Spontaneous combustion (oxidation and chemical reaction).
As a minimum, you should post "No smoking with 50 feet" signs in critical areas of the facility and
enforce the rule. Other precautions should also be observed/practiced, such as:
Designate all smoking areas at least 100 feet away from refueling operations.
In very hazardous areas, collect smoking materials at the entrance to the facility and keep them in
separate airtight containers at the entrance to the facility.
Welding and grinding should only be done under controlled conditions (i.e., fire department notified,
vapor freeing completed, or when product in a pipeline is moving).
Electrical equipment must be maintained in safe working condition (i.e. approved electrical fixtures), and
grounding and bonding procedures must be utilized to minimize static electricity and arcing.
Ensure dispensing and receiving equipment is bonded and grounded.
Bottom load whenever possible, as top loading generates static electricity and splashing while filling.
Ensure that all personnel involved in gaging activities are trained to always bond themselves before
gaging storage tanks and tank vehicles.
Before gauging and sampling, allow a minimum of thirty minutes time for the static charge to dissipate
from fuel receipts.
Always ensure that all fire extinguishers are in place and are operational.
PART D - INSPECTING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire extinguishers must be inspected at least monthly for serviceability. Any fire extinguisher found
unserviceable or discharged should be taken to the fire station for repair or recharging. The areas on the
extinguisher to be checked are:
In the body, check for dents, cracks, and excessive rust.
In the hose, check for dry rot, cracks, and missing parts.
Ensure that the seal is intact.
Ensure that the pressure gauge is in the "green", fully charged position.
PART E - FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
There are four types of fire extinguishers: water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and Halon.
Water extinguishers (pumped or pressurized) - May be used for Class A fires. This type of extinguisher
is used to control the heat. DO NOT USE for electrical, combustible metal, or flammable liquid fires.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers - May be used on electrical, chemical, or petroleum fires (Class B, C,
and D). This type of extinguisher controls the fire by diluting the air, thus choking the fire.
Dry chemical extinguishers - May be used on Class B, C, and D fires. This type of extinguisher is
used to smother the fire.
chemically to stop the combustion process. The agent is discharged as a liquid, and becomes a gas
when it contacts the fire.
PART F - PRINCIPLES OF EXTINGUISHING FIRES
There are three methods used to control and extinguish a fire:
Control the heat - Cooling or reducing the temperature of the fire below the ignition point will remove
the source of heat and control the fire.
Control the air - By reducing or eliminating oxygen in the air, combustion will no longer be supported.
Air is diluted by reducing the percentage of oxygen to the point where it will no longer support
combustion. If all air is cut off at the surface of combustion, a fire is smothered.
Control the fuel - Removing the combustible material or shutting off the flow of fuel will control the fire.
2-3
QM 5092
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