Area Classification 1

[controlnovice]

My company acquired a small 'Mom and Pop' facility that uses many small quanitities of flammable liquids and chemicals. One area I'm not sure how to classify.

They have a row of ~10 drums, layed horizontally, about 3 ft high. The larger bung of each drum is placed lowest and has a spring loaded (closed)valve on it. The smaller bung, the highest point on the drum, is plugged losely. Flash points range from 70 - 300F. The day I walked around was an 85F day.

When the operator needs one of the products, he opens the valve, and opens the smaller bung for easier flow. The product drains into a 5 gallon bucket - he approximates how much he needs. Once the valve is closed and the smaller bung plugged, he takes the 5 gallon bucket and pours the liquid into a pail which is on a scale for measurement. If the 5 gallon bucket still has product in it, it is placed back under the valve on the drum and left there (so product is still in the bucket). Also, if he overfills the pail, he will dump the estimated overfill amount in the pail back into the bucket.

This section is in a warehouse, which is classified as Class I, Div 2 from grade to 3 ft high (not sure why - it's all in sealed drums - except this area).

I walked around with a LEL, CO and O2 'sniffer' and didn't pick up a thing. I tested the sniffer before and after to verify it was working. I even lowered the sniffer into each bucket and still didn't pick up a thing. Each bucket did have product in it.

The warehouse has constant fresh air supply and 'floor sweeps' (ducts along the floor that vent the air out with induced fans). Although there are no alarms if any of them fail.

Someone in our EH&S department thinks this should be Class I, Division 1. I feel the quantity is small, and tested with a sniffer, that the classification can stay the same: Class I, Division 2.

Any ideas? Need more info?

 

[jsummerfield]

You may want to review the issue with the insurance company requirements.

John

 

[advidana]

Boy you have a lot of problems- first of all the drums need to be grounded. the open bucket stuff is a big no no, have them used a proper cantainer. Proper venting is required. The lights, motors , controls and outlets and any other things that can cause sparks near that stuff should be hazarous type, conduits with seals are required ect etc.
check with the local fire department for requirements , but don't be surprised if the fire department shuts down the plant until you have corrected the problem and yes I believe it is class 1 div 1. the 3 foot level is for commerical garages and aircraft hangars. get a guide copy of hazarous locations from appleton or crouse hinds it free and read it. I started in electronic controls so I know how puzzing the electrical construction world is.
Good Luck.

 

[davidbeach]

Product dispensing is always a division 1 area, you are deliberately having the product in the open in the course of normal activities.

 

[peebee]

I agree with jsummerfield.

I disagree somewhat with davidbeach -- While NEC 514 is not directly applicable, that is certainly representative of a very common dispensing location where the classified locations typically extend up to only 18" or 36" above floor level.

Depending on the density of the vapors involved, the quantities involved, the amount of ventillation, etc, etc, etc, I would think this could be classified as anything ranging from GP to partially XP to entirely Class I Div 1.

And I'd check with the insurance company to make that determination. Various NFPA & FM documents may be of assistance in this too.