In the photo above, a polyurethane tank containing approximately 55 gallons of gasoline was observed stored adjacent to both full and discharged oxygen and nitrogen cylinders. The gasoline was reportedly being maintained as an emergency fuel supply for the establishment's fleet vehicles in preparation for hurricane season.
This storage arrangement creates multiple hazards involving flammable liquids and compressed gases. Gasoline is an extremely flammable liquid, and oxygen can significantly accelerate combustion in the event of a fire. Storing these materials together increases the risk of rapid fire spread, cylinder failure, and potentially catastrophic explosions. An incident involving these materials could result in serious worker injuries, property damage, and environmental contamination.
OSHA Standards
29 CFR 1910.106(d)(2)(iii) – Size
"Flammable liquid containers shall be in accordance with Table H-12..."
- Table H-12 limits the allowable size and type of containers used to store Category 1 flammable liquids, such as gasoline. A 55-gallon plastic (polyurethane) tank is not approved for this purpose. Gasoline must be stored in an approved metal drum or other approved container within the allowable size limits specified by the standard.
29 CFR 1910.101(b) – Compressed Gases
"The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders...
shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965..."
- Section 3.3.6 of CGA P-1 recommends that compressed gas cylinders not be stored in the presence of flammable substances such as gasoline, oil, or combustible waste to reduce fire and explosion hazards.
Corrective Actions
Gasoline should be transferred to an approved, properly labeled metal drum or other approved container designed for gasoline storage. During any transfer operation, containers should be properly bonded and grounded to minimize the risk of ignition from static electricity.
Additionally, gasoline should not be stored adjacent to oxygen or nitrogen cylinders. Flammable liquid storage should be separated from compressed gas cylinders by at least 20 feet, or by a noncombustible barrier that is at least 5 feet high and has a minimum 30-minute fire-resistance rating. These recommendations are referenced in NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) and NFPA 55 (Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code) as recognized safe practices.
Have Questions About Flammable Liquid or Compressed Gas Compliance?
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