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NFPA 30—A Guide to Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Document Number: 180
Introduction
Since 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been
the most recognized nonprofit organization in the world dedicated to the
protection of human life and property from the hazards of fire. NFPA membership
currently exceeds over 81,000 fire protection professionals. The NFPA
publishes over 300 nationally recognized fire codes and standards, as
well as fire service training and public education materials.
Handbook Helps You Understand NFPA 30
NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook is
an essential reference for those involved with the production,
distribution, and/or use of flammable and combustible liquids. The
handbook contains the requirements found in NFPA 30: Flammable and
Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30A: Automotive and Marine Service
Station Code, and NFPA 395: Storage of Flammable and Combustible
Liquids on Farms and Isolated Construction Projects.
NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code is divided into
eight chapters; ; Administration, Definitions, Tank Storage, Piping Systems,
Container and Portable Tank Storage, Operations, Electrical Equipment
Installation and Referenced Publications. This code contains information
for the design, construction and testing of flammable liquid safety cabinets
and requirements of safety cans.
NFPA 30A: Automotive and Marine Service Station Code contains
thirteen major areas: Administration, Referenced Publications, Definitions,
Storage of Liquids, Piping of Liquids, Fuel Dispensing Systems, Building
Construction Requirements, Electrical Installations, Operational Requirements,
Vapor Processing and Vapor Recovery Systems for Liquid Motor Fuels, Marine
Fueling, and additional requirements for CNG, LNG, and LPG, and Farms
and Remote Sites.
NFPA 395: Standard for the Storage of Flammable and Combustible
Liquids on Farms and Isolated Construction Projects is the third
and final code in the handbook. Its two chapters include: General and
Referenced Publications. The final area of the handbook contains
supplemental readings and case investigation studies of recent major
fire incidents.
These NFPA codes are recommended for use as the basis of legal
regulations. To verify compliance, contact all applicable local, state
and federal agencies.
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
What is a safety
can? |
| A. |
NFPA 30 and OSHA 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.106
(a)(29) define a safety can as, "an approved container, of not
more than 5 gallons (18.9 liters) capacity, having a spring-closing
lid and spout cover so designed that it will safely relieve internal
pressure when subjected to fire exposure." |
| Q. |
How are flammable liquid safety cabinets designed,
constructed and tested to meet NFPA 30? |
| A. |
NFPA 30 Chapter 4.3.3 (b) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 (d)(3)(ii)(a) state,
“Metal cabinets constructed in the following manner are acceptable. The
bottom, top, door, and sides of cabinet shall be at least No. 18 gauge
sheet steel and doubled walled with 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) air space. Joints
shall be riveted, welded or made tight by some equally effective means.
The door shall be provided with a three-point latch arrangement and the
door sill shall be raised at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the bottom of the
cabinet to retain spilled liquid with-in the cabinet.” NFPA 30 Chapter
4.3.3 (a) also states, “Storage Cabinets shall be designed and
constructed to limit the internal temperature at the center, 1 inch (2.5
cm) from the top, to not more than 325 degrees F (162.8 degrees C) when
subjected to a 10- minute fire test with burners simulating a room fire
exposure using the standard time temperature curve as given in NFPA 251,
Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. All
joints and seams shall remain tight and the door shall remain securely
closed during the fire test.” |
| Q. |
Are wooden
cabinets acceptable for flammable storage? |
| A. |
NFPA 30 Chapter 4.3.3 (c) states, "Wooden cabinets
constructed in the following manner are acceptable. The bottom,
sides, and top shall be constructed of exterior grade plywood at
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness, which shall not break down or
delaminate under fire conditions. All joints shall be rabbetted and
shall be fastened in two directions with wood screws. When more than
one door is used, there shall be a rabbetted overlap of not less
than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Doors shall be equipped with a means of
latching, and hinges shall be constructed and mounted in such a
manner as to not lose their holding capacity when subjected to fire
exposure. A raised sill or pan capable of containing a 2 inch (5 cm)
depth of liquid shall be provided at the bottom of the cabinet to
retain spilled liquid within the cabinet." |
| Q. |
Do flammable liquid storage cabinets have to be vented? |
| A. |
NFPA Chapter 4.3.4 states, “The storage cabinet shall not be required
by this code to be vented for fire protection purposes, and vent openings
shall be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet or with bungs
specified by the cabinet manufacturer. However, if the storage cabinet is
vented for any reason, the cabinet shall be vented directly to outdoors in
such a manner that will not compromise the specified performance of the
cabinet and in a manner that is acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction. |
| Q. |
What is a flammable liquid?
What is a combustible liquid? |
| A. |
Flammable and combustible liquids are defined and classified by
their flash point and boiling point as the chart below illustrates. |
Sources for More Information
Benedetti, Robert P., Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
Handbook,
National Fire Protection Association , 4th edition, 2003.
Code of Federal Regulations, 29
CFR 1910.106.
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
regulation or consult with an attorney.
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