Flammable liquids: which IBC

The classes

US fire codes sort liquids by flash point, the lowest temperature at which the vapour will ignite. In the NFPA scheme:

Class	Flash point	Examples
Class I (flammable)	Below 100 °F (37.8 °C)	Gasoline, acetone, many alcohols and thinners
Class II (combustible)	100 to below 140 °F	Diesel, kerosene, some mineral spirits
Class IIIA	140 to below 200 °F	Heavier fuel oils, some glycols
Class IIIB	200 °F and above	Lubricating and vegetable oils

The flash point is in section 9 of the product's SDS. Examples are typical; the SDS for your product decides its class.

Why plastic is kept off Class I

A plastic or composite IBC in a fire softens, melts or burns fairly quickly and can release its whole contents, feeding the fire. A metal IBC fitted with a pressure-relief vent can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes (Wikipedia, IBC). So guidance on IBC storage holds that plastic and composite IBCs should never be used for Class I flammable liquids. Metal IBCs are suitable for Class I flammables and Class II and III combustibles, and listed rigid nonmetallic IBCs for Class II and III only (IBCTanks.com on NFPA guidance).

"Listed" matters: those plastic IBCs have been tested and listed for combustible liquid storage. An ordinary caged tote isn't automatically one. Your fire marshal and your insurer decide what is acceptable on your site, how many totes and where.

Static during filling and draining

For transport, the hazmat rules add a filling precaution. When an IBC is used for liquids with a flash point of 60 °C (140 °F) or lower, measures must be taken during loading and unloading to prevent a dangerous electrostatic discharge (49 CFR 173.35(k)). In practice that means bonding and grounding the IBC, the hose and the receiving vessel. A metal IBC is straightforward to ground. Your safety procedure sets the method.

Choosing the steel

For flammable solvents and fuels, a carbon steel IBC is usually enough: the product doesn't corrode bare steel, and it costs less than stainless. For water-based flammables, corrosive products or sanitary use, choose stainless. Both are coded UN31A. Ask for a UL 142 listing if your storage permit needs one. See stainless or carbon steel.

Storage rooms and quantities

Where and how much you may store is set by your fire code and your local fire official, not by the container alone. The limits depend on the class of liquid, the container type, whether the area is sprinklered, and whether it is a dedicated liquid storage room or general warehouse space. A switch from drums to totes can change which limits apply, so tell your fire official or insurer before you make it.

In practice, plants that store combustible liquids in totes keep them in a marked area with secondary containment big enough to hold at least the largest tote, away from ignition sources, with a clear path for a forklift and for fire crews. Flammable liquids in steel IBCs are often kept in a separate room or cabinet area with the vents and grounding the code calls for.

Labels and paperwork

A tote shipped with a regulated flammable or combustible liquid carries hazard labels and markings for its contents, and the shipping paper describes the material by its proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number and packing group. Those come from the shipper, not from the tote maker, and your SDS section 14 gives most of them. Inside the plant, label every tote with its contents so a fire crew can tell at a glance what is stored where.

Short answers

Can I store gasoline in an IBC tote?

Not in a plastic or composite tote. Gasoline is a Class I flammable liquid; a metal IBC is the option, within your fire code.

Can I store diesel in a plastic tote?

Diesel is a Class II combustible liquid. Listed rigid plastic IBCs are suitable for Class II and III liquids; your local fire code decides the rest.

Where do I find my product’s flash point?

Section 9 of its safety data sheet.

Can I store diesel in a plastic tote?

Diesel is a combustible Class II liquid, and listed rigid plastic or composite IBCs may be allowed for it under the fire code. Check the listing and your local fire official.

What is a flash point?

The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to ignite briefly in air. The lower it is, the more easily the liquid catches fire; your SDS states it.

Are alcohol-based sanitizers flammable?

Many are, depending on concentration. Check the flash point on the SDS before choosing a plastic tote for them.