Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

7. An inside storage room meeting all the above specifications and not exceeding 150
square feet in floor area is permitted to contain no more than 2 gallons of flammables per
square foot of floor area. Five gallons per square foot are allowed if in addition, the room
has an automatic sprinkler system.
6.10 Storage requirements for specific hazard classes of chemicals
1. Flammables and Combustibles
a) Maximum Container Sizes: OSHA and NFPA limit the size of the container for classes
of flammable and combustible materials. The more fire resistant a container, the larger it
may be.
b) Safety Cans for Flammables
Portable and approved safety cans should be used when possible for storing flammable
liquids. At the very least, flammable liquids in quantities greater than 1 liter (1.2 quarts)
should be stored in metal containers. Safety cans are available in a variety of sizes and
materials and are designed to prevent explosions in the event of a fire through a spring
loaded spout cover that opens to relieve internal pressure when subjected to a fire. These
cans will not leak if tipped over. Some also have flame arresters in the spout to prevent
flame propagation into the cans.
Flammable liquids purchased in large containers should be repacked into smaller safety
cans for distribution to laboratories.
2. Flammable and Other Compressed Gases
a.) The names of compressed gases must be prominently posted.
b.) Storage of flammable gases in laboratories is not permitted, except when being used.
At no point shall more than twice the experiment's requirements be present in the
laboratory.
c.) Flammable gas cylinders should be stored in a separate area from other compressed
gases.
d.) Cylinders of incompatible gases must be segregated by distance. Cylinders must be
grouped by the type of gas (e.g. toxic, corrosive, etc.).
e.) Empty cylinders should be separated from nonempty cylinders and labeled "empty or
MT."
f.) All compressed gases must be stored away from direct or localized heat (including
radiators. steam pipes, or boilers) in well ventilated and dry areas and away from areas
where heavy items may strike them (e.g. near elevators or service corridors).
g.) All compressed gases, including empty cylinders, must be secured in an upright
position with chains, straps or special stands and must be capped when stored or moved.
h.) A hand truck must be available for transporting gas cylinders to and from storage
areas.
3. Oxidizers
a) Definition
Oxidizers are any solid or liquid that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas or that
readily reacts to oxidize combustible materials. Strong oxidizers can present fire and
explosion hazards on contact with organic compounds or other oxidizable materials.
Some examples are:
· Hydrogen peroxide (> 80%)
· Calcium hypochlorite
· Magnesium perchlorate
· Chromic acid
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