Step 1 - What is the liquid you plan to transfer?
Determine the flashpoint of the liquid:
| Flashpoint/Boiling point | CFC classification | GHS classification | Examples |
| <73°F(23°C)/<100°F(38°C) | Flammable liquid, Class IA | Flammable liquid, Category 1 | Ether, pentane |
| <73°F(23°C)/>100°F(38°C) | Flammable liquid, Class IB | Flammable liquid, Category 2 | Acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, gasoline, methanol, toluene |
| 73°F(23°C) - 100°F(38°C) | Flammable liquid, Class IC | Flammable liquid, Category 3 | 1-pentanol, xylene |
| 100°F(38°C) - 140°F(60°C) | Combustible liquid, Class II | Flammable liquid, Category 3 | Diesel fuel, acetic acid |
| 140°F(60°C) - 200°F(93°C) | Combustible liquid, Class IIIA | Flammable liquid, Category 4 | DMSO, formalin |
| >200°F(93°C) | Combustible liquid, Class IIIB | Not regarded as flammable | Glycerol, ethylene glycol |
If the liquid you plan to transfer is in red boxes (flashpoint lower than 100°F), then proceed to Step 2.
If in orange boxes (flashpoint greater than 100°F) AND you are not heating the material above its flashpoint during the transfer, you may safely transfer combustible liquids without grounding and bonding.
Step 2 - What is the source container size?
|
Size |
Maximum Volume | Example |
| Small |
≤ 1 gallon (4 L) |
4-liter amber bottle |
| Medium |
More than 1 gallon but less than 20 gallons |
5-gallon safety can
5-gallon drum |
| Large | 20 - 55 gallons (75 - 208 L) |
55-gallon drum |
If you plan to transfer flammable liquids from a 1 gallon (4 L) container or anything smaller, you may safely proceed with transfers without grounding and bonding. Ideally, this should be performed in a chemical fume hood and the user must wear appropriate PPE.
When do I need to set up grounding and bonding?
If you plan to transfer flammable liquids from a medium-sized container that is larger than 1 gallon (4 L) and smaller than 20 gallons (75 L), GROUNDING AND BONDING are REQUIRED. This must be performed in a well-ventilated area, such as a chemical fume hood, and the user must wear appropriate PPE. Contact EH&S for assistance with the initial setup.
If you plan to transfer flammable liquids from a large container that is 20 - 55 gallons (75 - 208 L), GROUNDING AND BONDING are REQUIRED. This must be performed outdoors or in a flammable liquids storage room, and the user must wear appropriate PPE. Contact EH&S for assistance with the initial setup.