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Combustible & Flammable Liquid Storage Checklist

To ensure employees working in industries or places associated with combustible and flammable liquids are safe, the federal authorities introduced the combustible and flammable liquid checklist through the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The law was enacted to ensure all employees and employers comply with the safety requirements associated with safe handling of combustible products.

  1. Steel Containers

    • The storage checklist indicates all tanks storing combustible liquids should be made of steel. It also maintains an inline cement tank may only be used to store those flammable and combustible liquids which have a gravity of 40 API or heavier. It also states any two tanks storing combustible liquids must be separated with a space of not less than three feet in order to avoid unnecessary fire. If there is an LPG gas tank, it should be separated from a tank holding flammable liquid by a space of at least 20 feet.

    Pressure Relieving System

    • In case the combustible or the flammable liquid is stored in a storage tank that is not underground, the tank should be fitted with a pressure relieving system. This ensures that in case pressure increases, the chances of pipes or the tank busting are minimized. The tanks should also be fitted with a tight closing cap to ensure no combustible or flammable liquid leaks.

    Securing the Tanks to Minimize Risk

    • The checklist indicates that for tanks that are not underground, the area should be free of weeds, debris or any other combustible materials. If the quantity of the tank exceeds 1,100 gallons, the distance separating that tank from any building should not be less than 10 feet. The outside storage tank should also be constructed in such a way that in case of a leakage, there are possible spillways which can be used to divert the liquid from the buildings.

    Fire Extinguishers

    • There should be portable extinguishers which can be used to fight fire if it breaks out. The extinguishers should be stored in a place where they can easily be accessed in case fire breaks out. The water supply should also be adequate both in volume and pressure to put out any fire that may result from a leak or spill.

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