Hot Work & Fire Prevention
Flammable Liquids
Categories & Safe Storage
Categories & Safe Storage
OSHA 1926.152 · NFPA 30 · NYC FC §3404 · Approved Safety Containers Required
Flammable liquids are on every NYC construction site — gasoline for generators, diesel for equipment, solvents and adhesives for finishing trades. One mishandled container, one open flame nearby, and the result is catastrophic. Understanding how flammable liquids are classified and stored is not optional knowledge on this site.
NFPA 30 / OSHA Categories — Know the Difference
- Class IA (Flashpoint below 73°F, boiling point below 100°F): Gasoline — most dangerous. Vapors travel across the floor to an ignition source
- Class IB (Flashpoint below 73°F, boiling point ≥ 100°F): Acetone, MEK, toluene — common construction solvents
- Class IC (Flashpoint 73–100°F): Mineral spirits, some paints — less volatile but still dangerous at elevated temperatures
- Class II (Flashpoint 100–140°F): Diesel fuel, kerosene — lower vapor pressure but still combustible
Storage Rules — NYC Sites
- All flammable liquids must be stored in approved, labeled safety containers (FM or UL listed)
- Approved storage cabinet required for quantities exceeding 25 gallons on a single floor
- No more than one day's supply on any floor — excess must be stored in a designated flammable storage area outside the building
- Never store flammable liquids near ignition sources: generators, cutting equipment, heaters, or electrical panels
- Flammable storage area must have a "FLAMMABLE — NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME" sign
NYC FC §3404 — Fire Code Requirements
- FDNY requires a permit for storage of flammable liquids exceeding certain thresholds on construction sites
- Spill containment required around outdoor flammable storage — no liquid may reach storm drains
- CSFSM must document all flammable liquid storage locations in their daily report (PL-002)
Discussion Questions
- Gasoline vapors are heavier than air — what does this mean for ignition risk on a construction site?
- You have 40 gallons of mineral spirits needed for a floor job. How must they be stored on site?
- Where is the flammable storage area on this site, and what signage is required there?
- A coworker pours gasoline from a 5-gallon container into an unmarked plastic jug for "easier pouring." What are the problems with this?
Sign-Off
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