NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, is the governing standard for the safe storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids. Paints, thinners, and solvents commonly found in an automobile repair garage fall under this classification. The standard provides comprehensive requirements for container types, storage limits, dispensing practices, and ventilation to mitigate the fire and explosion hazards associated with these materials. The inspector's observation of open paint containers would be a direct violation of the handling and operational requirements detailed within NFPA 30, which are designed to control the release of flammable vapors.

A. NFPA 58: This standard applies to the storage, handling, and use of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LP-Gas), not flammable liquids like paint.

C. NFPA 13: This standard governs the design and installation requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems, not the regulations for handling hazardous materials.

D. NFPA 10: This standard provides requirements for the selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

1. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021 Edition. Section 1.1.1, Scope. "This code shall apply to the storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids, including waste liquids, as herein defined."

2. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021 Edition. Chapter 16, "Specific Occupancies," Section 16.5, "Garages." This section outlines the specific application of the code to service and repair garages.

3. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021 Edition. Chapter 18, "Dispensing, Handling, Transfer, and Use of Liquids." Section 18.4.1 states, "Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored in tanks, containers, or approved storage cabinets." Open containers would violate this fundamental principle.