-03 Justrite 60 gal x 29 Drum roller in the bottom of the cabinet x 29 Drum roller in the bottom of the cabinet CH545 CH545 FLC-04 Justrite 54 gal x 29 CH545 FLC-05 Justrite 45 gal x 14 CH545 FLC-06 Justrite 45 gal x 14 CH545 FLC-07 Justrite 22 gal x 14 CH545 FLC-08 Justrite 45 gal x 14 CH545 FLC-09 Justrite 45 gal x 14 CH545 Section 5 References: NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2004 Edition. National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 Edition. National Fire Protection Association.

5 Section 6 Acknowledgements This document was prepared and issued based on the recommendations and final review by the following individuals. This document will be included as a section of the next revision of the UW Superior Chemical Hygiene Plan. Mary Balcer, LSRI (Lake Superior Research Institute) and Department of Natural Sciences Edward Burkett, Department of Natural Sciences James Lane, Department of Natural Sciences Carol Lindberg, CIH, Environmental Health and Safety Lorena Rios Mendoza, Department of Natural Sciences Christine Polkinghorne, LSRI Deanna Regan, LSRI Kurt Schmude, LSRI and Department of Natural Sciences Jeffrey Schuldt, Department of Natural Sciences Matt TenEyck, LSRI Section 7 Resource NFPA Classification of Common Flammable and Combustible Liquids and their Classification - UW Superior

6 NFPA Classifications of Common Flammable and Combustible Liquids UW Superior Environmental Health and Safety, 2012 Flammable and Combustible Liquid Classifications Class 1A - Flash Point less than 73 F; Boiling Point less than 100 F Class 1B - Flash Point less than 73 F; Boiling Point equal to or greater than 100 F Class 1C - Flash Point equal to or greater than 73 F, but less than 100 F Class 2 - Flash Point equal to or greater than 100 F, but less than 140 F Class 3A - Flash Point equal to or greater than 140 F, but less than 200 F Class 3B - Flash Point equal to or greater than 200 F Class 1A 1B 1C 2 3A 3B None Example of Common Solvents and Chemicals Acetaldehyde Butane Diethyl Ether (Ethyl ether) Ligroine Acetone Aerosol cans Acetonitrile Benzene Cyclohexane Ethanol (Pure) Ethanol aqueous solutions, >51% ethanol Methanol aqueous solutions >51% methanol Isopropanol aqueous solutions > Butanol Chlorobenzene Ethanol aqueous solutions (20-50% ethanol) Octane Methanol-aqueous solutions (26-51% methanol) Glacial Acetic Acid Chlorocyclohexane Ethanol-aqueous solutions, 10-19% ethanol Formalin solution, 37% (15% methanol) Dimethyl Sulfoxide Ethanol-aqueous solutions, <5% ethanol Specimens in 10% formalin (1.5% methanol) Methanol-aqueous solutions (0.5-8% methanol) Benzyl Alcohol Eugenol Ethylene glycol 1,2-Propanediol Bromine Bromoform Chloroform Carbon tetrachloride Methane (natural gas) N-Pentane Petroleum Ether Propane Ethyl acetate Gasoline Heptane Hexanes Methanol Isopropyl Alcohol Toluene Ligroin Turpentine Xylenes Isoamyl alcohol Isobutyl alcohol Diesel fuel Motor oil Kerosene Some paints (oil) Linseed oil 1-Octanol 1,6-Hexanediamine Triethylene Glycol Mineral oil Vegetable oil Methylene Chloride Perchloroethylene

7 Gas/Gas Mixture Laboratory Storage of Compressed Gases Flammable Limits % in air Common Compressed Gases NFPA Class NFPA Rating Scale is 0 4 (0=ordinary hazard, 4= high hazard) Health Rating Flammability Rating Instability (Reactivity) Rating Special Hazard(s) Acetylene % 1A None Air, compressed Nonflammable None Argon Non flammable None Butane % 1A None Helium Non Simple Flammable Asphyxiant Hydrogen 4 75% 1A None Methane 5-15% 1A None Nitrogen Nonflammable Asphyxiant Simple Nitrous Oxide Nonflammable Oxidizer Oxygen Nonflammable Oxidizer Propane % 1A None P5 5% methane Nonflammable +95% argon None Lecture bottles Gases in lecture bottles must be stored in a continuously operating hood when: The gas has a NFPA health hazard rating of 3 or 4 The gas has a NFPA health hazard rating of 2 and the gas does not have physiological warning properties, such as an odor. The gas is pyrophoric Cylinders The number of gas cylinders larger than a lecture bottle in a laboratory should be limited to no more than: One cylinder of each gas in use (connected to the equipment and secured), and One cylinder in reserve (regulator removed, capped and secured.) No more than 3 cylinders of flammable or oxidizing gases permitted in labs of 500 square feet or less. Gases in cylinders larger than a lecture bottle must be stored in a continuously-vented approved gas cabinet when: The gas has a NFPA health hazard rating of 3 or 4 The gas has a NFPA health hazard rating of 2 and the gas does not have physiological warning properties, such as an odor. Pyrophoric gases in cylinders larger than a lecture bottle must be stored in an approved continuously-vented, sprinklered gas cabinet.

8 Section 8 Flammable Cabinet Inventory Records

9 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet # FLC - Maximum Permitted Storage Capacity: 60 gallons of combined Class I and Class II combustible and flammable liquids. Permanently assigned to: Contents Description Volume & Units Date Inventory of All Class IA Chemicals or Materials in Cabinet The Flammable Liquid Storage Room is limited to 60 Gallons total quantity of Class IA liquids. Class IA Chemical Name or description Volume & Units Date

10 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet # FLC - Maximum Permitted Storage Capacity: 60 gallons of combined Class I and Class II combustible and flammable liquids. Temporarily assigned to: Dept: Agreed Upon Dates for Use: From: To: Contents Description Volume & Units Date Inventory of All Class IA Chemicals/Materials in Cabinet The Flammable Liquid Storage Room is limited to 60 Gallons total quantity of Class IA liquids. Class IA Chemical Name or description Volume & Units Date

11 Section 9 Variance from Superior Fire Department Jim Rigstad, Fire Chief Superior Fire Department Phone: (715) Superior Fire Department Fax: (715) February 17, 2012 Ms Carol Lindberg University of Wisconsin Superior 1800 Grand Ave. Superior, WI, Dear Ms Lindberg: I have reviewed your request for a variance from the maximum allowed quantity of flammable liquids permitted to be stored in the flammable storage room at Barstow Hall on the Superior campus of the University of Wisconsin. Fire Chief Jim Rigstad has granted conditional approval to this variance. The terms of the variance are as follows: A maximum of 450 gallons of flammable liquids may be stored in the room at any given time. All flammable liquids stored in the room must be stored in UL listed flammable liquid storage cabinets. Cabinets constructed in compliance with the requirements of NFPA shall also be acceptable. Non-compatible materials stored in the room must be separated as required by code. A containment sill must be installed in the doorway to prevent spilled product from escaping the room. The sill must be sealed with masonry or with a rated fire caulk to maintain the rating of the room. Other liquids stored in the room shall not exceed the quantities permitted by code and may only be stored in the room outside of a flammable liquid storage cabinets provided there is adequate space in the room after the installation of the flammable liquid storage cabinets required under conditions listed above. The flammable liquid storage room must be maintained in full compliance with any other requirements of NFPA 30 or any other applicable codes. If you have any questions regarding this variance, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Arthur E. Gil de Lamadrid Lead Fire Inspector Cc: J. Rigstad, Fire Chief V. Johnson, Battalion Chief

12 Added by Carol Lindberg for documentation: From: Gil de Lamadrid, Arthur Sent: Thursday, February 23, :42 AM To: Lindberg,Carol A Subject: RE: Flam Cabs? Yes. I believe that in your original request you asked for 10 cabinets. Unfortunately I tossed my notes after writing the letter. But, I thought that the quantity was based upon that number of cabinets. From: Lindberg,Carol A [mailto:clindber@uwsuper.edu] Sent: Friday, February 17, :25 To: Gil de Lamadrid, Arthur Subject: RE: Flam Cabs? Art, Yes this is very good news. One question under the terms listed, are we allowed to have more than 3 flammable liquid storage cabinets in the space? Thank you! Carol A. Lindberg, CIH Environmental Health and Safety Program University of Wisconsin - Superior