Paint Storage - Flammable Liquids Classification

[MechProjectEng]

Hi All,

We are designing a new paint storage facility. The facility will store a variety of paint products including thinners, laquers, resins, hardeners, etc.

One of the first stages according to NFPA30 is to classify the commodity being stored. As we are not exactly sure what painting products will be stored, we wish to select a conservative classification in order to give us flexibility later.

From the research I've done with various paint manufacturers, it seems that all painting products would be covered under a Class 1B Flamable Liquids classification. It seems that Class 1A liquids are extremely volitile and I can't find reference of any painting products falling into this category.

Does anyone have any advice/experience to share?

Thanks,
TS

 

[cdafd]

Suggest hire a fire protection engineer

To help with classification
With storage design
With fire sprinkler design

 

[cdafd]

Any "Mek" ?????

 

[chicopee]

Read the material safety data sheets on the products you are to store. I'll bet the inventory will be Class 1B.

 

[MechProjectEng]

Thanks Chicopee. Yes, I came to the same conculsion. The products all fall within Class 1B.

 

[stookeyfpe]

You need to worry about the method of packaging, the method of storage, and package sizes. You are operating in an arena that requires finite engineering analysis of the hazard.

Good luck.

 

[psafety]

If Flammable vapors are present normally ID1, If Flammable vapors are present abnormally (ie) by accident ID2. Vapors are probably heavier than air (confirm) then ventilation in at top out at bottom (sp gr based). Ribboms on vents confirm air movement.

 

[MechProjectEng]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I think we are almost there in developing a basic design with our AHJ..