CITY OF BLAINE SAFETY SERVICES 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine MN 55449 Business Phone 763-785-6187 Fax 763-717-2634 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS Storage, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapters 34 and 27 of the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) and NFPA 30 where referenced in the fire code. Scope: An operational fire permit is required to: Store, handle or use Class I liquids in a building in excess of 10 gallons; Use or operate a flammable or combustible liquid pipeline; Store, handle or use Class II or IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons; Remove Class I or II liquids from underground tanks by any means other than approved devices; Operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities; Install, remove, abandon or place temporarily out of service (90 days) any aboveground or underground flammable or combustible liquid tank; Change the type of contents stored in a tank to a material which poses a greater hazard than for what the tank is designed and constructed. Manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids. Non-applicability: The requirements below shall not apply to liquids as otherwise provided in other laws or regulations or chapters of this code, including: Provisions for flammable liquids at gas stations, airports, and marinas in MSFC Chapter 22. Medicines, foodstuffs, and cosmetics not more than 50% by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solution not being flammable and alcoholic beverages in retail sales or storage uses when packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. Storage and use of fuel oil and containers connected to oil-burning equipment (MSFC Section 603). Storage and use of refrigerant liquids (MSFC Section 606). Storage and display of aerosol liquids (MSFC Chapter 28). Storage and use of liquids that have no fire point tested in accordance with ASTM D 92. Liquids without flashpoints that can be flammable under some conditions such a certain halogenated hydrocarbons and mixtures containing halogenated hydrocarbons. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in wooden barrels and casks. Referenced Documents. Applicable requirements of MSFC Chapter 27, other chapters of the MSFC, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code and National Fire Protection Association Standard 30 shall apply.
GENERAL STORAGE Storage, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with the Minnesota State Fire Code and local requirements. 1. Classification of flammable and combustible liquids: a. Flammable liquid is a liquid with a flash point below 100 o F and is subdivided as follows: i. Class I-A: Having a flash point below 73 o F and a boiling point below 100 o F. ii. Class I-B: Having a flash point below 73 o F and a boiling point at or above 100 o F. iii. Class I-C: Having a flash point at or above 73 o F and a flash point below 100 o F. b. Combustible liquid is a liquid with a flash point at or above 100 o F. and is subdivided as follows: i. Class II: Having a flash point at or above 100 o F and below 140 o F. ii. Class III-A: Having a flash point at or above 140 o F and below 200 o F. iii. Class III-B: Having a flash point at or above 200 o F. 2. Plans shall be submitted to the City Fire Marshal before any construction for the storage, handling or use of flammable liquids in aboveground and underground tanks for public or private fueling stations, bulk plants, chemical plants, refineries, and processing plants. Detailed drawings or blueprints shall be submitted in duplicate to the City Fire Marshal for review. 3. Fire protection systems for the storage, use, dispensing, mixing or handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the State Fire Code and State Building Code. 4. Piping, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and fabricated from materials that will withstand the pressures, structural stresses and exposures to which they will be subjected. 5. Spill control and secondary containment shall be in accordance with MSFC Section 2704. 6. Electrical wiring and equipment in areas where flammable liquids are stored, handled, dispensed or mixed shall be in accordance with the Electrical Code and MSFC Section 3403. Storage of flammable and combustible liquids in containers, cylinders and tanks shall be in accordance with MSFC Section 3404. Storage for motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations, public and private, shall also comply with MSFC Chapter 22. 1. Signs prohibiting smoking and open flames shall be posted in storage areas and tanks over 100 gallons shall bear placards per NFPA 704 identifying contents of each tank. 2. Underground tanks out of service for one year shall be removed from the ground, or when approved by the code official, abandoned in place. Tanks that are permitted by the code official to be abandoned in place shall be abandoned as follows: a. Liquids shall be removed from the tank and connected piping; b. the suction, gage and vapor lines shall be disconnected; c. the tank shall be completely filled with a solid inert material; d. remaining piping shall be capped or plugged; e. a record of tank size, location and date of abandonment shall be retained.
3. Tanks shall be designed, fabricated and constructed in accordance with NFPA Standard 30 and shall bear a permanent nameplate indicating the standard used as a basis for design. Typical standards often seen are UL 142 for steel tanks and UL 2085 for protected tanks. 4. Normal vent pipe outlets for tanks storing Class I, II or III-A liquids shall be located such that vapors are released at a safe point outside the building not less than 12 feet above the adjacent ground level. Vent outlets shall be located such that flammable vapors will not be trapped by eaves and shall be at least 5 feet from building openings. 5. Stationary aboveground tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be equipped with emergency relief vents that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by exposure to fire. Venting shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 30 or API 2000. Floating roofs, weak roof-to-shell seams, self-closing manhole covers and covers using long bolts that will allow the cover to lift under internal pressure are allowed. 6. Quantities of liquids exceeding those specified in MSFC Table 2703.1.1(1) for storage in control areas shall be stored in a liquid storage room complying with MSFC 3404.3.7 and 3404.3.8. General requirements for liquid storage rooms include: a. The room shall be of one-hour fire-resistive construction. b. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot of floor area over the storage area and shall operate continuously unless approved. A manual shut off device shall be provided adjacent to the access door. For vapors heavier than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 inches above the floor. Exhaust ventilation shall not be re-circulated within the room or building. c. Where required, explosion control, electrical service and equipment shall be provided in accordance with MSFC Section 911 and the Building Code. d. Spill control, such as a raised or recessed sill, is required. See MSFC Section 2704. e. Approved automatic fire extinguishing system is required. 7. Above-ground storage tanks outside of buildings. Aboveground tanks outside of buildings shall comply with Sections 3404.2.9.5.1 through 3404.2.9.5.3. 8. Flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks located underground, either outside or under buildings, shall be in accordance with all of the following: 1. Tanks shall be located with respect to existing foundations and supports such that the loads carried by the latter cannot be transmitted to the tank 2. The distance from any part of a tank storing liquids to the nearest wall of a basement, pit, cellar, or lot line shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm). 3. A minimum distance of 1 foot (305 mm), shell to shell, shall be maintained between underground tanks.
Dispensing, Use, Mixing and Handling Dispensing, use, mixing and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with MSFC Sections 3403. Tank Vehicle and tank car loading and unloading and other special operations shall be in accordance with section 3406. 1. Where gases are introduced to provide for transfer of Class I liquids, or Class II and III liquids transferred at temperatures at or above their flash points by pressure, only inert gases shall be used. Controls, including pressure relief devices, shall be provided to limit the pressure so that the maximum working pressure of tanks, containers and piping systems cannot be exceeded. Where devices operating through pressure within a tank or container are used, the tank or container shall be a pressure vessel approved for the intended use. Air or oxygen shall not be used for pressurization. Exception: Air transfer of Class II and III liquids at temperatures below their flash points. 2. Class I and II liquids or Class III liquids that are heated up to or above their flash points shall be transferred by one of the following methods: Exception: Liquids in containers not exceeding a5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. 1. From safety cans complying with UL 30. 2. Through an approved closed piping system. 3. From containers or tanks by an approved pump taking suction through an opening in the top of the container or tank 4. For Class IB, IC, II and III liquids, from containers or tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing or automatic-closing valve when the container or tank and dispensing operations are provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 3403.4. Class IA liquids shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks. 5. Approved engineered liquid transfer systems. 3. Indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Sections 3405.2 and3405.3.1 through 3405.3.5.3. 4. Indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table2703.1.1(1) and shall not exceed the additional limitations set forth in Section 3405.3.5. Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 3405.3.6. 5. Use of hazardous production material flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 18. 6. Spill control shall be provided in accordance with Section 3403.4 where Class I, II or IIIA liquids are dispensed into containers exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open containers or systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. Spill control and secondary containment shall be provided in accordance with Section 3403.4 when the capacity of an individual container exceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple containers or tanks exceeds 100 gallons (378.5 L).
SPECIAL PROVISIONS This section shall cover the provisions for special operations, which include, but are not limited to, storage, use, dispensing, mixing or handling of flammable and combustible liquids. The following special operations shall be in accordance with Sections 3401, 3403, 3404 and 3405, except as provided in Section 3406. 1. Storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids on farms and construction sites. 2. Well drilling and operating. 3. Bulk plants or terminals. 4. Bulk transfer and process transfer operations utilizing tank vehicles and tank cars. 5. Tank vehicles and tank vehicle operation. 6. Refineries. 7. Vapor recovery and vapor-processing systems. Permanent and temporary tanks The capacity of permanent above-ground tanks containing Class I or II liquids shall not exceed 1,100 gallons (4164 L). The capacity of temporary above-ground tanks containing Class I or II liquids shall not exceed 10,000 gallons (37 854 L). Tanks shall be of the single-compartment design. Exception: Permanent above-ground tanks of greater capacity which meet the requirements of Section 3404.2. Bulk plants or terminals Portions of properties where flammable and combustible liquids are received by tank vessels, pipelines, tank cars or tank vehicles and which are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessels, pipelines, tanks cars, tank vehicles or containers shall be in accordance with Sections 3406.4.1 through3406.4.10.4
NAME Acetaldehyde (Acetic Aldehyde) (Ethanol) Acetone (Dimethyl Ketone) (2-Propanone) Acetyl Chloride (Ethanoyl Chloride) FIRE PROPERTIES OF COMMON LIQUIDS FLASH BOILING CLASSIF- ICATION HAZARD I.D. (NFPA 704) H F R -38 70 IA 3 4 2-4 133 IB 1 3 0 40 124 IB 3 3 2 W Acrolein Dimer 118 304 II 1 2 1 Acrylonitrile (Vinyl Cyanide) (Propenenitrile) 32 171 IB 4 3 2 Alcohol Butyl 98 243 IC 1 3 0 Alcohol Ethyl 55 173 IB 0 3 0 Alcohol Isopropyl 53 181 IB 1 3 0 Alcohol Methyl 52 147 IB 1 3 0 Alcohol Propyl 74 207 IC 1 3 0 Allyl Alcohol 70 206 IB 4 3 1 Allylamine -20 128 IB 4 3 1 (2-Propenylamine) Amyl Acetate 60 300 IB 1 3 0 (1-Pentanol Acetate) Amyl Alcohol 91 280 II 1 3 0 (1-Pentanol) Amylene 0 86 IA (Pentene) Asphalt (Typical) 400+ >700 IIIB 0 1 0 (Petroleum Pitch) Benzene 12 176 IB 2 3 0 (Benzol) Benzyl Alcohol 200 403 IIIB 2 1 0 (Phenyl Carbinol) Butyl Acetate 72 260 IB 1 3 0 (Butylethanoate) Butyl Acrylate 84 260 IC 2 2 2 Butyl Alcohol 98 243 IC 1 3 0 (1-Butanol) (Propylacarbinol) (Propyl Methanol) Carbon Disulfide -22 115 IB 3 3 0 (Carbon Bisulfide) Creosote Oil 165 382-752 IIIA 2 2 0
NAME Cumene (Cumol) (2-Phenyl Propane) (Isopropyl Benzene) Cyclohexane (Hexahydrobenzene) (Hexamethylene) FLASH BOILING CLASSIF- ICATION HAZARD I.D. (NFPA 704) H F R 96 306 IC 2 3 1-4 179 IB 1 3 0 Denatured Alcohol 60 175 IB 0 3 0 Dibutylamine 117 322 II 3 2 0 Dibutyl Ether (1-Butoxybutane) (Butyl Ether) 77 286 IC 2 3 1 Diesel Fuel Oil 100 Min II 0 2 0 No. 1-D Diesel Fuel Oil 125 Min II 0 2 0 No. 2-D Diethylamine -9 134 IB 3 3 0 Epichlorohydrin (2-Chloropropylene Oxide) (Chloropropylene Oxide) 88 239 IC 3 3 2 Ether-Ethyl -49 95 IA Ethyl Acetate (Acetic Ester) (Acetic Ether) (Ethyl Ethanoate) 24 171 IB 1 3 0 Ethyl Acrylate 50 211 IB 2 3 2 Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol, Cologne Spirits, Ethanol) 55 173 IB 0 3 0 Ethylamine (Aminoethane) Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) (Hydrochloric Ether) (Muriatic Ether) Ethylene Dichloride (1,2-Dichloroethane) (Glycol Dichloride) <0 62 IA 3 4 0-58 54 IA 1 4 0 56 183 IB 2 3 0 Ethylene Glycol 232 387 IIIB Ethylene Oxide (Dimethylene Oxide) (1,2-Epoxyethane) (Oxirane) -20 51 IA 3 4 3 Ethyl Methacrylate (Ethyl Methyl Acrylate) Ethyl Ether (Diethyl Ether) (Diethyl Oxide) (Ether) (Ethyl Oxide) 68 239-248 IB 2 3 0-49 95 IA 1 4 1
NAME FLASH BOILING CLASSIF- ICATION HAZARD I.D. (NFPA 704) Formic Acid Butyl Ester Methyl Ester Fuel Oil No. 1 (Kerosene) (Range Oil) H F R 64 225 IB -2 90 IA 100-162 304-574 II/IIIA 0 2 0 (Coal Oil) Fuel Oil No. 2 126-204 II/IIIA 0 2 0 Fuel Oil No. 4 142-240 II/IIIA 0 2 0 Fuel Oil No. 6 150-270 II/IIIA 0 2 0 Furan <32 88 IA Gasoline -45 to -50 100-400 IB 1 3 0 Gasoline 115-145 Octane (Aviation Grade) -50 1 3 0 Heptane 25 209 IB Hexane -7 156 IB 1 3 0 (Hexyl Hydride) Isopentane -60 82 IA Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) (Dimethyl Carbinol) (2-Propanol) 53 181 IB 1 3 0 Isopropyl Ether -18 156 IB Isopropylamine -35 89 IA Jet Fuels Jet A and A-1 Jet B JP-4 Kerosene 110-150 -10 to 30-10 See fuel Oil No. 1 400-550 II Linseed Oil, Raw 432 600+ 0 1 0 Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) (Wood Alcohol) (Columbian Spirits) 52 147 IB 1 3 0 Methyl Chloride -50-11 IA 1 4 0 (Chloromethane) Methyl Ethyl Ether -35 51 IA Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) 16 176 IB 1 3 0 Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 64 244 IB Methyl Methacrylate 50 212 IB 2 3 2 Mineral Oil 380 680 IIIB 0 1 0 Mineral Spirits 104 300 II IB II 0 1 2 3 0 0
NAME FLASH BOILING CLASSIF- ICATION HAZARD I.D. (NFPA 704) H F R Motor Oil Varies IIIB Naphtha V.M. & P. 50 240-290 IB 1 3 0 50º Flash Naphtha V.M. & P. 85 280-350 II 1 3 0 High Flash Naphtha V.M. & P. 28 212-320 IB 1 3 0 Regular Nitrobenzene 190 412 IIIA 3 2 1 (Nitrobenzol) (Oil or Mirbane) Nitromethane 95 214 IC 1 3 4 Octane 56 258 IB Pentane -40 97 IA Petroleum, Crude, Sweet 20-90 1 3 0 Petroleum Ether <0 95-140 IA/IB 1 4 0 (Benzine) (Naphtha, Petroleum) Phenol 175 358 IIIA 4 2 0 (Carbolic Acid) Propyl Alcohol 74 207 IC 1 3 0 (1-Propanol) Propylene Glycol 210 370 IIIB Propylene Oxide -35 94 IA 3 4 2 Styrene 88 295 IC 2 3 2 (Cinnamene) (Phenylethylene) (Vinyl Benzene) Tetrahydrofuran 6 151 IB 2 3 1 (Diethylene Oxide) Toluene 40 231 IB 2 3 0 (Methylbenzene) (Phenylmethane) (Toluol) Turpentine 95 300 IC 1 3 0 Vinyl Acetate 18 161 IB 2 3 2 (Ethenyl Ethanoate) Vinyl Ethyl Ether -50 96 IA o-xylene (1,2-Dimethylbenzene) (o-xylol) 90 292 IC 2 3 0 H = Health F = Flammability R = Reactivity