skip to main page content USDA Forest Service logoPrivacy | Legal
Forest Service Technology & Development logo
Technology &
Development Center

Table of Contents

Back | Next | Cover Page

Everyday Hazmat User's Training Guide

Section III Hazardous Materials Management (continued)

Combustible LiquidsImage of a diamond-shaped red hazard material placard that reads: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. The number 3 is located at the bottom corner of the sign and an image of a flame sits at the top corner.

Combustible liquids are less dangerous than flammable liquids because they have higher flashpoints. Class II combustible liquids have flashpoints between 100 and 140 °F. Class IIIA combustible liquids have flashpoints between 140 and 200 °F. Class IIIB combustible liquids have flashpoints higher than 200 °F. Follow the specific storage, use, and transportation requirements for the appropriate type of combustible liquid.

Definitions

Chart showing the different classes of combustible liquids and their product flashpoint parameters.
Click on image for larger descriptive view

Storage Cabinets

Proper storage cabinets can protect workers and the environment, and can allow you to store larger quantities of combustible liquids safely.

Indoor Storage

Incidental Storage

Storage of combustible liquids is strictly regulated for the safety of personnel and facilities. Incidental storage of combustibles is permissible as long as the quantity does not exceed the maximum allowed, and proper storage containers are used. Permissible quantities differ depending on the occupancy of the building where the incidentals are located. Empty containers previously used for combustible liquids must be stored as if they still contained a combustible liquid.

Image of a floor plan for the incidental indoor storage of combustible liquids.
Floor Plan

Important Requirements

Control Areas

Control areas increase the quantity of liquids you can store. However, there are limits. These amounts can be increased if you use approved cabinets and if the area has sprinklers. Several control areas can be used if they are properly separated. Empty containers previously used for combustible liquids must be stored as if they still contained a combustible liquid.

Image of a floor plan for the indoor storage of combustible liquids for control areas.
Floor Plan
Click on image for larger descriptive view

Important Requirements

Interior Rooms

For larger quantities of flammable and combustible liquids, you can use cutoff and inside rooms. A room with one outside wall is a cutoff room, and a room with no outside walls is an inside room. Empty containers previously used for combustible liquids must be stored as if they still contained a combustible liquid.

Image of a floor plan for the indoor storage of combustible liquids in interior rooms. The floor plan indicates the locations of a cutoff room and an inside room.
Floor Plan

Important Requirements
back to main page content

Top

Back | Next

Cover Page

Shield logo for USDA Forest Service
mailbox icon E-mail: wo_mtdc_webmaster@fs.fed.us

Forest Service Technology & Development logo

Technology &
Development Center

UsableNet Approved (v. 1.4.1)


Visitor hit counter hit counter hit counter hit counter hit counter hit counter since August 18, 2005