flammable liquids and fire codes for laboratories

Laboratory Safety-Flammable Liquids

Flammable Liquids and Fire Codes for Laboratories


Properties of Flammable Liquids

Invisible Vapor is the Main Concern!



Definitions: FLASH POINT

The temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air…near the surface of the liquid.



Definitions: Ignition Temperature

The minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion without ignition from an external source. Also called auto-ignition temp.



Definitions: Upper and Lower Explosive Limits

The range of concentration of a flammable gas or vapor (% volume in air) in which a explosion can occur upon ignition in a confined area.


Compound FP (°F)LEL(%)

UEL

Acetone 0 2.6 13

Benzene 12 1.5 8

CS2 -22 1 50

Ethanol 55 3 19

Et. Oxide 0 3.6 100

Ether -49 2 36

Octane 60 0.5 3

Hydrogen 4 75


CompoundIgnition Temp

Vapor Density

Vapor Pressure

Acetone 1000°F 2 240 mm

Benzene 1044 2.77 100

CS2 212 2.64 400

Ethanol 793 1.59 40

Ether 356 2.56 442

Octane 428 3.86 10

Hydrogen 1075 0.0069


Energy Source Fuel

Oxygen or Oxidizer

Chain Reaction

The Phenomenon of Fire


Fire CodesWho Regulates Flammables?

•State Fire Marshal (NFPA, OBBC, and Ohio Fire Code)•OSHA (Occupational Safety)•DOT (Transportation)•EPA (Flammable Waste)


Fire Codes-NFPA

•Flammable liquids have a flash-point of less than 100°F

•Combustible liquids have a flash-point of 100°F or greater


Fire Codes-NFPAFlammable Liquid Classification

Class IA- FP<73°F, BP<100°FClass IB- FP<73°F, BP>100°FClass IC- 73°F >FP<100°F

Class II- 100°F >FP<140°FClass IIIA- 140°F >FP<200°FClass IIIB- FP > 200°F


Fire Codes-NFPAFlammable Liquid ClassificationCommon Class IA Solvents

•Acetaldehyde•Ethyl Ether•Ethylene Oxide •Pentane


Fire Codes-NFPAFlammable Liquid ClassificationCommon Class IB Solvents

Acetone

Benzene

Acetonitrile

Ethanol THF Ethyl AcetateHexane Gasolin

eCarbon Disulfide

Methanol

MEK Cyclohexane

Toluene Pyridine


Fire Codes-NFPAFlammable Liquid Storage

Hazardous chemicals stored in the open shall be kept to the minimum necessary for the work being done.


Fire Codes-NFPAFlammable Liquid Storage-Safety Cabinets


Fire Codes-NFPA-Flammable Liquid Storage


Bonding

And

Grounding


Flammable Liquid Storage in Refrigerators


Accidents Involving Flammable Liquids


Flammable Liquid Transport

flammable liquids and fire codes for laboratories

Documents