Flammable/Combustible Material Handling and Storage
Revised April 2024
Purpose
This section is intended to provide an overview of proper handling, storage, and disposal of flammable/combustible materials.
All flammable/combustible material must be stored in *proper storage cabinets. Storage cabinets should be self-closing and should not be propped or held open.
*Facilities can provide and/or coordinate purchase and placement of proper storage cabinet(s).
Responsibilities
All District employees whose position requires the use of flammable, combustible or Aerosol liquids/chemicals is expected to be familiar with the following and to have taken all appropriate or required trainings related to the use, handling and storage of flammable/combustible materials.
Flammable Liquid
A liquid having a closed cup flash point below 100°F. Flammable liquids are categorized into a group known as Class I liquids as follows:
- Class IA: Flash point below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F
- Class IB: Flash point below 73°F and boiling point above 100°F.
- Class IC: Flash point at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Combustible Liquid
A liquid having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F, subdivided as follow
- Class II: Liquids with a flash point greater than 100°F and less than 140°F.
- Class IIIA: Liquids with a flash point greater than 140°F and less than 200°F.
- Class IIIB: Liquids with a flash point at or above 200°F.
Aerosol
A product dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.
(NOTE: The District classifies aerosols as “Aerosol” for storage purposes regardless of their heat combustion level.) Aerosols are classified by level according to their heat of combustion as follows.
- Level 1: Heat of combustion is less than or equal to 8,600 Btu/lb. (20kJ/g).
- Level 2: Heat of combustion is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb. (20kJ/g) but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb. (30kJ/g).
- Level 3: Heat of combustion greater than 13,000 Btu/lb. (30 kJ/g).
Combustible/Flammable Materials Disposal
Combustible waste, such as oil-soaked rags, waste material and shavings shall be disposed of in approved metal containers with tight-fitting metal lids when inside buildings. Containers shall be emptied as soon as practical, but at least daily.
Combustible waste brought back from job sites on District vehicles shall be disposed of in designated trash receptacles at the end of that working shift.
Transporting Combustible/Flammable Materials
Gasoline, if transported, must be in an approved container. Containers must not be in a closed compartment during transport.
When pumping gas into an approved can, the can must be placed on the ground before dispensing to prevent a static charge build-up. When transferring flammables from one container to another, both containers must be bonded and grounded.
Training/Resources
The District offers multiple trainings through Learning central related to flammable liquids, chemicals, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
WAC 296-155-270 Flammable liquids
WAC 296-155-275 Liquid petroleum gas (LP-gas)