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Campus Security Safety and Health Plan Use of Flammable Liquids General It is the policy of the College to use the recommendations contained in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes as minimum guidelines to acceptable practices on campus. A number of the NFPA Codes have been incorporated into the OSHA Standards, the North Carolina State Building Code, or are mandated as a condition of insurance coverage by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Questions regarding the applicability of specific NFPA Codes should be directed to the Director of Safety and Security. The purpose of this policy statement is to list the basic standards for the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids applicable to campus operations. The standards listed here are by no means comprehensive and represent only those cited most frequently during inspections of campus facilities. Definitions Laboratory/Shop Unit is a room or suite of rooms separated from adjacent
areas by fire resistant walls and doors. Classes
Maximum Container Size for Point of Use Storage The potential fire hazard of a liquid depends on its flash point and the quantity being used. The following table gives the maximum size container allowed for each class of liquid.
Maximum Quantities The potential fire hazard of a liquid also depends on the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids present within a containment unit, and on the type of containers in which the liquids are stored. The maximum quantity per unit is as follows:
College Guidelines It should be emphasized that the quantity of flammables on hand must be kept to a minimum and that only in unusual circumstances will the maximum quantities be permitted. The College observes the following guidelines:
Safety Cans Gasoline must be stored and transported on campus in safety cans. The use of safety cans in laboratories in encouraged where practicable. Class I liquids shall not be transferred between metal containers unless the containers are electrically interconnected by direct bonding or by indirect bonding through a common ground. The maximum impedance of the bond shall not exceed six ohms. Storage Cabinets Storage cabinets constructed to NFPA standards should be used when required to meet quantity limits. Storage cabinets are not permitted in hallways. Inside Storage Rooms A central storage room is preferable to storage cabinets in each laboratory. The central storage alternative should be considered especially by departments which have centralized supply rooms. Refrigerators Flammable liquids must not be stored in domestic type refrigerators. Domestic type refrigerators should not be purchased for laboratory use, even if flammable storage is not contemplated, since future research needs may require the use of flammables. Safety refrigerators, which have the electrical contacts (door switch, light, thermostat, etc.) removed or exteriorized, are recommended for laboratory use. “Explosion Proof” refrigerators are not recommended except in unusual circumstances, such as in an inside storage room (for flammables) or in potentially hazardous atmospheres. Domestic type refrigerators currently in laboratories should be labeled “DANGER/UNSAFE FOR STORAGE OF FLAMMABLES.” Warning Signs Bunsen burners and other flames must not be used in the area where flammable liquids are being used. The area must be post “NO SMOKING.” Containers of flammable liquids are to be labeled appropriately. Variances and Specialized Needs Variations from these guidelines may be granted when chemical purity or other considerations warrant. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Safety and Security.
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© 2004 Lenoir-Rhyne College |
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