Flammable and Combustible Liquids | Distances for Access and Clearance

Tank Storage

The distance between any two flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall not be less than 3 feet.

The minimum separation between a liquefied petroleum gas container and a flammable or combustible liquid storage tank shall be 20 feet, except in the case of flammable or combustible liquid tanks operating at pressures exceeding 2.5 p.s.i.g. or equipped with emergency venting which will permit pressures to exceed 2.5 p.s.i.g. in which case the provisions of 1910.106(b)(2)(ii)(a)-(b) shall apply. Suitable means shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under adjacent liquefied petroleum gas containers such as by diversion curbs or grading. When flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are within a diked area, the liquefied petroleum gas containers shall be outside the diked area and at least 10 feet away from the centerline of the wall of the diked area. The foregoing provisions shall not apply when liquefied petroleum gas containers of 125 gallons or less capacity are installed adjacent to fuel oil supply tanks of 550 gallons or less capacity.

At least one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 12-B units must be located outside of, but not more than 10 feet from, the door opening into any room used for storage.

At least one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 12-B units must be located not less than 10 feet, nor more than 25 feet, from any Class I or Class II liquid storage area located outside of a storage room but inside a building.

§1910.106(b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(ii)(f), (b)(7)(i)(a), (b)(7)(i)(b)

Industrial Plants

Tank vehicle and tank car loading or unloading facilities shall be separated from aboveground tanks, warehouses, other plant buildings or nearest line of adjoining property which may be built upon by a distance of 25 feet for Class I liquids and 15 feet for Class II and Class III liquids measured from the nearest position of any fill stem.

§1910.106(e)(4)(i)

Bulk Plants

Tank vehicle and tank car loading or unloading facilities shall be separated from aboveground tanks, warehouses, other plant buildings or nearest line of adjoining property that may be built upon by a distance of 25 feet for Class I liquids and 15 feet for Class II and Class III liquids measured from the nearest position of any fill spout. Buildings for pumps or shelters for personnel may be a part of the facility.

§1910.106(f)(3)(i)

Service Stations

The dispensing area shall be located away from other structures so as to provide room for safe ingress and egress of craft to be fueled. Dispensing units shall in all cases be at least 20 feet from any activity involving fixed sources of ignition.

§1910.106(g)(4)(i)(a)

Oxygen — Distance between System and Exposures

Combustible Structures

Fifty feet from any combustible structures.

Fire Resistive Structures

Twenty-five feet from any structures with fire-resistive exterior walls or sprinkler buildings of other construction, but not less than ¹/₂ the height of adjacent side wall of the structure.

Openings

At least 10 feet from any opening in adjacent walls of fire resistive structures. Spacing from such structures shall be adequate to permit maintenance, but shall not be less than 1 foot.

Flammable Liquid Storage Above-Ground

For capacities up to 1,000 gallons, 50 feet. For capacities of 1,001 gallons or more, 90 feet.

Highly Combustible Materials

Fifty feet from solid materials which burn rapidly, such as excelsior or paper.

Slow-Burning Materials

Twenty-five feet from solid materials which burn slowly, such as coal and heavy timber.

Ventilation

Seventy-five feet in one direction and 35 feet in approximately 90° direction from confining walls (not including firewalls less than 20 feet high) to provide adequate ventilation in courtyards and similar confining areas.

Congested Areas

Twenty-five feet from congested areas such as offices, lunchrooms, locker rooms, time clock areas, and similar locations where people may congregate.

Maintenance

Wood and long dry grass shall be cut back within 15 feet of any bulk oxygen storage container.

§1910.104(b)(3), 104(b)(10)