Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage

General industry workplaces often store and use flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosives, and other hazardous materials. OSHA 1910.106 governs flammable and combustible liquid storage. Flammable liquids (flash point below 100°F) can ignite at room temperature and pose immediate fire hazards. Combustible liquids (flash point 100-200°F) require heat to ignite. Storage rules: flammable liquids in occupied buildings must be stored in approved safety cans (up to 25 gallons without sprinklers per fire area) or in listed flammable storage cabinets (up to 60 gallons per cabinet). Safety cans must have flash arresters and spring-closing lids. Storage rooms for large quantities must have explosion-proof electrical equipment, ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation, and fire detection/suppression systems.

Compressed gas cylinders present both physical and chemical hazards. Physical hazard: a cylinder with a broken valve becomes a rocket — cylinders must be secured upright to prevent falling. Chemical hazard: depends on the gas (flammable, oxidizing, toxic, inert). Storage requirements: store upright with valve caps on, chain or secure with straps, keep full and empty cylinders separate, separate oxygen from fuel gas cylinders by 20 feet or a fire-resistant barrier (5-foot non-combustible divider with 1/2-hour fire rating), protect from heat, and keep in well-ventilated areas. Transport cylinders on approved hand trucks — never roll them on their sides.

HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) applies to workers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response to hazardous substance releases. First responder awareness training (8 hours) is required for workers who might discover a hazardous release but are not required to respond. First responder operations training (8 hours) is for workers who respond to releases in a defensive manner. Hazardous materials technicians (24 hours) and specialists (24 hours) have more advanced training. Secondary containment — berms, dikes, or drip pans — must contain 110% of the largest single container stored to prevent spills from reaching floor drains, waterways, or other areas.