This website uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.
Furfural is a colorless, oily liquid chemical compound that is used in a variety of industrial operations, including diesel refineries, plastic and rubber manufacturing, and the production of polymers. Furfuryl alcohol is a furfural-derived compound that is a critical element in cast molding and other manufacturing operations due to its corrosion-resistant properties.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which provides access to biomedical and genomic information, furfural is a key component for producing many industrial chemicals or synthetic materials, including adhesives, oils, abrasives, non-metallic minerals, ceramics, colorants, food packaging, fragrances, glass, solvents, cosmetics, and pesticides. Because of its widespread use in manufacturing facilities, it is important to implement storage methods that are designed to comply with regulatory requirements and keep personnel safe.
Furfural can irritate your skin, respiratory system, and mucous membrane. It can be harmful to your liver, kidneys, respiratory system, and nervous system. Furfural can also be toxic to aquatic animals. It is very important to properly handle and store furfural to protect people, different species, and the environment.
Eagle is the industry leader in flammable liquid safety equipment. You can find different storage equipment to safely store furfurals. To help you find the furfural storage and handling equipment that is right for your facility, here is an overview of the regulations and classifications concerning flammable liquids and the equipment designed to offer protection and compliance.
Regulations for Storing and Handling Flammable Liquids
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), flammable liquids and combustibles must be stored and handled in such a way as to minimize the risk of fire. There are a variety of potential ignition sources in industrial and commercial work areas, including open flames, sparks created by tools and metal shavings from welding operations.
OSHA general industry standard 1910.106(a)(29) and construction industry-standard 1926.152(a)(1) require that facilities take adequate precautions to prevent the ignition of flammable or combustible liquids. Eagle safety cans and safety cabinets are uniquely designed to satisfy OSHA and NFPA code 30 requirements. By storing flammable liquids in approved containers, facilities can minimize the risk to personnel and achieve regulatory compliance.
The Classification of Flammable Liquids
There are three classes of flammable liquid according to the NFPA. A flammable liquid is defined as any liquid with a flashpoint—the lowest temperature that produces vapors—of below 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a vapor pressure no greater than 100 degrees. A combustible liquid is any liquid with a flashpoint that is higher than 100 degrees.
Class I technically refers to flammable liquids, while Classes II and III refer to combustible liquids. According to OSHA general industry standard 1926.152(b)(3) and construction industry-standard 1926.152(b)(3), no more than 60 gallons of a flammable liquid may be stored in a single safety cabinet and no more than three safety cabinets can be housed in any facility. Because furfural has a flashpoint that falls between 140 and 200 degrees, it is considered a Class III flammable liquid by the NFPA. Please review Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties of your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for exact flashpoints of your chosen fuel products.
Furfural Storage and Handling Solutions
Flammable Safety Cabinets
Flammable liquid safety cabinets from Eagle feature an 18-gauge thick, welded steel construction that will protect combustible materials from ignition sources. Safety cabinets are available with self-latching doors that are designed to secure contents for maximum storage protection in the event of a fire—cabinets with manual-close doors open to a full 180 degrees and self-latch when pushed closed. Most fire cabinets are FM-approved and include a ten-year warranty.
Because of furfural’s hazard properties it should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, sheltered from direct sunlight, and away from heat and other sources of ignition. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Again, always consult the SDS before use.
Type 1 Safety Cans
Type I safety cans from Eagle feature a single opening for filling and pouring liquids. These cans are constructed of 24-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel with a baked-on powder coat finish for maximum durability. The spring-closing lid and neoprene gasket on these cans enables them to vent at 5 psi of internal pressure automatically. Eagle Type I safety cans are the only safety cans that feature a deep-drawn, seamless construction.
The flame arresters of Type I cans are designed to offer flashback protection and the optional funnel makes it easy to pour liquid into smaller openings. For furfural storage, the stainless-steel FM-approved safety can will allow users to quickly differentiate furfural from other flammable liquids used in industrial and commercial facilities.
Type 2 Safety Cans
Type II safety cans offer all the features of the Type I safety can with the added convenience of an actuated pouring valve for more controlled pouring. Type II safety cans feature two openings—one for filling and the other for dispensing—designed to provide users with a safe and controlled pour. The red Type II safety can is ideal for storing furfural.
Find the Storage and Handling Equipment that is Right for You
Eagle is the industry leader in flammable and combustible liquid storage and handling products. We supply facilities all over the world with the equipment they need to store dangerous materials and meet regulatory compliance safely. Eagle’s line of metal safety cans and flammable liquid safety cabinets offer solutions for a variety of applications. In addition to providing regulatory compliance, Eagle’s safety cans and cabinets are designed to keep your personnel and facilities protected.
Whether you are looking for a safety can or flammable liquids cabinet, Eagle has the equipment you need to store a range of potentially flammable or combustible materials safely. Take a look at our extensive line of flammable and combustible liquids storage and handling products and find the solution that is best suited to your needs.
Furfural Storage Safety Guide
This guide for the proper storage and handling of furfural from Eagle is intended for reference only. It is not a substitute for the user clearly understanding the nature and proper application of the flammable liquids being used and the laws that regulate their use.