At US Hazmat Rentals™, we understand the critical importance of safe and compliant storage solutions for flammable, hazardous, and chemical materials. This FAQ is curated to offer reference, insight, and suggested guidance on navigating the complex regulatory landscape for hazardous material storage as regulated by the EPA, NFPA, and OSHA.*
Effective and compliant storage is not just about organization—it’s about safeguarding your workplace, employees, and the environment. Non-compliance with the industry’s regulations and regulatory agencies can result in severe consequences, including loss of life, injury, penalties, fines, accidents, and environmental damage. Our flammable storage FAQ aims to address your queries, empowering you to make informed decisions and ensure compliance every step of the way.
From understanding EPA regulations to implementing NFPA standards and adhering to OSHA requirements, our FAQ covers a wide range of topics, including:
By exploring the US Hazmat Rentals™ Hazardous Material Storage FAQ, you’ll gain valuable insights into selecting the right storage solutions tailored to your needs, while ensuring adherence to industry regulations and compliance standards. Whether you’re a facility manager, operations director, safety officer, EHS professional, safety and fire suppression consultant, inventory manager, or procurement specialist, our goal is to better equip you with the knowledge needed to create a safer, more compliant workplace environment.
Ready to explore the world of safe and compliant storage solutions?
Browse our FAQ section to find answers to your burning questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact our team for personalized assistance and storage compliance guidance. We are here as your resource! Our business is at your service to ensure storage site safety, full compliance when storing your materials, and our experienced team will work with you from start to finish to ensure the proper selection of a storage solution designed for your facility and workflow process.
What is Hazardous Materials Storage?
Hazardous materials storage is the safe and compliant storage of dangerous chemicals commonly found on most job sites. Hazardous materials are any substance that can pose physical or health hazards. Common hazardous materials include ethanol, benzene, pesticides, acids, paints, etc. OSHA determines each hazardous material risk based on chemical classification and potential destructiveness. For example, flammable liquids receive a unique classification related to physical properties. While vital to manufacturing and construction, hazardous materials pose many environmental and health risks if improperly stored. Larger quantities of hazardous materials must be stored in a chemical storage container or warehouse that meets all OSHA and NFPA 30 specifications.
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What are The Requirements for Hazardous Material Storage Area?
Hazardous materials are unlike any other building material or equipment found in manufacturing industries. Unlike tools, ladders, raw materials, or machinery, hazardous materials must be stored separately in a cool, ventilated area away from incompatible materials and vulnerable property, including your employees. OSHA has developed regulations for acceptable hazardous materials storage construction and procedures for the safe handling of dangerous chemicals. While the numerous OSHA regulations can be difficult to comprehend, failure to adhere to federal protocols will invariably lead to civil penalties, accidents, environmental contamination and employee injuries.
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Forklift at hazardous materials storage facility
What Method is Used to Store Hazardous Materials?
Large volumes of hazardous materials must always be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage area. Furthermore, hazardous materials should never be stored near incompatible materials or sensitive property. Hazardous materials segregation is also conducive to safe storage practices and enhances logistics and job site organization. Many companies use totes, metal drums, and caged IBC container systems to store hazardous materials. Employees should avoid stacking chemical drums and tote containers above eye level, while never stacking containers more than two pallets high. Moreover, all hazardous material containers must be free of leaks, residue, or any other blemish compromising structural integrity.
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NFPA 30 logo
What is the NFPA standard for hazardous material storage?
The National Fire Protection Association is a nonprofit think tank tasked with developing and publishing standards and codes related to fire safety. Several NFPA codes address best practices for flammable chemical storage. For example, the NFPA 30 standard limits the storage of flammable or combustible liquids to 25 gallons in an area outside an approved flammable chemical cabinet or warehouse. Moreover, NFPA standards classify and categorize flammable liquids based on physical properties. While NFPA codes and standards are not enforceable, OSHA relies on the standards for developing storage regulations that hazardous materials handlers must follow. Failure to abide by NFPA standards can result in accidents, spills, and environmental contamination.
Flammable Liquid Sign
What is NFPA 30?
While the NFPA has established more than 300 codes and standards, NFPA 30 specifically addresses flammable liquids storage. Although all hazardous materials require separate and compliant storage, flammable liquids require special considerations. All employees handling flammable liquids should closely follow NFPA 30. Keeping all flammable liquids in closed containers is a featured example of NFPA 30. The NFPA also addresses flammable liquid storage quantities. For example, NFPA 30 requires no more than 60 gallons of flammable liquid (flashpoint below 140 degrees F) or 120 gallons of combustible (flashpoint at or above 140 degrees F) can be stored in a single chemical storage container. Furthermore, NFPA 30 also includes flammable liquids classification based on flash points.
Hazmat Storage Access Doors with Forklift
How Do You Store Large Volumes of Hazardous Materials?
Storing large volumes of hazardous materials requires a chemical storage locker larger than a standard safety cabinet. Large volumes of hazardous materials should be stored in IBC containers or metal drums. This allows for the easy dispensing of hazardous materials while avoiding leaks and spills. Many companies use forklift-accessible pallets for streamlining drum and tote storage. Moreover, hazardous materials handlers should avoid stacking drums and containers that are more than two pallets high. While OSHA doesn’t require ventilation for hazardous materials storage areas, we recommend this feature to prevent the accumulation of toxic vapors. Although wood is an acceptable building material for hazardous materials storage locker, steel provides superior protection.
TS2212 Tote Storage Container
What is a Hazmat Storage Building?
A hazardous material storage building is any structure for the safe and secure storage of dangerous chemicals. NFPA 30 guides hazmat storage building construction for limiting internal temperatures, thus preventing flashovers and fires. While the NFPA allows for wooden safety cabinets, we urge those storing hazardous materials to instead consider steel construction. All metal storage buildings must be comprised of No. 18 gauge steel and be double-walled. Additionally, joints on hazmat storage buildings must be riveted, welded, or made tight by some other means. All hazmat storage buildings must also include warning signs.
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Failure to follow NFPA 30 building guidelines can lead to structural failure.
Warning Labels
What is an MSDS Sheet?
A materials safety data sheet provides detailed information about a chemical’s physical properties and potential health hazards. Every hazardous material has a uniquely corresponding MSDS. For example, the safety data sheet for ethanol is separate from the MSDS for chlorine. An MSDS sheet also guides safe and compliant chemical storage practices. Furthermore, an MSDS sheet provides first-aid measures for accidental chemical exposures and a list of incompatible materials. Safety data sheets are written in an easy-to-read format with direct information on the known risks and mitigations for dangerous chemical events.
What is NFPA 497 Hazardous Area Classification?
NFPA 497 specifically addresses proper electrical equipment selection in hazardous locations. Following NFPA 497 chemical classification assists in selecting and utilizing safe electrical equipment in hazardous areas. NFPA 497 defines a hazardous area as any location where the surrounding atmosphere contains sufficient quantities of flammable hazardous materials, gases, and vapors that could lead to flashover events. Understanding NFPA 497 helps project managers determine which areas of operation meet the definition of a hazardous area, thus increasing operational awareness and intra-agency cooperation in selecting the proper electrical equipment. Always consult NFPA 497 when selecting electrical equipment in specific hazardous areas within your operations.
Flammable Liquid Storage Containers
What is the OSHA Regulation for Flammable Storage?
OSHA only allows for approved containers and portable tanks for storing flammable materials. Furthermore, no more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids may be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. Additionally, OSHA requires no more than 60 gallons of flammable liquid (flashpoint below 140 degrees F) or 120 gallons of combustible (flashpoint at or above 140 degrees F) can be stored in a single chemical storage container or warehouse. OSHA, citing the NFPA, caps any combination of Class IB, IC, or IIIA liquids in metal tanks or metal IBC containers – each not exceeding 793 gallons – at 1,585 total liquid gallons.
4-Hr Fire Rated Flammable Storage Unit
What is the NFPA Limit for Flammable Storage?
While the NFPA is not an official governing body regulating flammable storage, OSHA frequently cites that agency’s standards in developing enforceable regulations. OSHA says no more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids may be stored in a room outside an approved storage container. Furthermore, “no more than 60 gallons of flammable materials (flashpoint below 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or 120 gallons of combustible (flashpoint at or above 140 degrees) may be stored in an approved hazmat warehouse. Storage cabinets should also be limited to three structures in a single storage area.”
Seek compliance when you store Hazardous Materials at your facilities and ensure all employees are trained on proper handling and access to your bulk hazardous material storage facilities.
Why Do We Store Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials require special consideration and protection. A hazardous material is defined as any substance or chemical that poses health and safety hazards and environmental pollution risks. Unlike other workplace machinery and equipment, hazardous materials must be stored in a segregated storage building. All hazardous materials must be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from incompatible materials and vulnerable equipment. Moreover, failure to properly store hazardous materials can result in job site accidents and environmental contamination.
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What is Section 9.5 of the NFPA 30?
NFPA 30 Section 9.5 guides flammable liquid storage safety cabinet construction. Common examples of flammable liquids include alcohols, pesticides, benzene, diesel, and several others. NFPA 30 Section 9.5 requires the “bottom, top, door, and sides of the (storage) cabinet shall be at least No. 18 gauge sheet steel and shall be double-walled.” Moreover, the total volume for storage of Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids should not surpass 120 gallons in a single storage locker or cabinet. Each chemical storage cabinet or warehouse should also display “FLAMMABLE” and “KEEP FIRE AWAY” signage and markings. The letter height for “FLAMMABLE” should be two inches while the minimum letter height for “KEEP FIRE AWAY” should be one inch.
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