It's been a frustrating day. The State Fire Marshal gave us his blessing on our distillery more than a year ago, but somehow the City Fire Marshal over-rides his authority (??) and basically told us 'NO'. After many drafts of discussion on our production and storage, he said that we could continue the conversation if we can show that 40% alcohol by volume is a "combustible liquid" and not a "flammable liquid". I've had to scrap the idea of storing any barrels on-site; off-site will have to do. The definition of a "combustible liquid" according to the International Fire Code (2003) is a "liquid having a closed cup flash point at or above 100F (38C)".
Questions: Does anyone have an MSDS that shows the flash point on 40% abv spirits at 100F or above?
Is there any other source that shows this?
Thanks,
Zac
Zac Triemert
Co-President
The Sòlas Distillery
Omaha, NE