Flammable and combustible liquids pose an obvious threat to employees in any industry which uses them. These liquids must be stored, maintained, transported, and used in very specific ways. If they are not properly handled and combust, the resulting damage can be catastrophic.

But with so many different liquids, containers, means of transportation, piping, valves, and fittings associated with flammable and combustible liquids, it can be nearly impossible to keep track of what the safest way to handle the liquids in each situation is. Fortunately, OSHA developed Standard 1910.106 which sets guidelines for the proper handling of flammable and combustible liquids. This standard relies heavily on the expertise of the NFPA, specifically utilizing NFPA Publication 30 as a foundation for creating the standard.

Standard 1910.106 sets guidelines on both large and small containers, meaning everything from propane cylinders to permanent tanks built into large facilities. The standard specifically discusses how and where various tanks can be stored and how they must be transported, as well as specifics about the containers, such as size and material requirements, and specific safeguards which must be in place.

The standard also sets guidelines addressing the piping, valves, and fittings used for flammable and combustible liquids. These guidelines cover the design, materials used, linings, supports, and testing of these items. Finally, the standard sets requirements around an auditing schedule which must be strictly followed.

If you have any questions about how this standard affects your business, or what to do about specific flammable and combustible liquids at your facility, please contact us so that we can help you set appropriate procedures. And if you have anything to add about flammable and combustible liquids, please leave a comment.