Materials and Special Hazards
40 articles in this category
Changes to FM Global Data Sheet 8-9 - Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities (2010)
In March of 2010, FM Global made several significant changes to this Data Sheet. The changes were made on their part in an effort to further minimize damage from fire, water and smoke based upon...
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
When trying to determine what liquids need to go into your flammable liquids room, you may be tempted to use the flammable liquid labels that are on some of the liquid containers. However, this...
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
You may be trying to determine if you have any flammable or combustible liquids that need any special protection to be stored in your facility. Your first instinct may be to use flammable labels on...
Changes to FM Global Data Sheet 8-9 "Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities" (2008)
The January 2008 revision to this data sheet resulted in significant changes. This data sheet was completely rewritten. Some changes were minor while others resulted in significant modifications to...
Handling Flammable Liquids
Using flammable liquids presents some unique and difficult fire protection challenges. Depending on the specific material, there is the possibility of generating vapors which can easily ignite - or...
Seismic Considerations for Flammable Gas Piping
In our July 2006 article, we described methods for lowering the risk of a fire after an earthquake. One portion of the article discussed ways to protect piping used to transfer flammable liquids and...
Fire Protection in Electric Generating Stations
You have moved the fuel, burned it, generated the steam to drive the generator and sent the power on its way. You might think you are in good shape if you have addressed the fire hazards associated...
Static Electricity Control in Flammable Liquid Dispensing
What is Static Electricity Static electricity is one of the prime ignition sources in flammable liquid dispensing operations. Similar to rubbing things together, liquid flow can cause electrons to...
Aerosols
What are Aerosols? Aerosols are grouped into Levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 aerosols are predominately water-based (a good example is shaving cream) and their fire hazard is about the same as ordinary...
Performance Based Hydraulic Fluid Testing
Many processes involve pressurized combustible oil in hydraulic systems. When such fluids are inadvertently released due to a break or leak in hoses and pipe systems an atomized spray can result...
Electrical Design in Hazardous Areas
If you store, process or generate combustible liquids or dusts, the fire and explosion potential is reason enough to be concerned about the electrical design for the areas involved. The extent of the...
Hydraulic Fluids - Part 2
While they can be found in various occupancies including plastic injection molding, petroleum based hydraulic fluids are often used in metal working facilities. In most metal working operations,...