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Mineral spirits, also known as petroleum spirits or white spirits, is a petroleum byproduct that is often used as a paint thinner or to clean surfaces and parts, as well as a solvent in aerosols, paints, stains, and varnishes. Paint professionals widely use mineral spirits as a substitute for turpentine for thinning paint and cleaning paint brushes because of its low cost.
Mineral spirits are also utilized for cleaning and degreasing machinery, removing sticky glues and residue and cleaning floors, scuff marks and wood furniture. It can also be used as a lubricant for the screw threads reaming. Odorless mineral spirits (OMS) is a more refined version of mineral spirits that is used to remove grease and grime from surfaces and parts because it is less irritating to skin than other solvents.
Even though mineral spirits is a relatively safe liquid, it is still highly flammable and should be stored and handled properly. Using approved flammable liquid containers such as plunger cans or safety cans will help isolate mineral spirits from potential ignition sources. Eagle is the industry leader in workplace safety equipment designed for industrial and commercial operations. To help you find the flammable and combustible liquid safety solutions that are right for you, here is an overview of the approved storage and handling products intended for use with mineral spirits.
Flammable Storage Requirements for Mineral Spirits
If mineral spirits are improperly stored in an open container or near an ignition source, it could potentially cause a fire and injure personnel or damage assets. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), facilities that utilize flammable and combustible liquids like mineral spirits are required to implement safety measures that will reduce the risk of facility fires and injuries.
OSHA general industry standard 1910.106(a)(29) and construction industry standard 1926.152(a)(1) specifically require facilities to secure flammable and combustible liquids in approved storage containers in order to prevent liquids from coming into contact with ignition sources. Eagle offers flammable and combustible liquid safety cabinets and safety cans that are designed to comply with OSHA standards and NFPA code 30 requirements. Utilizing these approved flammable and combustible liquid storage and handling products can significantly reduce the risk of fire, injuries, and property damage and will also help facilities achieve regulatory compliance. Check out Eagle Flammable Safety Cabinets.
Classification of Flammable Liquids
Flammable and combustible liquids are classified according to their relative flashpoints—or the lowest temperature that produces vapors. According to the NFPA, there are three classes of flammable liquids. Class I liquids are considered flammable liquids, while Classes II and III are considered combustible liquids.
A chemical or liquid with a flashpoint that is below 100 °F (38°C) is a flammable liquid. If a liquid has a flashpoint that exceeds 100 °F (38°C), then it is considered to be a combustible liquid. 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 flammable liquid may be stored in a safety cabinet, and no more than three cabinets can be kept in a given facility or building. Because mineral spirits have a flashpoint that is at or above 100 °F (38°C), but below 140 °F (60°C), it is classified as a Class II combustible liquid.
Approved Storage Solutions for Mineral Spirits
Safety Cabinets
Flammable and combustible liquid storage safety cabinets from Eagle are designed to safely store a variety of flammable and combustible liquids in industrial and commercial facilities in accordance with regulatory requirements. These cabinets feature a reinforced double-wall, 18-gauge steel construction that will segregate flammable and combustible liquids from potential ignition sources.
All safety cabinets from Eagle incorporate four adjustable leveling legs, continuous piano hinges, ground connection, triangular warning labels, and internal vents. Flammable and combustible liquid cabinets are also available with self-closing or manual close doors. The self-latching doors are designed to secure contents for maximum storage protection in the event of a fire. The patented adjustable shelves are supported by individual brackets and can hold up to 350 pounds and designed to direct spills to the back and bottom of the leakproof sump—ensuring that no chemicals can escape from containment. Cabinets from Eagle are FM-approved, and most include a 10-year warranty, which ensures they meet the highest standards in safety, performance, and loss prevention.
Type I Safety Cans
Eagle safety cans are known for their high-quality, seamless design. Type I safety cans feature a single opening for dispensing or filling 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 finish is available in a variety of colors in order to help personnel distinguish between liquids. Mineral Spirits is a Class II combustible liquid, so it would be stored in a green safety can.
The spring-closing lid and neoprene gasket on these cans enables them to vent at five psi of internal pressure automatically. Safety cans from Eagle also incorporate a non-sparking flame arrestor that offers flashback protection for the user. These cans are designed to satisfy OSHA and NFPA code 30 requirements and are also UL, ULC, and FM approved for the safe handling and storage of mineral spirits and other flammable and combustible liquids. Eagle Type I safety cans are the only safety cans on the market that feature a deep-drawn, seamless quality construction.
Type II Safety Cans
Type II safety cans feature two openings—one for filling and one for dispensing liquids. The Type II cans also incorporate a flexible metal spout that reduces the potential for ignition and provides great accuracy when pouring. These cans feature the same durable construction as Type I cans and are approved for the safe handling and storage of a variety of flammable and combustible liquids. Type II cans are available in a variety of sizes, including 1-, 2.5- and 5-gallon options.
Steel Plunger Dispensing Can
Because mineral spirits are often used to remove grease and grime from surfaces or parts, steel plunger cans from Eagle are ideal. These cans are designed to safely contain flammable liquids and prevent spills from reaching ignition sources. Plunger cans feature a brass flame arrestor, dasher screen, and brass pump that comply with OSHA standards.
When users push down on the dasher plate, the plunger can dispense a small amount of liquid that will moisten rags or cloths. By dispensing flammable and combustible liquids in a safe and controlled manner, plunger cans will help prevent injuries especially to eyes and skin. It will also prevent spills and produce less waste as there will be less splashing or accidental overuse.
Find the Mineral Spirit Storage Solution that is Right for You
Eagle is the industry leader in flammable and combustible liquid storage, handling and dispensing products. We supply facilities all over the world with the equipment they need to safely handle and store them in accordance with regulatory requirements. 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 need a flammable and combustible liquid safety cabinet to store dangerous liquid, a safety can to facilitate transportation and dispensing or steel plunger dispensing can for more controlled and concentrated dispensing, Eagle has the safety equipment you need. Take a look at our selection of flammable and combustible liquid safety products and find the equipment and safety solutions that are right for you and your facility.
Eagle also offers a wide range of safety solutions that are ideal for use in a variety of industrial and commercial operations, including spill containment and material handling products. Take a look at our selection of workplace safety equipment and find the products that work best for your needs.