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Flammable and Combustible Liquids

This resource provides guidance on quantity limits, approved storage containers and cabinet venting, along with an overview of liquid classifications used to determine proper storage and handling.

Storage Requirements

Not more than ten (10) gallons of combined Class I plus Class II liquids should be outside of an approved flammable storage container. This means that 10 gallons can be out and everything else must be in a flammable storage cabinet or properly functioning safety cans.

A flammable storage cabinet may be minimally vented and only via the provided bung(s). In addition, any venting must be approved by the Purdue University Fire Department. Any flammable cabinet that has been cut into will not be approved and must be removed from service.

ClassFlash Point (FP)Boiling Point (BP)
IAFP < 73° F (22.8° C)BP < 100° F (37.8° C)
IBFP < 73° F (22.8° C)BP ≥ 100° F (37.8° C)
IC73° F (22.8° C) ≤ FP < 100° F (37.8° C)NA
  • Class IA flammable liquids have a flash point less than 73° F (22.8° C) and a boiling point less than 100° F (37.8° C).
  • Class IB flammable liquids have a flash point less than 73° F (22.8° C) and a boiling point greater than or equal to100° F (37.8° C).
  • Class IC flammable liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 73° F (22.8° C) but less than 100° F (37.8° C).

 *NFPA = National Fire Protection Association

ClassFlash Point (FP)
II100° F (37.8° C) ≤ FP < 140° F (60° C)
IIIA140° F (60° C) ≤ FP < 200° F (93° C)
IIIB200° F (93° C) ≤ FP
  • Class II combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 100° F (37.8° C) but less than 140° F (60° C).
  • Class IIIA combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 140° F (60° C) but less than 200° F (93° C).
  • Class IIIB combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 200° F (93° C).

ClassLiquidApproximate 
Flash Point 
(oC)
Approximate 
Normal Boiling Point 
(oC)
IADiethyl Ether-4535
IAn-Pentane-4036
IAPropylene Oxide-20 (Open Cup)35
IBAcetone-1856
IBn-Hexane-769
IBEthyl Acetate-477
IBn-Heptane-498
IBAcetonitrile582
IBMethanol1165
IB2-Propanol1282
IBEthanol1379
IBn-Octane13125
IB1-Propanol2197
ICn-Nonane31151
1C1-Butanol34118
1C2-Butanol3798
IIAcetic Acid39118
IIPropionic Acid52141
IIIAButyric Acid72 (Closed Cup)164
IIIAPhenol79 (Closed Cup)182
IIIBEthylene Glycol111198
IIIBBenzyl Alcohol93204

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Last modified: March 18, 2026

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