Should construction and material used on asphalt tank farms be listed, labeled, approved and certified?
Response: OSHA does not have a specific standard covering construction and manufacture of asphalt tank farms. The OSHA standard which regulates construction of tanks for flammable liquids is 29 CFR 1910.106. If the asphalt in question is less fluid than 300 penetration asphalt when tested in accordance with ASTM Test for Penetration for Bituminous Materials, D-5-65, it would not be considered a liquid and would not be covered under 29 CFR 1910.106. If the asphalt meets the definition of a liquid, then the liquid asphalt would be a Class IIIB combustible liquid (it has a flashpoint over 200ºF) and therefore would not covered under 29 CFR 1910.106. Your letter also refers to NFPA 70, the National Electric Code. This consensus standard does not cover the materials and construction for flammable liquid storage tanks, except for any electrical equipment installed as part of the tank. Further questions regarding NFPA 70 are more properly addressed to the NFPA 70 Technical Committee. Thank yo
