Master Brewers Safety Toolbox Talk Flammable Liquids

What is a Flammable Liquid? limits to the number of cabinets stored Smaller containers, 5 gallons or less Most of us, when asked this question, in an area. location should also be conductive if possible. If the container is non-conductive the think of gasoline. But let’s take a closer An often, overlooked area concerning spout and dip tube should be look. If we look at our brewery, where flammables are flavorings used for a conductive to facilitate grounding/ might we have flammable liquids? variety of new products such as cross-bonding and have self-closing lid seltzers, ciders, FMB’s (flavored malt First, lets define what a flammable or spigot and flash arrestor. liquid is. There are two main governing beverages), etc. When the Safety Data agencies that define flammable liquids Sheet is reviewed, flash points on the Grounding and Cross-bonding for us – the Occupational Safety and raw flavorings can be quite low and o Whenever dispensing a flammable Health Administration (OSHA) and the definitely less than 140 F. That is typically due to the flavoring being liquid, the containers should be National Fire Protection Association grounded and cross-bonded. (NFPA). mixed with ethanol. Flammable food products should not be stored with OSHA defines a flammable liquid as flammable non-food products. any liquid having a flash point at or below 199.4oF and further defines 4 Often these materials are received in categories of flammable liquids. The larger quantities such as 55-gallon NFPA defines a flammable liquid as any drums, or intermediate bulk containers liquid having a flash point <100oF. Yes, (IBC’s), 275 gallons or greater. this is confusing, so for the purposes of this toolbox talk, we are going to concentrate on liquids with flash points <140oF, which both agencies agree, can pose a fire hazard in the workplace. The first step is to determine what flammable liquids you have in your brewery. More common flammables may be spray paints or finishes, solvents, oil-based paints, some lubricants, etc. Typically these liquids in smaller containers will be an OSHA flammable liquid and must display the “Flame” pictogram with “DANGER” signal word. When dispensing flammables from These items, when not in use, should drums or totes, certain considerations be stored in an approved flammable should be maintained regarding the storage cabinet such as the type electrical classification of transfer below. equipment, transfer hoses, secondary containers, grounding and cross- bonding.

Over pressure relief vents on these All items, containers, pump, transfer containers can also emit flammable line must be cross-bonded to ensure vapors, so control of ignition sources is continuity and grounded back to a a must. facility ground. This will ensure that Containers static electricity has a pathway to ground, which eliminates the static Whenever possible, you should specify electricity as an ignition source. that the flammable materials are received in conductive or anti-static When filling containers, measures containers. Metal drums or containers, should be taken to prevent liquid from or IBC’s made of metal, or plastic with free-falling. Fires have occurred due to anti-static properties. static from free-falling liquid.

Design your filling process through a OSHA limits the storage of liquids with This will allow containers to be valve in the bottom of the IBC/tank to flash points < 140oF to not more than grounded to a building ground and eliminate free-falling liquid. Or if you 60 gallons per cabinet. There are also cross-bonded to the secondary containers or vessel. must fill from the top, utilize a “dip tube” that reaches within six inches of the bottom of the container being 2). Expose the (2) helical wires located Hose inspection and Safety Check filled. This will ensure that liquid free- between the tube and cover. Be careful When using hose and ducting for fall is limited and most of the filling not to expose too much wire. It may flammable product transfer the operation will occur under the liquid result in a leak path when attaching following are potential causes of failure level. the fitting to the hose. and loss of continuity in the hose Pumps and other electrical equipment 3). Fold reinforcement wires inward, so system. must be rated for flammable service. they are now turning inside the inner 1). Worn or damaged tube and cover. Typically Class I Div 1 or 2. wall of the hose. 4). Insert fittings and use the proper attachment method to secure fitting to Transfer Hoses hose. (Ref. June TBT on attachment Whether purchasing hoses and tubing methods) with fittings already attached or making your own hose assemblies, it is 5). Using a digital ohmmeter touch imperative that the proper methods are each end of fittings to confirm that the used to safely ground your hose hose has continuity throughout the system/length. Copper wire is embedded in dry systems for areas of your facility that material handling hose/ducting. The require a grounded / cross-bonded abrasiveness of the grain wear inner system. liner over time and expose the copper wire. Would require changing duct line. The following illustrations will help. 2). 1). Know how to properly order pre- assembled hose systems. 2). Assemble and test your systems in- house. Note #2 3). Perform safety checks to ensure there is a grounded and bonded loop throughout the fluid transfer system.

“Unless a hose is described specifically and clearly branded to be Conductive or Non- Conductive, it must be assumed The cover and tube can wear or be that the electrical properties are damaged exposing the inner uncontrolled" Note #3 galvanized wire to chemical breakdown. CIP Caustics will breakdown the exposed wire When ordering pre-made hose reinforcement causing loss of assemblies with fittings attached continuity as well as contamination if  Advise the assembler that you exposed to the inner tube of the hose. are transferring a flammable Final Notes: If you have any questions liquid. regarding this Toolbox Talk, please  Provide the SDS describing the Note #5 see your supervisor / manager or post liquid. a question for the MBAA Safety  Give details on pressure and The same procedure applies to grain Committee. temperature of liquid conveyed. transfer ducting hose. Using a duct  Make sure they can provide a hose with a copper static wire is hose that can be grounded to recommended for grounding to FOR MORE INFORMATION ON the fitting. connectors. BREWERY SAFETY, PLEASE VISIT  Make sure they can properly THE MBAA BREWERY SAFETY perform a continuity test once WEBSITE AT: the hose is completely http://www.mbaa.com/brewresources/brewsaet assembled  https://www.alliancehose.com/a ssets/site/docs/stamped- form.pdf Proper assembly procedure for grounding fittings to hose. 1). Cut hose to desired length.