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NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

Current Edition: 2012, Next Edition: 2015

NFPA 30 is the standard used worldwide for flammable combustible liquids. It is typically adopted by reference within the codes.

For example, many states that have adopted the International Fire Code will need NFPA 30, since Chapter 34 of the International Fire Code references NFPA 30 in a variety of topics including

Materials of design and construction of tanks and portable tanks

Design and fabrication of piping systems and components

Protection options for wholesale and retail sales, as well as liquid storage
warehouses

Chapter 34 of the International Fire Code references NFPA 30 thirty two times. In addition to sections of NFPA 30 that are adopted by references in codes, NFPA 30 can also be used as alternative methods to specific code requirements. For example there are specific sprinkler design densities and protection systems in Chapter 34 of the International Fire Code. Applicable protection design in NFPA 30 can be used as an alternative to the requirements in the International Fire Code.

New testing using specific heads such as low pressure ESFR's have been included in NFPA 30, allowing additional options of protection in storage warehouses or big box retail stores.

Keeping abreast of alternative designs found in standards such as NFPA 30 is part of what Klausbruckner & Associates does to provide the best service and options possible for our clients.

Our licensed experts will solve your fire and building code compliance issues fast and cost effectively! Call us at 1-619.677.2004.

Our services include

NFPA 30: Guidance on Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standards

NFPA 30B: Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products

Separation Distances Between Tank Shells and Building Structures,
Property Lines, and Other Hazardous Materials

Exhaust Ventilation, LFL/LEL (Lower Flammable Limit/Lower Explosive
Limit) Calculations of Flammable Liquids Use and Applications

Code Solutions to Flammable Liquid Warehousing

Inside and Outside Container Storage Areas

Inside Storage Room, as well as Use Conditions and Requirements in
Laboratory Occupancy

Classification and Requirements of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Flammable Liquids Warehousing

International Fire Code Interpretations and Alternative Means and Methods

California Fire Code & Building Code Interpretation

Project Facilitation with Authorities Having Jurisdiction & Design Teams

Feasibility of Building Construction and Fire Protection Systems for
Change of Occupancy or Use

Performance Based Design & Code Compliance

Retail and Wholesale Flammable and Combustible Liquids Storage Analysis

Warehousing and High-Piled Combustible Storage

Manufacturing, Distillery Operations, and Specialty Use Facilities

Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Biomed Facilities

Alternative Fuel, Bio Diesel Facilities

Aerospace, Research and Government Facilities

Definition of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable Liquids - Those liquids having a flash point below 100 °F are classified as Class I liquids and are subdivided as follows:

Class IA: Liquids with flash points below 73 °F and boiling points below 100 °F
Examples: Acetaldehyde and Pentane

Class IB: Liquids with flash points below 73 °F and boiling points above 100 °F
Examples: Acetone, Ethanol, Gasoline, Methanol, Butylamine, and Isopropanol

Class IC: Liquids with flash points at or above 73 °F, but below 100 °F
Examples: Amyl Acetate, Butanol, Chlorobenzene, Turpentine, and Xylene

Combustible Liquids - Those liquids having a flash point at or above 100 °F are classified as either Class II or Class III liquids and are subdivided as follows:

Class II: Liquids with flash points at or above 100 °F and below 140 °F
Examples: Diesel, Formaldehyde, and Hydrazine

Class IIIA: Liquids with flash points at or above 140 °F and below 200 °F
Examples: Kerosene and Oil Based Paints

Class IIIB: Liquids with flash points above 200 °F
Examples: Biodiesel, Motor Oil, Mineral Oil, Ethylene Glycol, and Glycerine

Unstable Liquids - Those liquids that will vigorously polymerize, decompose, undergo condensation reaction, or become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature. Examples of unstable liquids are Nitroglycerin, Styrene, Isoamyl Nitrite, and Cyclohexane.

DOT classifications are different in that the combustible liquids flashpoint range is only between 140 °F to 200 °F, while fire code flammable combustible definition is any liquid with flash points greater than 100 °F. Therefore liquids with flashpoints exceeding 200 °F are not considered combustible under DOT regulations, but they are under fire code.

Additionally, chemicals having a flashpoint between 100 °F and 140 °F are considered Flammable Liquids under DOT regulations, but when based on the fire code definitions they are Class II liquids.

Fire & Building Code Information Pages

High-Piled Combustible Storage

Group A Plastics and High-Hazard Commodity Storage

NFPA 13 - Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Commodity Classification Ordinary Combustibles

Commodity Classification Hazardous Materials

Fire & Building Code Information Pages

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