Program Policy Manual - VOLUME V - Mine Safety and Health ...

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
for storing flammable liquids are:
1. Buildings or rooms within buildings in which flammable
and combustible liquids are stored shall be of
noncombustible structure, including walls, floor, and
ceiling; properly ventilated and, where possible,
located away from stairways or exits. If heated, only
electric heaters, hot water, or low-pressure steam shall
be used.
2. Drums and other containers stored in the open shall be
located to reduce the spread of fire to other materials
in storage or other property areas. The surrounding
area shall be kept free of combustible materials, brush,
etc.
"Safety can" shall mean an approved container, of not more than
a 5-gallon capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover
and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure
when subjected to fire exposure.
77.1104 Accumulations of Combustible Materials
This Section, in essence, refers to good housekeeping.
Excessive quantities of coal or coal dust shall not be permitted
to accumulate, particularly where other highly flammable
materials are present.
77.1106 Battery-Charging Stations; Ventilation
Battery-charging stations shall be adequately ventilated to
prevent the accumulation of explosive gases, particularly
hydrogen which can be released during the charging cycle.
77.1108 Firefighting Equipment; Requirements; General
The intent of this general paragraph is to give the operator a
choice in the type of extinguishing agent and, in some respects,
the size or quantity of the unit. Questions can arise on the
definition of the term "adequate supply," particularly for
portable fire extinguishers as, for example, at a motor drive.
Many of these questions can be answered by referring to the
National Fire Protection Codes, particularly Code No. 10.
The entire fire control system shall be considered. For
example, if the operator provides a sprinkler system at a
hazardous location, then smaller hand-held units would be
acceptable at a specific location within the sprinkler-protected
area. Likewise, if a good water hydrant-hose system is offered,
then small units could be acceptable at a specific location. An
isolated plant ordinarily would require a higher degree of
February 2003 (Release V-33) 198