Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Bulk Fuel Handling and Storage

This document outlines the fire extinguisher requirements for the safe handling and storage of bulk fuel, considering potential fire hazards and regulatory compliance. It is based on industry best practices and relevant safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.

General Requirements

Suitable fire control devices, such as small hose or portable fire extinguishers, must be available at locations where flammable liquids are stored to ensure quick response to potential fires [4]

Minimum Rating

Each bulk plant must have at least one approved portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 12-B, C. This rating indicates the extinguisher's capacity to handle both flammable liquid (B) and electrical (C) fires, which are common hazards in fuel handling and storage areas. [1]

Additional Requirements

In addition to the general requirement, a portable fire extinguisher with a rating of not less than 20 BC units shall be located: [2]

Fire Extinguisher Placement

Specific placement guidelines for fire extinguishers include:

• Outside of, but not more than 10 feet from, a door opening to a room used for the storage of more than 60 gallons of flammable liquids.
• Not less than 25 feet, nor more than 75 feet, from an outside storage area.
• On each tank truck or other vehicle used to transport or dispense flammable liquids.
• Within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite, with an extinguisher rated not less than 10B. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
• Within 75 feet of each pump, dispenser, underground fill opening, and lubricating or service area, with at least 1 portable fire extinguisher which has not less than a 20 BC unit rating.
• At storage locations for liquefied petroleum gas (L.P.G.) with at least 1 approved portable fire extinguisher that has a rating of not less than 20 BC.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] Fire Extinguisher Types

The selection of fire extinguisher type depends on the class of fire:

Table 1: Fire Extinguisher Types by Hazard Class

HAZARD	DESCRIPTION	EXTINGUISHER TYPE AND CONTENTS
Class "A" Fire	Combustible Material	Loaded stream, Multipurpose dry chemical, Pressure-operated water, Water pump tanks, Water mist, Halon 1211.
Class "B" Fire	Flammable Liquids, Gas, Or Grease	Carbon dioxide, Dry chemical, Foam, Loaded stream, Multipurpose dry chemical, Halon 1211.
Class "C" Fire	Electrical Equipment	Carbon dioxide with plastic horn only, Dry chemical, Multipurpose dry chemical, Water mist, Halon 1211.
Class "D" Fire	Combustible Metal	Extinguishing agent listed for use on a specific combustible metal hazard.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] Additional Fire Control Measures

In addition to portable fire extinguishers, other fire control measures should be considered:

• Small hose lines can be used for fire control where applicable.
• For industrial installations involving containers of 150,000 gallons aggregate water capacity or more, provisions for an adequate supply of water at the container site for fire protection in the container area must be made, unless other adequate means for fire control are provided. Water hydrants must be readily accessible and so spaced as to provide water protection for all containers. Sufficient lengths of firehose at each hydrant location on a hose cart, or other means provided to facilitate easy movement of the hose in the container area, is required. It is desirable to equip the outlet of each hose line with a combination fog nozzle. A shelter to protect the hose and its conveyor from the weather must be provided.

[6] [7] Maintenance and Inspection

Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10A "Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers," 1970 edition. [2]

Additional Safety Measures

• Ensure adequate lighting is provided if loading and unloading are normally done during other than daylight hours to illuminate storage containers, control valves, and other equipment.
• Provide suitable roadways or means of access for extinguishing equipment such as wheeled extinguishers or fire department apparatus.
• Enclose the area which includes container appurtenances, pumping equipment, loading and unloading facilities, and cylinder-filling facilities with at least a 6-foot-high industrial type fence unless otherwise adequately protected to minimize trespassing or tampering. There must be at least 2 means of emergency access.
• Prohibit smoking except in designated localities and conspicuously post "No smoking" signs where hazard from flammable liquid vapors is normally present.
• Make provision to prevent flammable liquids which may be spilled at loading or unloading points from entering public sewers and drainage systems, or natural waterways. Provide connection to such sewers, drains, or waterways by which flammable liquids might enter with separator boxes or other approved means whereby such entry is precluded. Do not dump crankcase drainings and flammable liquids into sewers, but store them in tanks or tight drums outside of any building until removed from the premises.
• Maintain the storage area free of weeds, debris and other combustible material not necessary to the storage.

[1] [1] [1] [3] [3] [5]

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