Flammable Liquids
A flammable liquid is a liquid having a flash point of not more than 93°C (199.4°F).
The flash point of a liquid is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
What are the hazards associated with flammable liquids?
Improper storage, handling and use of flammable liquids can cause fires and explosion, which can result in extensive property damage and serious physical injury and death.
Depending upon the specific chemicals involved, exposure to flammable liquids above the respective permissible exposure limits can produce health effects ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose and mouth to acute and chronic toxic effects.
What can I do to protect myself?
Never use flammable liquids in close proximity to ignition sources. Bonding and grounding must be in place when transferring flammable liquids from one container to another. Ensure there is adequate ventilation when pouring and spraying mixtures that contain flammable liquids.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Safety and Health Programs
A hazard communication program, respiratory protection program, and personal protective equipment hazard assessment are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Training and Outreach Services
The presentations on hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment are available to assist employers in training their staff. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Topics
The safety and health topic pages on respiratory protection, hazard communication, chemical hazards and toxic substances, portable fire extinguishers, spray finishing operations and PPE can provide more resource information.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards for flammable liquids in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.
Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910.106 - flammable liquids
- 29 CFR 1910.307 - hazardous (classified) locations
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
Maritime, Shipyard Employment
- 29 CFR 1915.36 - flammable liquids
Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.152 - flammable liquids
Recordkeeping
- Refer to Recording and Reporting
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Compliance Documents
- SN 18 - Approved Containers to Store Flammable Liquids in General Industry, provides guidance on acceptable containers for the storage of flammable liquids in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.106.
- CFR 160 - Standards Improvements for General Industry and Construction Standards, clarifies the handling and use of one and five gallon containers.
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to flammable liquids in construction.
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to flammable liquids in general industry.
- Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to flammable liquids in shipyard employment.
Technical Assistance
- Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.