Characteristics
These chemicals are easily ignited and may present a serious fire and explosion hazard. Flammable liquids have a flash point below 100°F. Combustible liquids have a flash point of 100°F to 200°F. Flammable solids have an ignition temperature below 212°F. Flammable solids include finely divided solid materials which, when dispersed in air, could ignite. Other classes of chemicals with a high fire hazard include oxidizers (section 5.5), pyrophoric chemicals (section 5.8), and water reactive chemicals (section 5.9).
Laboratory Chemicals
Flammable Solids
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naphthalene
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finely divided metal (e.g., aluminum, cadmium, chromium, titanium, zinc)
Flammable Gases
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hydrogen
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methane
Flammable Liquids
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alcohols - methanol, ethanol
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esters - ethyl acetate ethers - diethyl ether
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ketones - acetone, cyclohexane
Combustible Liquids
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acetic acid
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cumene
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phenol
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propionic acid
Non-Laboratory Chemicals
Flammable Solids
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moth balls (containing naphthalene)
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calcium carbide
Flammable Gases
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acetylene
Flammable Liquids
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gasoline
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lighter fluid
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paint thinner
Combustible Liquids
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antifreeze
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diesel fuel
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engine oil
Storage Limits
Quantity Limits outside Flammable Storage Cabinets A maximum of ten (10) gallons of flammable liquids may be stored outside a flammable storage cabinet.
Quantity Limits within Flammable Storage Cabinets Flammable liquids stored in approved cabinets within laboratories or classrooms shall not exceed the manufacturer limit.
Maximum Container Capacity
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The capacity of glass containers shall not exceed one (1) gallon.
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The capacity of all other containers (including safety cans) shall not exceed two (2) gallons.
See the Fact Sheet on the storage of flammable liquids\. If you need additional information, please contact the Campus Fire Marshal at fireprevention@berkeley.edu
Storage Precautions for Flammables and Combustibles
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Keep flammables away from all ignition sources: open flames, hot surfaces, direct sunlight, spark sources.
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Store flammables separate from other hazard classes, especially oxidizers and toxics.
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Separate flammable gases from oxidizing gases with an approved non-combustible partition or by a distance of 20 feet.
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Store flammable liquids in approved safety containers or cabinets.
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In instances where static electricity may accumulate and ignite flammable vapors, ground and bond flammable liquid containers.
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Keep a fire extinguisher (appropriate for the hazard) readily available and make sure anyone who may need to use it is properly trained.
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Keep flammable liquids that require cold storage in laboratory-safe flammable material refrigerators or freezers to avoid ignition of the materials by sparks or static electricity. See the Fact Sheet about storage of flammable materials in freezers and refrigerators.
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Retrofitting nonlaboratory safe refrigerators for use with flammables is prohibited.