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Kerosene or paraffin is a petroleum-derived distillate used to fuel a variety of household items and industrial, commercial and military equipment. The invention of the kerosene lamp in 1846 led to the first large-scale demand for petroleum. But, due to more effective alternatives in the developed world, today it is not used nearly as much as it used to be.
According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA), which researches, collects and disseminates information on energy topics, kerosene-type jet fuel is commonly used in military and commercial aircraft. Kerosene is also used on construction sites for temporary heating or lighting when the main power is out or hasn’t yet been established. Paint and drywall companies often utilize kerosene-powered fans to dry paint and taping mud, while roofing and asphalt companies sometimes use it to remove tar.
In facilities where kerosene is stored, other oil-derived fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and heating oil are often present. Because of this, many districts and jurisdictions across the U.S. require kerosene to be stored in blue safety cans to help differentiate kerosene from other types of fuel. When storing and handling kerosene in your facility, it is important to implement storage methods that are designed to comply with regulatory requirements and keep personnel safe.
Eagle is the industry leader in flammable and combustible liquid safety equipment. To help you find the storage and handling equipment that is right for your facility, here is an overview of the regulations and classifications concerning flammable and combustible 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 Agency (NFPA), flammable and combustible liquids 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) requires that facilities take adequate precautions to prevent the ignition of flammable and combustible liquids. Eagle safety cans and safety cabinets are uniquely designed to satisfy OSHA regulations and NFPA code 30 requirements. By storing combustible and flammable liquids in approved containers, facilities can minimize the risk to personnel and property and achieve regulatory compliance.
Classification of Flammable Liquids
There are three classes of flammable and combustible liquids according to the NFPA. A flammable liquid is defined as any liquid with a flashpoint—the lowest temperature that produces vapors—of below 100°F (38°C) and a vapor pressure no greater than 100°(38°C)F. A combustible liquid is any liquid with a flashpoint that is higher than 100°F (38°C).
Class I technically refers to flammable liquids, while Classes II and III refer to combustible liquids. According to OSHA general industry standard 1910.106(d)(3)(i) and construction industry standard 1926.152(b)(3), no more than 60 gallons of a category I, II or III flammable liquid may be stored in a single safety cabinet, and no more than three safety cabinets can be housed in any facility. Because kerosene has a flashpoint that falls between 100-162°F (38-72°C) , it is considered a Class II or III combustible liquid by the NFPA. Please review Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties of your Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for exact flashpoints of your chosen fuel products.
Kerosene Storage and Handling Solutions
Flammable Liquids Safety Cabinets
Fire safety cabinets from Eagle feature an 18-gauge thick, welded steel construction that will protect flammable and combustible materials from ignition sources. Safety cabinets are available with self-latching doors 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 flammable liquids cabinets are FM-approved and include a limited 10-year warranty, which ensures they meet the highest standards in safety and loss prevention.
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 an environmentally sustainable baked-on powder coat finish for maximum durability and chemical resistance. The spring-closing lid and neoprene gasket on these cans enables them to vent at five psi of internal pressure automatically. Eagle Type I safety cans are the only safety cans on the market that feature a deep-drawn, seamless quality construction.
The flame arresters of the Type I can are designed to offer flashback protection, and the optional funnel makes it easy to pour liquid into smaller openings. For kerosene storage, the blue FM-approved safety can will allow users to quickly identify kerosene 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. This design provides users with a better, safer, and more controlled pour. The blue Type II safety can is ideal for storing kerosene.
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 safe, secure, and protected.
Whether you are looking for a safety can or flammable liquids safety cabinet, Eagle has the equipment you need to store a range of potentially flammable and 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.
This guide for the proper storage and handling of kerosene from Eagle is intended for reference only. It is not a substitute for the user clearly understanding the nature and proper application of flammable and combustible liquids and the laws regulating their use.
Articles on How to Store Different Types of Flammable Liquids:
Further Reading
- Guide to Plastic Drums for Hazardous Materials
- How to Select the Plastic Drum That is Right for Your Facility
- Guide to Material Handling Safety Equipment
- Forklift Safety Equipment to Protect Personnel and Property
- How Bollards Can Help to Protect Against Vehicle Attacks
- The History of the Eagle Oil Can
- How to Safely Clean up Industrial Spills
- Oil Absorbent Pads, Blankets and Hose Wrapsd