The storage, use and disposal of flammable and combustible liquids falls under the rules and regulations promulgated under OSHA and the National Fire Association.
All users of flammable and combustible material must follow these rules.
A flammable liquid is any liquid, solid or gas that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. Materials that are flammable are of concern due to their ability to render damage to property and more importantly, to injure or cause death of workers.
“Flammable liquids” refer to any liquid having a flash point below 100°F. Such flammables are Class I liquids. These liquids are subdivided onto three classes. The following is an illustrative list of common flammable liquids:
Class IA Flash point below 73°F, boiling point below 100°F
| acetaldehyde | ethyl chloride | petroleum ether |
| collodion | methyl ethyl ether | propylene oxide |
| ethyl ether | pentane |
Class IB Flash point below 73°F. boiling point at or above 100°F
| acetone | ethyl acetate | methyl alcohol |
| benzene | ethyl alcohol | methycyclohexane |
| butyl alcohol | gasoline | toluene |
Class IC Flash point at or above 73°F and below 100°F
| amyl acetate | isopropanol | turpentine |
| amyl alcohol | methyl alcohol | xylene |
| dibutyl ether | styrene |
“Combustible liquids” refers to any liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F. Combustible liquids are subdivided as follows:
Class II Flash point at or above 100°F and below 140°F
| acetic acid | fuel oil no. 44 | mineral spirits |
| camphor oil | methyl lactate | varsol |
| cyohexane | hydrazine | kerosene |
Class III Flash point at or above 140°F and below 200°F
| anline | furfury alcohol | phenol |
| carbolic acid | naphthalenes | pine oil |