In this post you'll learn
Flammable substances are essential components for various industries; however, incorrect use and storage of such materials may lead to disasters due to their hazardous nature. Moreover, the waste and byproducts of most flammables can be just as dangerous. Correct disposal and waste management planning of flammables is crucial to prevent fires and explosions.
Definition
Flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which a liquid releases vapor within a test vessel in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
The flashpoint is an indication of susceptibility to ignition; it is the basis for classifying flammable liquids because it is directly related to a liquid’s ability to generate vapor, i.e., its volatility. Contrary to common perceptions, the fumes of flammable liquids cause ignition, not the substance itself. Therefore, vapor generation is the primary factor in determining the fire hazard of flammables.
According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), flammable liquids are liquids with a flashpoint of 199.4 °F or below. Substances such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, acetone, alcohol, paint and paint thinner, turpentine, linseed oil, and benzene are some of the most commonly used examples of flammable substances.
Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Standard 1910.106: Flammable Liquids is the most recognized international standard to regulate working with flammables. Different substances require different methods of handling. OSHA’s 1910.106 standard divides flammable liquids into four sub-categories as follows:
- Category 1: Flashpoint < 23°C (73.4°F) and initial boiling point ≤ 35°C (95°F)
- Category 2: Flashpoint < 23°C (73.4°F) and initial boiling point > 35°C (95°F)
- Category 3: Flashpoint ≥ 23°C (73.4°F) and ≤ 60°C (140°F)
- Category 4: Flashpoint > 60°C (140°F) and ≤ 93°C (199.4°F)
Storing Flammables and Hazardous Waste
Accidents related to flammables commonly occur due to improper storage. First and foremost, correct labeling is a must. Containers with flammable substances and hazardous waste must be properly labeled as well as the perimeter of designated storage rooms for such materials.
After proper labeling, the correct use of different types of containers is the second step to follow for the safe storage of flammables. Flammables shall be stored in approved closed containers, in tanks located underground, or in aboveground portable tanks. The list given below explains how different types of flammables under different categories can be stored under international regulations.
- Category 1: 25 total gallons in containers
- Category 2, 3, or 4: 120 total gallons in containers
- Category 2, 3, or 4: 660 total gallons in a single portable tank
The last thing to mention for the safe storage of flammables is designated storage areas and their specifications. Storage areas can be indoors and outdoors. Indoor storage rooms must be properly ventilated and kept at appropriate temperatures. In addition, enclosed storage areas must be equipped with fume detection systems to detect flammable fume buildup. Outdoor storage rooms must be protected against sunlight to eliminate the risks of pressure increase in containers due to vaporizing and ignition. All storage areas must be properly labeled and all electronics to be used in storage areas must be exproof.
Storage facilities must be designed to eliminate worker exposure to hazardous substances since they carry the risk of causing eye and skin damage in contact. However, despite all safety measures contact with hazardous chemicals might still occur therefore storage areas designated for hazardous materials must have emergency wash stations as a last line of safety. If you’d like to learn more about emergency wash stations.
Disposal of Flammables
There are different approved methods that utilize the disposal of combustible waste. Local laws and international regulations must be complied with regardless of the method chosen. Professional counseling might be a viable option if the amount of waste is immense or the waste is extremely destructive to nature. If there is one thing to avoid while disposing of hazardous materials, it’s that they should never be poured down sinks or sewage drains. Unfortunately, most sewage lines carry the possibility of reaching freshwater sources due to improper waste treatment procedures. Combustible materials can render thousands of gallons of freshwater unfit for human use. Therefore, correct and applicable waste management is key for industries that utilize such materials. There 3 main methods used for flammable material disposal: evaporation, solidification, and removal.
Evaporation
Most flammables are extremely volatile, meaning they evaporate and release fumes very quickly. For example, most portable gasoline containers have a shut-off valve to release evaporated fumes when the pressure inside the container reaches dangerous levels. It’s common to hear a hissing sound while opening a gasoline container’s lid. The hissing sound is a result of evaporated fuel inside the container. This physical property of combustibles provides a safe and practical method of disposal. Containment around the flammable is simply lifted and it’s allowed to evaporate out into the open air. If this option is to be used, the procedure should never be carried out in enclosed spaces or near heat and spark sources. The evaporation process must be carried out naturally, and under no circumstances shall the surrounding temperature be increased to hasten evaporation.
Solidification
Another popular method for the disposal of flammable liquids is solidification. To carry out this process, sawdust or shredded newspaper is needed. Flammable liquids are carried outside into open air and mixed with the solid compound of choice to create a solid muck. The acquired solid can be given away to waste disposal companies or can be ignited to be burnt off under control. If the burning of the mixture is chosen, fire extinguishers must be kept at a reachable distance. Moreover, the ignition must be carried out away from other combustibles; if the amount that is burning is too large, local authorities must be informed. Burning off the muck might not be allowed if the facility is in a designated industrial zone with nearby factories operating with similar substances; therefore, local laws and regulations must not be overlooked as mentioned before.
Removal
Last and maybe the most convenient option for the disposal of hazardous materials is to allow professional waste management companies to handle your waste. Combustible waste will still hold a degree of economic value due to residual energy that has not been released due to inefficient combustion. Most waste companies put waste fuel under enriching processes to reevaluate it as fuel. Another thing that’s worth mentioning is that when you give your combustible waste away to professionals, you also give away the responsibility. Accidents caused by waste products will most likely occur due to improper storage and other faulty ways of handling combustible waste, as mentioned previously. If the waste were to ignite accidentally causing fires or explosions, the organization which failed to manage the waste properly would be legally accounted for the incident. Hence, removal might be the best option to deal with large quantities of hazardous waste that is challenging to store safely.
Final Words
Disposing of flammable liquids requires careful attention, safety, and detail, which may challenge many companies.
However, as long as you use proper disposal methods, as mentioned in this blog, and understand the requirements, they can be effortlessly disposed.
If you are afraid of going south, the best thing to do is team up with a reputable waste management and recycling company and ask them to help you dispose of flammable liquids.
