9.5. Flammables or Combustibles

Flammable and combustible materials must be appropriately stored to prevent accidental fires. This deficiency can be cited in the interior and exterior of the building. This deficiency is commonly found within a unit near mechanical equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, kitchen appliances, and attics or basements. This deficiency should be cited for flammables and combustibles stored on or near ignition sources or improperly stored chemicals.

1. Combustible items such as hairspray, nail polish remover, butane lighter fluid, charcoal lighter fluid, or paint thinner in their original containers cannot be stored within three feet of a heat appliance or fuel-burning water heater, should be recorded as a deficiency.
2. Easily combustible items such as paper, plastic, clothing, etc., within three feet of a heat appliance or fuel-burning water heater, should be recorded as a deficiency.
3. Petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane should never be stored in a unit, even if not near an ignition source.
4. Any gas-powered equipment, including propane tanks, may be stored outside a unit and inside any storage room that is only accessible outside the building.
5. Excluding heating oil in a heating oil tank, petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, or propane) should never be stored in the Unit or Inside areas.
   1. A combustible item in its original container and stored in a safe place (e.g., under a kitchen sink, in a hall closet, etc.) is not a deficiency.
   2. Electrical components should not be evaluated as ignition sources under this standard.

Flammable and Combustible Item V3.0 Updated 6/16/23

!This standard does not include an exception for flammable or combustible materials owned by a resident