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Motor oil is an important part of the vehicles and equipment we use everyday and one of many petroleum derived by-products used in a variety of industrial and manufacturing facilities. It is technically referred to as a lubricating oil.
According to the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA), which researches, collects and disseminates information on energy topics, lubricating oil is designed to reduce the friction between moving parts of a machine. In any facility where vehicles and heavy equipment are used in the creating, building, manufacturing, and maintaining process, lubricating oil is almost certainly present. Because lubricating oils are so widely used, it is essential to implement storage methods that are designed to comply with regulatory requirements and keep personnel safe.
Eagle is the industry leader in flammable liquid safety equipment. To help you find the motor oil 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 Agency (NFPA), flammable 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 and NFPA code 30 requirements. By storing 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 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°F (38°C) and a vapor pressure no greater than 100 °F (38°C). 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 motor oil has a flashpoint that falls between 250-450°F (121-232°C), it is considered a Class IIIB 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.
Motor Oil Storage and Handling Solutions
Flammable Liquid 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 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 and prevent spills, so no messy clean-up. For motor-oil storage, the green FM-approved safety can will allow users to identify motor oil in industrial and commercial facilities quickly.
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 green Type II safety can is ideal for storing motor and other lubricating oils.
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 liquid safety cabinet, Eagle has the equipment you need to store a range of potentially flammable and combustible materials safely. Please take a look at our extensive line of flammable and combustible liquid storage and handling products and find the solution that is best suited to your needs.
This guide for the proper storage and handling of motor oil 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 Wraps