The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines three classes for both liquid types. Here is a breakdown of each classification.

Since these liquids are so dangerous, all workers should wear the proper personal protective equipment. Make sure that all PPE meets minimum fire safety ratings and use non-flammable materials as much as possible. Employees should have the following PPE when handling or transporting flammable and combustible liquids.

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Workplace safety is always a priority, particularly when working with hazardous chemicals and liquids. Two of the most prevalent types of dangerous liquids on job sites are those that are flammable and/or combustible. Although these terms may seem interchangeable, there are distinct differences between them. When it comes to protecting your workers and ensuring a safe and flame-free environment, it's imperative to understand the unique properties of both types of liquids.

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While OSHA's definitions are pretty broad, we can break flammable and combustible liquids down into different categories. Another term to know is the boiling point, which relates to the vapor pressure of a fluid. Essentially, when a liquid is heated to a certain point, it starts to vaporize, like water turning into steam. Only flammable liquids have boiling points, while combustible liquids do not.

This chemical splash barrier is designed for use with stronger acids and caustics. ChemSplash® 2 fabric is lighter and more pliable than many competitive fabrics, providing better comfort and mobility for the wearer.

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This garment offers a broad range of chemical protection along with flame retardancy to extend the life of primary FR garments.

Tourist signs give you information about tourist attractions you are approaching or about the tourist drive you are following.

This article will not only discuss the definitions and classifications of flammable and combustible liquids, but it will also illustrate proper handling techniques and the best personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workers. Here is everything you need to know for proper protection, handling, and storage of these liquids.

OSHA is in charge of regulating flammable and combustible liquids at the federal level, and it outlines rules for the handling, storage, and transportation of these items. While there are far too many regulations to list here, some essential requirements include:

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the rules for both liquids change depending on where they're used. Construction sites have unique definitions compared to all other workplaces. As per OSHA standards, the definitions are as follows:

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The first thing you should know about these liquids is that the danger comes from vapors, not the fluid itself. Both flammable and combustible liquids emit fumes that can catch fire. What matters most is the flashpoint, which is the lowest temperature at which a liquid emits a vapor that can ignite. As a rule, combustible liquids can ignite at higher temperatures than flammable ones.

Another factor to consider is the upper and lower explosive limits of these chemicals. These limits indicate when vapor is most flammable, and they refer to the concentration of fumes in the air. If the concentration is below the lower limit, it's too "lean" to ignite. If the concentration is above the upper limit, the mixture is too "rich" to ignite. However, rich vapor mixtures can cause health problems like headaches, vomiting, and dizziness, so they're still dangerous at high concentrations.

Protecting your workers is easy when you can buy fire-rated PPE from International Enviroguard. We have chemical and flame-retardant PPE to ensure that your employees stay safe and healthy at a job site. Our vast collection of PPE provides varying levels of protection that can be enhanced with accessories such as chemical splash sleeves, disposable shoe covers, bouffant caps / hair nets, and more.

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We've already gone over best practices for storing and handling flammable and combustible liquids, but here are some additional tips on how to protect your workers and keep a safe workplace.

ChemSplash 1 is the first breathable chemical splash barrier for many toxic industrial chemicals, reducing heat stress for wearers.

While following OSHA's requirements is an excellent place to start, you should also implement best practices for storing and handling any flammable or combustible liquids. Here are some top recommendations of how to keep your workplace and employees safe:

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