Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook Available to PEI Members

By Bob Benedetti, C.S.P., P.E.,

The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is a compilation of the full text of two codes: NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; and NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages. Also included is commentary text that helps the reader understand the intent and application of the provisions of the two codes.

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, provides basic requirements for storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids, and is the core of NFPA’s flammable and combustible liquids project. There are 12 other documents that address more specific issues, one being NFPA 30A, which is the code most often associated with its parent, NFPA 30. It originated as a chapter in NFPA 30. NFPA 30A provides guidance on fire safe installation of the fuel dispensing system from storage of the fuel, through the dispensing system, up to the final point of delivery. It also addresses repair garages and “lube-only” facilities. It defers to NFPA 30 for requirements for fuel storage tanks, including their design and certain installation parameters, and for design and installation of piping systems and maximum capacities of storage containers for flammable and combustible liquids.

The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook was first published in 1981, with the objective of assisting users of NFPA 30 who did not have an in-depth understanding of its provisions. That remains its purpose today with the seventh (2008) edition. These users include insurance company inspectors, public enforcing officials and engineers who do not deal with flammable liquids operations on a daily basis and who need additional assistance in applying the code, provisions that are written in a format that can be daunting to some. Remember, the format assumes the code will be adopted as law in some jurisdictions.

The Handbook’s approach follows specific numbered code paragraphs with commentary that offers insight about the intent of the code, what incident(s) might have triggered its development and other helpful information. Commentary is printed in a contrasting color, so it is not mistaken for the code text. The commentary puts the requirements into context and helps the user apply the proper requirements to a given situation. The commentary may include diagrams, photos and tables that are not appropriate for the code itself. The Handbook also includes supplementary chapters that cover storage tanks in buildings, basic properties of flammable and combustible liquids, hazardous location electrical equipment, safe handling of liquids, static electricity and bonding and grounding, and spray application of liquids. It also includes a cross reference table between the 2003 and 2008 editions of NFPA 30.

The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook is available from NFPA’s Customer Service Department at 800-344-3555 or online at www.nfpacatalog.org (Catalog number: LH-30HB08). Cost is $112.00; $100.80 for NFPA members.

For more information about the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook, contact the NFPA’s Principal Flammable Liquids Engineer Bob Benedetti, C.S.P., P.E., at bbenedetti@nfpa.org.

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The PEI Journal • First Quarter 2009 • Volume 3, No. 1 • Contents are Copyright © Data Key Communications, Inc.
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