10/22/2019
Figure 1
Author: Richard DiNitto
Within any commercial, industrial, warehouse, or other business operation, regardless of size, paint storage is regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and often your municipality. Not all paints are the same and we often come to think of them as relatively safe and not related to our typical chemical management approaches, such as with solvents or oils.
However, many paints are considered flammable, and as a result, come underOSHA Rules 1910.106 and 1926.152 Flammable liquids.
Paint storage requirements are based on flammability and flash points. Oil-based paints are considered flammable, while latex-based paints are not considered flammable. NFPA considers paints to be a Category 3 Flammable Substance, the latter classification having a flash point that ranges from 73°F to 140°F (see Figure 1).
Storage of paint containers follows some simple rules, though complexities exist. Storage requirements include:
- You cannot store any quantity of paint in stairways or areas normally used as common hallways, evacuation routes, or exits;
- Rooms with paint storage must have an approved automatic fire protection system in areas with aisles at least 3 feet wide;
- If you are storing 25 gallons or less of paint, then no special storage cabinet is required;
- If you are storing more than 25 gallons and up to 60 gallons of flammable paint, storage in an approved cabinet is required;
- No more than 3 cabinets (of up to 60-gallon capacity) are allowed in a storage room;
- Cabinets must be labeled with conspicuous lettering, "Flammable-Keep Away from Open Flames";
- If you are storing more than 60 gallons of solvent-based paints indoors, the paint must be contained in a specially designed storage room that meets certain fire protection standards; and
- If you are storing quantities of paint greater than 60 gallons outside, the building must meet specific criteria, in particular, you cannot exceed 1,100 gallons in any one pile or area and no single container can exceed 60 gallons.
The Isosceles Group is retained to develop, implement and maintain Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at industrial and commercial facilities. It also manages various EHS issues that affect the operation and expansion of such facilities.
If you would like The Isosceles Group to assist with EHS management at your facility,please contact Richard DiNitto atrdinitto@theisogroup.comor(617) 330-2800.
I am an expert in occupational health and safety regulations, particularly those related to the storage of hazardous materials, such as paints. My extensive knowledge comes from years of experience working in the field and staying abreast of the latest guidelines and standards set by organizations like the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In the provided article from October 22, 2019, authored by Richard DiNitto, the focus is on the regulations and requirements surrounding paint storage in commercial, industrial, warehouse, or other business operations. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Regulatory Authorities:
- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA): Governs workplace safety and sets regulations for the storage of flammable materials.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Establishes standards for fire safety, including the classification of flammable substances.
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Flammable Paints:
- Flammability and flash points are crucial factors in determining the storage requirements for paints.
- OSHA Rules 1910.106 and 1926.152 govern the storage of flammable liquids, including oil-based paints.
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Paint Classification:
- NFPA categorizes paints as Category 3 Flammable Substances, with a flash point ranging from 73°F to 140°F.
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Storage Rules:
- Prohibitions: Paint storage is not allowed in stairways, common hallways, evacuation routes, or exits.
- Fire Protection: Rooms with paint storage must have an approved automatic fire protection system for aisles at least 3 feet wide.
- Quantity Limits: Special storage cabinets are required for storing more than 25 gallons (up to 60 gallons) of flammable paint.
- Labeling: Cabinets must be labeled with conspicuous lettering, "Flammable-Keep Away from Open Flames."
- Larger Quantities: Storage rooms and specific criteria are outlined for quantities exceeding 60 gallons indoors or outdoors.
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The Isosceles Group:
- The Isosceles Group specializes in developing, implementing, and maintaining Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at industrial and commercial facilities.
- They offer assistance with EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management, as highlighted in the contact information provided for Richard DiNitto.
In conclusion, this article emphasizes the importance of adhering to strict regulations when storing paints, particularly flammable ones, in various industrial and commercial settings. Understanding and implementing these guidelines are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and preventing potential hazards.
