Standard Operating Procedure January 2023

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work
with flammable liquids. This SOP is generic in nature and only addresses safety issues specific to
flammable and combustible liquids. In some instances, several general use SOPs may be applicable for a
specific chemical.

Definitions
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) considers any chemical flammable if it has
a flashpoint below 37.8ºC (100ºF).
There are three classes of flammable liquids per the NFPA:
• Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73F (23°C) and having a boiling
point below 100F (38°C). Examples: acetaldehyde, butyne, chloropropylene,
dimethyl sulfide, ethyl chloride, and ethyl ether.
• Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73F (23°C) and having a boiling
point above 100F (38°C). Examples: acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide, ethyl
alcohol, ethyl acetate, gasoline, hexane, isopropanol, methanol, and toluene.
• Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73F (23°C) and below 100F
(38°C) Examples: amyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, methyl isobutyl
ketone, styrene, turpentine, and xylene.
OSHA defines a flammable liquid as any liquid having a flashpoint at or below 199.4 °F
(93 °C).
OSHA Flammable liquids are divided into four categories as follows:
• Category 1 shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73.4 °F (23 °C) and
having a boiling point at or below 95 °F (35 °C).
• Category 2 shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73.4 °F (23 °C) and
having a boiling point above 95 °F (35 °C).
• Category 3 shall include liquids having flashpoints at or above 73.4 °F (23 °C)
and at or below 140 °F (60 °C). When a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint at or
above 100 °F (37.8 °C) is heated for use to within 30 °F (16.7 °C) of its
flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category
3 liquid with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C).
• Category 4 shall include liquids having flashpoints above 140 °F (60 °C) and at or
below 199.4 °F (93 °C). When a Category 4 flammable liquid is heated for use to
within 30 °F (16.7 °C) of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the
requirements for a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100 °F (37.8
°C).
Combustible Liquid: A liquid having a flash point above 100°F. Combustible liquids
are subdivided as follows:
• Class II: Liquids with a flash point at or above 100°F and below 140°F (60°C).
Examples: No. 1, 2 and 3 fuel oils, kerosene, and hexyl alcohol.

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• Class IIIA: Liquids with a flash point at or above 140°F and below 200°F (93°C).
Examples: aniline, benzaldehyde, butyl cellosolve, nitrobenzene and pine oil.
• Class IIIB: Liquids with a flash point at or above 200°F. Examples: animal oils;
ethylene glycol; glycerin; lubricating, quenching, and transformer oils;
triethanolamine; benzyl alcohol; hydraulic fluids and vegetable oils.

Boiling Point: The temperature at which a liquid’s vapor pressure is equal to the
atmospheric pressure. Liquids with low boiling points are very volatile.

Flash Point: The minimum temperature of a liquid at which sufficient vapor is liberated
to form a vapor-air mixture that will ignite and propagate a flame away from the ignition
source (flash fire not continuous combustion).

Flammable (Explosive) Limits/Flammable (Explosive) Range: The terms flammable and

explosive are used interchangeably since unconfined vapors mixed in air will burn while
confined vapors will produce an explosion. The minimum vapor concentration in air
that, when ignited, will propagate a flame is the lower flammable limit (LFL or LEL).
The maximum vapor concentration in air that when ignited will propagate a flame is the
upper flammable or explosive limit (UFL or UEL).

Vapor Pressure: A measure of the pressure created by a liquid’s vapor at a specific

temperature. Flammable or combustible liquids with a high vapor pressure at room
temperature are more hazardous than liquids with lower vapor pressures because they
will produce more flammable vapor without heating.

Vapor Density: The weight of a volume of pure vapor or gas (with no air present)
compared to the weight of an equal volume of dry air at the same temperature and
pressure. A vapor density figure less than one indicates the vapor is lighter than air. A
figure greater than one indicates the vapor is heavier than air.

Fire Area: An area of a building separated from the remainder of the building by
construction having a fire resistance at least 1 hour (i.e. a single laboratory area).

Flammable Material Storage Cabinet: A storage cabinet constructed and arranged in

accordance with NFPA and International Fire Code standards. Note: Cabinets that are
typically located underneath bench tops and fume hoods are not considered approved
cabinets unless they are provided with appropriate UL/FM labeling.

Flammable Liquid Storage Room: A room used for the storage of large quantities of
flammable and combustible liquids which meets the construction, arrangement and
protection requirements of the City of Baton Rouge, NFPA and International Building
and Fire Code standards.

Safety Can: A metal container of not more than 5-gallon capacity which is UL/FM
Approved and is provided with a flame arrestor, a spring-closing lid and spout cover

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designed to relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.

Approved Plastic Container: A plastic container meeting the requirements of and

containing products authorized by the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR or by Part 6 of the United Nations
Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (i.e. UN 1H1 – non-
removable head type plastic containers or as authorized by DOT exemption). The 5
gallon “red” container commonly used for gasoline is an example of a container meeting
these guidelines.

Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Physical Hazards
Flammable liquids usually have high vapor pressures at room temperature and their
vapors, mixed with air at the appropriate ratio, can ignite and burn. As with all solvents,
their vapor pressure increases with temperature and therefore as temperatures
increase, they become more hazardous. Combustible liquids require heating for ignition
and are easier to extinguish
The concentrated vapors of flammable liquids may be heavier than air and can cause
vapor trails which can travel to reach an ignition source, resulting in a flashback fire.
Fire can also result from reactions between flammables or combustibles and oxidizers.
Health Hazards
In addition to the fire hazard, many flammable and combustible liquids pose health
hazards as well. Effects from acute inhalation exposures range from irritation to CNS
depression, nausea and dizziness. In extreme situations, coma can result. Chronic
exposures may lead to live or kidney damage. Skin absorption can lead to similar long-
term effects as inhalation exposures. Skin contact with solvents may result in defatting
and drying of the skin. Some flammable liquids also have additional health hazards, i.e.,
benzene is also a known human carcinogen.
As the hazards may vary by compound, users must familiarize themselves with the
specific hazards of the compounds they are working with, which can be found on the
chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). SDSs are available through the internet using a
simple name search.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The University’s Personal Protective Equipment Policy can be found on the Standard
Operating Procedure section of the EHS website.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses must be worn whenever handling flammable liquids. When there is the
potential for splashes, goggles and/or a face shield must be worn.

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Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn when handling flammable liquids. Exam style nitrile gloves
(minimum 4mil thickness) are generally adequate for handling these compounds in
laboratory settings when skin contact is unlikely. However, if skin contact is likely or
larger amounts are being used, then a utility grade glove should be worn over the exam
style nitrile. To ensure that the appropriate utility grade glove is selected, refer to the
manufacturer’s glove selection information on the chemical’s SDS, or contact EHS.
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants or clothing that covers the body to the ankles and closed-toe solid top shoes
must be worn when handling flammable liquids. Lab coats must be worn. When working
with large amounts of flammable liquids, a 100% cotton or flame-resistant lab coat is
preferred. For flammable liquids that pose health hazards through dermal absorption,
additional protective clothing (i.e., apron, oversleeves) may be appropriate where
chemical contact with the skin is likely.
Engineering Controls
Fume Hood
Fume hoods, or other locally exhausted ventilation, should be used whenever handling
flammable liquids. Local exhaust ventilation is particularly important when using larger
quantities (>500ml) or when flammables are heated or at increased pressure.
Storage/Handling
• Minimize the storage of flammable liquids outside flammable rated storage
cabinets. The volume stored outside of rated cabinets and safety cans should be
<10 gallons per laboratory.
• 5-gallon cans of flammable liquids should be stored inside flammable rated
cabinets.
• Refrigerators used for the storage of flammable liquids should be designed/rated
for this purpose.
• Keep flammables segregated from incompatible materials, including oxidizers.
• Store at/below eye level (~5 feet).
• Flammable cabinets should be unvented. If venting is required or requested,
EH&S must be contacted for a specific evaluation and guidelines.
• Metal surfaces or containers through which flammable liquids flow must be
properly grounded, to discharge static electricity.
• Large quantities (≥5 gallons) of flammable liquids should be handled using spark-
free tools in areas free of ignition sources, including spark emitting motors and
equipment.
• Never heat flammable liquids by using an open flame. Use steam baths, water
baths, oils baths, heating mantles or hot air baths.
• If flammable liquids must be heated in an oven, make sure the oven is
appropriately designed for flammable liquids (no internal ignition sources and/or
vented mechanically).

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• When heating flammable liquids, ensure that the autoignition temperature of the
solvent is above the oven temperature or its internal elements.
• Do not distill flammable liquids under reduced pressure.

Waste Disposal
Flammable liquids must be collected as hazardous waste including dilute aqueous
solutions. Water from the LSU sewers goes to the Baton Rouge sewer system. As
such, it is EHS policy that nothing can be disposed by pouring it down the drain. EHS
will pick up these solutions for disposal. Researchers are not charged for waste
collection at LSU. In addition, all items contaminated with a flammable liquid which is
also acutely toxic (P-Listed) must be collected as hazardous waste, ex: carbon disulfide.
This includes reagent bottles, weigh boats, pipette tips, kimwipes, and other similar
items that have come into contact with these compounds.
Emergency Procedures
Fire Extinguishers
Both ABC dry powder and carbon dioxide extinguishers are appropriate for most fires
involving acutely toxic compounds. Fire extinguishers should be located within a 50 ft.
travel distance.
Eyewash/Safety Showers
An ANSI approved eyewash station that can provide quick drenching or flushing of the
eyes should be immediately available within 10 seconds travel time for emergency use.
An ANSI approved safety drench shower should also be available within 10 seconds
travel time from where these compounds are used. Ensure the locations of the
eyewashes and safety showers, and how to activate them, are known prior to an
emergency.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove to fresh air. The employee should notify their supervisor and then call the
Employee Injury Call Center at 877-764-3574 to speak to a registered nurse. The Call
Center is available 24 hours every day. The nurse will discuss the incident/injury with
the employee and determine the employee’s immediate medical needs.
In case of skin contact
Go to the nearest emergency shower if contaminated. Yell for assistance and rinse for
15 minutes, removing all articles of clothing to ensure contaminate is completely
removed. The employee should notify their supervisor. Follow up with a call the
Employee Injury Call Center at 877-764-3574 to speak to a registered nurse.

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In case of eye contact

Go to the nearest emergency eyewash. Yell for assistance and rinse for 15 minutes. .
The employee should notify their supervisor and follow up with a call the Employee
Injury Call Center at 877-764-3574 to speak to a registered nurse.

Spills
Small Spill
If a small spill of a low toxicity flammable liquid occurs, lab personnel should be able to
safely clean it up by following standard spill clean-up procedures:
• Alert people in immediate area of spill
• Increase ventilation in area of spill (open fume hood sashes)
• Wear personal protective equipment, including utility grade gloves
• Confine/adsorb spill with spill clean-up pads or absorbent
• Collect residue, place in container, label container, and dispose of as hazardous
waste
• Clean spill area with soap and water Larger Spill/Any spill outside a fume hood
• If necessary, call EHS for emergency assistance (225-578-5640).
Larger Spill/Any spill outside a fume hood
• Call LSU Police for emergency assistance at 225-578-3231
• Notify EHS (225-578-5640).
• Evacuate the spill area
• Post someone or mark-off the hazardous area with tape and warning signs to
keep other people from entering
• Stay nearby until emergency personnel arrive and provide them with information
on the chemicals involved