Flammable Liquid Storage and Safety Protocols

Flammable Liquid Storage

Definition: Liquids with an ignition temperature below 38 ºC that emit flammable vapors at low temperatures. Any package containing these fluids must be clearly identified.

Vessel Types and Maximum Capacities

• Small Containers: 0–20 liters
• Drums: 20–240 liters
• Intermediate Tanks and IBCs: 240–2,500 liters
• Ponds: Over 2,500 liters

Container Material Requirements

• 1-liter glass bottles
• Metal cans or plastic jars; 20-liter drums allowed
• Safety cans or 20-liter drums
• 240-liter metal drums
• Note: Rigid plastics and composite IBCs are prohibited.

Spill Control Systems

External containment must have a minimum capacity equal to the volume of the largest stored container.

Wiring and Electrical Safety

• Conductors must be in conduit with tight junction boxes.
• Fuses and breakers must be located off-site.
• Explosion-proof luminaires must be installed away from potential impacts.

Ventilation Requirements

• Minimum of 20 m³/hr per m² of surface area.
• Pipeline flow must vent to the open air.

Outdoor Storage Areas

• Store outdoors without walls or fire barriers.
• Keep areas free of weeds, debris, and unnecessary combustible materials.
• Floors must be sloped to divert spills away from buildings or be surrounded by a dike at least 15 cm high.

Eliminating Electrostatic Spark Sources

• Avoid wearing clothing likely to generate sparks (e.g., wool or synthetic fibers).
• Provide grounding for all installations prone to static electricity (e.g., bonding the discharge point to the container).
• All storage systems must be secured to prevent shelves or contents from falling during an earthquake.

Safety Regulations for Liquid Petroleum Fuels (DS Nº 90)

Requirements include spill control retaining walls, waterproof flooring, a separate sealed sump, a 20-meter minimum venting system, and proper signage.

Storing Hazardous Substances

• Store minimum quantities and keep stock reduced for short periods.
• Do not store in alphabetical order.
• Store in a cool, dry place, prevent contact with air, and separate from the workplace.
• Consider chemical incompatibility:
  • Separate strong acids from concentrated bases.
  • Keep oxidizers segregated and away from flammables.
  • Maintain segregation for corrosive substances that may release toxic or flammable gases upon contact.