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NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

2021 NFPA 30 Code - Current Edition
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  • Description

    The 2024 edition of this publication is now available. To purchase, please call 1-800-344-3555 or email your purchase orders to orders@nfpa.org for processing.

    Keep pace with the latest in ignitible liquid practices and requirements with the extensively revised and restructured NFPA 30, 2021 edition.

    There are significant dangers to life and property associated with storing, handling, and using ignitible liquids. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, offers comprehensive requirements for safeguarding against related fire and explosion hazards. Content covers vital safety criteria for indoor and outdoor liquid storage containers and tanks, hazardous material storage lockers, tank vehicles, piping systems, electrical systems, storage areas, wharves, and processing facilities.

    From dispensing, handling, transferring, and the utilization of ignitible liquids to operations, equipment, and fire prevention and risk control, NFPA 30 is a must-have for anyone responsible for flammable and combustible liquids compliance.

    The 2021 edition offers cutting-edge provisions and best practices for improved safety around flammable and combustible liquids.

    Enforceable under OSHA and many state and local regulations, NFPA 30 is the most current and complete publication for general requirements for storage of ignitible liquids in a broad range of occupancies and operations.

    Revisions and additions to the code are dictated by industry experience and advancements in technology and include:

    • Sweeping changes in the classification scheme for liquids, including the introduction of the term ignitible liquid to initiate a transition whereby the terms flammable liquid and combustible liquid are no longer used. This causes the requirements in NFPA 30 and other codes and standards to adopt a scheme based exclusively on the liquid physical state and property (i.e., the liquid flash point), for all liquids that can be ignited. The necessity for this change stems from the existence of multiple regulatory systems that use the terms flammable liquid and combustible liquid inconsistently, leading to confusion in how to apply regulations properly among overlapping regulatory authorities, such as fire officials, occupational safety officials, and transportation officials.
    • The term ignitible liquid is now used to include all liquids with a measurable flash point. The terms flammable liquid and combustible liquid have been retained in a diminished capacity to assist existing code users in the transition. Unless otherwise specified, the term liquid means ignitible liquid.
    • As a result of the change in approach for classifying liquids, Chapter 4 is no longer for defining the liquid classification but instead for establishing the classification scheme based on the introduced flash point and boiling point criteria. Chapter 3 now defines specific liquids.
    • Revisions to Chapters 1, 3, and 4 to make the requirements consistent with each other in terms of the scope of the code, specific terminology, and the evaluation of liquids within the classification scheme
    • Implementation of the new classification scheme outlined in Chapter 4 throughout the code and annexes

    Make sure you have the latest information for better protecting the public from ignitible liquid hazards.

  • Table of Contents (2021 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application.
    1.4 Retroactivity.
    1.5 Equivalency.
    1.6 Symbols, Units, and Formulas.
    1.7 Code Adoption Requirements. (Reserved)
    1.8 Permits. (Reserved)
    1.9 Enforcement.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Classification of Liquids
    4.1 Scope.
    4.2 Classification Scheme.
    4.3 Determination of Boiling Point (BP).
    4.4 Determination of Flash Point (FP).
    Chapter 5 General Requirements (Reserved)
    Chapter 6 Fire and Explosion Prevention and Risk Control
    6.1 Scope.
    6.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 6.
    6.3 Management of Fire and Explosion Hazards.
    6.4 Hazards Analysis.
    6.5 Control of Ignition Sources.
    6.6 Detection and Alarm Systems and Procedures.
    6.7 Fire Protection and Fire Suppression Systems.
    6.8 Emergency Planning and Training.
    6.9 Inspection and Maintenance.
    6.10 Management of Security.
    Chapter 7 Electrical Systems
    7.1 Scope.
    7.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 7. (Reserved)
    7.3 General Requirements.
    7.4 Application of Area Classification.
    Chapter 8 Reserved
    Chapter 9 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Containers — General Requirements
    9.1 Scope.
    9.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 9.
    9.3 General Requirements.
    9.4 Acceptable Containers.
    9.5 Liquid Storage Cabinets.
    9.6 Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQs) per Control Area.
    9.7 Control Areas.
    9.8 Classification of Occupancies That Exceed the Maximum Allowable Quantities of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids per Control Area.
    9.9 Construction Requirements.
    9.10 Fire Protection.
    9.11 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    9.12 Electrical Systems.
    9.13 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    9.14 Ventilation.
    9.15 Exhausted Enclosures. (Reserved)
    9.16 Explosion Control.
    9.17 Separation from Incompatible Materials.
    9.18 Dispensing, Handling, and Use of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Storage Areas.
    9.19 Outdoor Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids.
    Chapter 10 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Containers — Mercantile Occupancies
    10.1 Scope.
    10.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 10. (Reserved)
    10.3 General Requirements.
    10.4 Reserved.
    10.5 Reserved.
    10.6 Reserved.
    10.7 Control Areas.
    10.8 Specific Restrictions.
    10.9 Construction Requirements.
    10.10 Fire Protection.
    10.11 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    10.12 Electrical Systems.
    10.13 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    10.14 Ventilation.
    10.15 Exhausted Enclosures. (Reserved)
    10.16 Explosion Control. (Reserved)
    10.17 Separation from Incompatible Materials.
    10.18 Dispensing, Handling, and Use of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Mercantile Occupancies.
    10.19 Outdoor Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids.
    Chapter 11 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Containers — Industrial Occupancies
    11.1 Scope.
    11.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 11. (Reserved)
    11.3 General Requirements.
    Chapter 12 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Containers — Storage Occupancies
    12.1 Scope.
    12.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 12.
    12.3 General Requirements.
    12.4 Reserved.
    12.5 Reserved.
    12.6 Maximum Allowable Quantities and Maximum Storage Heights.
    12.7 Control Areas.
    12.8 General-Purpose Warehouses.
    12.9 Construction Requirements.
    12.10 Fire Protection.
    12.11 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    12.12 Electrical Systems.
    12.13 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    12.14 Ventilation.
    12.15 Exhausted Enclosures. (Reserved)
    12.16 Explosion Control.
    12.17 Separation from Incompatible Materials.
    12.18 Dispensing, Handling, and Use of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Storage Occupancies.
    12.19 Outdoor Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids.
    Chapter 13 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Containers — Detached, Unprotected Buildings
    13.1 Scope.
    13.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 13. (Reserved)
    13.3 General Requirements.
    13.4 Reserved.
    13.5 Reserved.
    13.6 Maximum Allowable Quantities and Maximum Storage Heights.
    13.7 Control Areas. (Reserved)
    13.8 Reserved.
    13.9 Construction Requirements.
    13.10 Fire Protection.
    13.11 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    13.12 Electrical Systems.
    13.13 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    13.14 Ventilation.
    13.15 Exhausted Enclosure. (Reserved)
    13.16 Explosion Control.
    13.17 Separation from Incompatible Materials.
    13.18 Dispensing, Handling, and Use of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Detached, Unprotected Buildings.
    13.19 Outdoor Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids.
    Chapter 14 Hazardous Materials Storage Lockers
    14.1 Scope.
    14.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 14. (Reserved)
    14.3 General Requirements.
    14.4 Design and Construction of Hazardous Materials Storage Lockers.
    14.5 Designated Sites for Hazardous Materials Storage Lockers.
    14.6 Storage Requirements.
    Chapter 15 Outdoor Storage
    15.1 Scope.
    15.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 15. (Reserved)
    15.3 General Requirements.
    15.4 Outdoor Storage Adjacent to a Building.
    Chapter 16 Automatic Fire Protection for Inside Liquid Storage Areas
    16.1 Scope.
    16.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 16.
    16.3 General Requirements.
    16.4 Automatic Sprinkler and Foam-Water Sprinkler Fire Protection Systems.
    16.5 Fire Protection System Design Criteria.
    16.6 Fire Protection System Design Schemes.
    16.7 Water Supply.
    16.8 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    16.9 Other Automatic Fire Protection Systems.
    Chapter 17 Processing Facilities
    17.1 Scope.
    17.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 17. (Reserved)
    17.3 General Requirements.
    17.4 Location of Process Vessels and Equipment.
    17.5 Accessibility.
    17.6 Construction Requirements.
    17.7 Fire Protection. (Reserved)
    17.8 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    17.9 Electrical Systems.
    17.10 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    17.11 Ventilation.
    17.12 Explosion Control. (Reserved)
    17.13 Process Structures. (Reserved)
    17.14 Process Equipment and Vessels.
    17.15 Management of Operations Hazards.
    Chapter 18 Dispensing, Handling, Transfer, and Use of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids
    18.1 Scope.
    18.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 18. (Reserved)
    18.3 General Requirements.
    18.4 Dispensing, Handling, Transfer, and Use.
    18.5 Incidental Operations.
    18.6 Ventilation for Dispensing Areas.
    Chapter 19 Specific Operations
    19.1 Scope.
    19.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 19.
    19.3 General Requirements. (Reserved)
    19.4 Recirculating Heat Transfer Systems.
    19.5 Vapor Recovery and Vapor Processing Systems.
    19.6 Solvent Distillation Units.
    19.7 Cooking Oil Storage Tank Systems in Commercial Kitchens.
    Chapter 20 Reserved
    Chapter 21 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Tanks — Requirements for All Storage Tanks
    21.1 Scope.
    21.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 21.
    21.3 General Requirements.
    21.4 Design and Construction of Storage Tanks.
    21.5 Testing Requirements for Tanks.
    21.6 Fire Prevention and Control.
    21.7 Operation of Storage Tanks.
    21.8 Inspection and Maintenance of Storage Tanks and Storage Tank Appurtenances.
    21.9 Change of Stored Liquid.
    Chapter 22 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Tanks — Aboveground Storage Tanks
    22.1 Scope.
    22.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 22.
    22.3 General Requirements.
    22.4 Location of Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.5 Installation of Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.6 Vent Piping for Aboveground Tanks.
    22.7 Emergency Relief Venting for Fire Exposure for Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.8 Fire Protection for Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.9 Additional Requirements for Fire-Resistant Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.10 Additional Requirements for Protected Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.11 Control of Spills from Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.12 Equipment, Piping, and Fire Protection Systems in Remote Impoundment Areas and Diked Areas.
    22.13 Tank Openings Other than Vents.
    22.14 Aboveground Storage Tanks Located in Areas Subject to Flooding.
    22.15 Collision Protection for Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.16 Installation Instructions for Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    22.17 Inspection and Maintenance of Aboveground Storage Tanks.
    Chapter 23 Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Tanks — Underground Tanks
    23.1 Scope.
    23.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 23. (Reserved)
    23.3 General Requirements.
    23.4 Location of Underground Storage Tanks.
    23.5 Installation of Underground Storage Tanks.
    23.6 Normal Venting for Underground Storage Tanks.
    23.7 Reserved.
    23.8 Reserved.
    23.9 Reserved.
    23.10 Reserved.
    23.11 Control of Spills from Underground Storage Tanks. (Reserved)
    23.12 Reserved.
    23.13 Tank Openings Other than Vents.
    23.14 Underground Storage Tanks Located in Areas Subject to Flooding.
    23.15 Reserved.
    23.16 Installation Instructions for Underground Storage Tanks.
    23.17 Inspection and Maintenance of Underground Storage Tanks.
    Chapter 24 Storage Tank Buildings
    24.1 Scope.
    24.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 24. (Reserved)
    24.3 General Requirements. (Reserved)
    24.4 Location of Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.5 Construction of Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.6 Fire Protection for Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.7 Emergency Control Systems for Storage Tank Buildings. (Reserved)
    24.8 Electrical Systems for Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.9 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control from Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.10 Ventilation for Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.11 Reserved.
    24.12 Explosion Control. (Reserved)
    24.13 Vents for Tanks Inside Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.14 Tank Openings Other than Vents for Tanks Inside Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.15 Detection and Alarm Systems for Storage Tank Buildings.
    24.16 Inspection and Maintenance for Storage Tank Buildings.
    Chapter 25 Storage Tank Vaults
    25.1 Scope.
    25.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 25. (Reserved)
    25.3 General Requirements.
    25.4 Location of Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.5 Construction and Installation of Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.6 Fire Protection for Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.7 Emergency Controls for Storage Tank Vaults. (Reserved)
    25.8 Electrical Systems for Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.9 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control for Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.10 Ventilation Systems for Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.11 Reserved.
    25.12 Explosion Control. (Reserved)
    25.13 Vents for Tanks Inside Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.14 Tank Openings Other than Vents for Tanks Inside Storage Tank Vaults. (Reserved)
    25.15 Detection and Alarm Systems for Storage Tank Vaults.
    25.16 Inspection and Maintenance of Storage Tank Vaults and Equipment.
    Chapter 26 Reserved.
    Chapter 27 Piping Systems
    27.1 Scope.
    27.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 27.
    27.3 General Requirements.
    27.4 Materials of Construction for Piping Systems.
    27.5 Pipe Joints.
    27.6 Installation of Piping Systems.
    27.7 Testing of Piping Systems.
    27.8 Vent Piping.
    27.9 Bonding and Grounding.
    27.10 Identification and Marking of Piping Systems.
    27.11 Special Requirements for Marine Piping Systems.
    27.12 Removal from Service of Piping Systems.
    Chapter 28 Bulk Loading and Unloading Facilities for Tank Cars and Tank Vehicles
    28.1 Scope.
    28.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 28. (Reserved)
    28.3 General Requirements.
    28.4 Location of Loading and Unloading Facilities.
    28.5 Roofed Structures.
    28.6 Fire Protection. (Reserved)
    28.7 Emergency Control Systems. (Reserved)
    28.8 Electrical Systems.
    28.9 Containment, Drainage, and Spill Control.
    28.10 Equipment.
    28.11 Operating Requirements.
    Chapter 29 Wharves
    29.1 Scope.
    29.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 29. (Reserved)
    29.3 General Requirements.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Emergency Relief Venting for Fire Exposure for Aboveground Tanks
    Annex C Temporarily Out of Service, Closure in Place, or Closure by Removal of Underground Storage Tanks
    Annex D Development of Fire Protection System Design Criteria for Chapter 16 and Suggested Fire Protection for Some Containers of Flammable and Combustible (Ignitible) Liquids Not Covered in Chapter 16
    Annex E Suggested Test Protocol for Developing Fire Protection System Design Criteria for Containers of Flammable and Combustible (Ignitible) Liquids
    Annex F Fugitive Emissions Calculations
    Annex G Management of Security
    Annex H Sample Ordinance Adopting NFPA 30
    Annex I Informational References
  • How the NFPA Handbooks Differ from Codes and Standards

    THE NFPA HANDBOOKS DIFFER FROM CODES AND STANDARDS

    Ever wonder what the difference is between an NFPA® handbook and a code or standard? We’re glad you asked.

    NFPA codes and standards both provide requirements for achieving outcomes. Handbooks take a deeper dive, providing the full text of a code or standard as well as expert commentary and features such as graphics, decision trees, testing procedures, case studies, sample forms and checklists, and other helpful aids to give a better understanding of the reasoning behind the requirements and how to apply them.

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    • A code or standard is a framework—a set of rules to follow with a goal to achieve a certain result
    • A handbook is a connector—linking requirements to application by helping you understand the reasoning behind a code or standard

    The simplest way to think about it is that codes and standards list the technical requirements while handbooks explain those requirements to clarify how to apply them.

  • 2018 Edition Description

    Apply the 2018 edition of NFPA 30 for better protection around flammable and combustible liquids.

    Enforceable under OSHA and many state and local regulations, NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code is the best practice widely used in industry and by insurers. The 2018 edition of the Code includes the latest and most complete criteria you need to protect your facility by ensuring safe storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids.

    Significant revisions give Code users a clearer source of support. The 2018 edition of NFPA 30 presents:

    • Added definitions that reflect terms used in today's field
    • Revisions recognizing nonmetallic intermediate bulk containers that can satisfy the fire exposure test protocols of Paragraph 9.4.1.1
    • New specific references in Subsection 9.4 to UL 2368, Standard for Fire Exposure Testing of Intermediate Bulk Containers for Flammable and Combustible Liquids; FM Class 6020, Approval Standard for Intermediate Bulk Containers; UL 1275, Standard for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets; and FM Class 6050, Approval Standard for Storage Cabinets (Flammable and Combustible Liquids
    • Completely revised requirements for General Purpose Warehouses to only allow specific liquid/container combinations to be stored in such facilities
    • New alternative means to calculate the water demand for the most hydraulically remote in-rack sprinklers in both Scheme "A", "B", and "C" designs
    • A new requirement that nonmetallic cooking oil tanks be listed in accordance with UL 2152, Outline of Investigation for Special Purpose Nonmetallic Containers and Tanks for Specific Combustible or Noncombustible Liquids
    • Numerous other changes that clarify the Code's intent and reduce conflicts or confusion

    Get the criteria you need to design your facilities to comply with sprinkler requirements and use safe operating practices.

    Update to the 2018 edition of NFPA 30 now. (Print, 164 pp., 2018)

     

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  • 2015 and Prior Editions

    2015 Edition

    For safety around flammable and combustible liquids, using the latest NFPA 30 is the first priority.

    Enforceable under OSHA and many state and local regulations, NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code is the best practice widely used in industry and by insurers. The 2015 edition of the Code includes the latest and most complete criteria you need to protect your facility by ensuring safe storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids.

    Changes respond to recommendations from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and proposals from the field:

    • New storage height restrictions in Chapter 10 address unprotected storage in unprotected mercantile occupancies.
    • Numerous amendments to Chapter 16 to correlate with NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler System rules concerning warehouse storage. The 2015 edition of NFPA 30 gives sprinkler system designers a better grasp of requirements and assists Code officials with plans review.
    • Revised Table 17.4.3 in Chapter 17. Increased mandatory separation distances for process vessels based on CSB recommendations.
    • New coverage in Section 18.4 includes first-time requirements for manual pressure-operated drum pumps.
    • New Section 19.7 governs the installation of bulk cooking oil storage and dispensing systems used in restaurants and prepared food manufacturing facilities.
    • Change to Subsection 22.11.4 sets a 50,000 gal. maximum capacity for all secondary containment-type storage tanks for all Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids.
    • Changes to Chapter 27: Piping Systems revise requirements for low-melting materials based on CSB recommendations.

    Get the criteria you need to design your facilities for better protection, comply with sprinkler requirements, and use safe operating practices.

    Update to the 2015 NFPA 30 now. (Softbound, 154 pp., 2015)

     

    Interested in other editions of the NFPA 30? Use the drop down menu above to select the edition year you need.

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