Small quantities of dangerous goods can be found in most workplaces. Whatever they are used for, the storage and use of such goods can pose a serious hazard unless basic safety principles are followed. If you use one particular group of
you to:
o Be aware of the hazards of various types of flammable substance;
o Be aware of the basic standards which apply to safe handling and storage of flammable substances;
o Introduce procedures to prevent accidents and protect people from the hazards of flammable substances;
o Find more detailed information when you need it.
There is an enormous variety of flammable substances to be found in the workplace. They range from the obvious, eg petrol, paint thinners, welding gases
and heating fuels, to the not so obvious, eg packaging materials, dust from
woodworking and dust from foodstuffs such as flour and sugar etc. Three ingredients are needed for a fire: a fuel at the right concentration, a good
supply of air, and a source of ignition. If you control these ingredients, fires can be
prevented.
SPECIFIC MATERIALS
The following sections deal with specific types of flammable substances. The
precautions mentioned need to be considered in addition to the VICES principles
just described.
Flammable liquids
Flammable liquids can give off large volumes of flammable vapours at room temperature. These vapours, when mixed with air, can ignite, often violently. Spilled flammable liquids can, if not contained, flow a Long way to an ignition source, and then flash back to the source of the leak. Spills on clothing can represent a serious risk of injury if ignited. To help control these risks:
o store flammable liquids in a separate storage area, or in a purpose-made bin or cupboard;
o dispense and use them in a safe place where there are good ventilation and no source of ignition;
o Keep containers closed when not in use. If possible, use safety containers which have self-closing lids;
o dispense liquids over a tray and keep some non-flammable absorbent
material handy to mop up spills;
o Dispose of contaminated materials safely or call in disposal experts.
Flammable dust
Finely divided flammable dust dispersed in the workplace atmosphere can, if ignited, explode violently and cause a lot of damage. If you handle flammable dust you need to remember the following:
o keep plant dust-tight;
o keep the working area dust-free by regular cleaning, and vacuuming
spillages as they occur;
o some dust handling plant has especially safety features built in. The purpose of
these need to be properly understood, and they should be maintained in good working order.
Flammable solids
Some types of plastic foam, packaging materials, polyester wadding, and textiles will ignite easily and burn fiercely, giving off a lot of dense black smoke. Remember:
o do not store these materials close to heaters or electrical equipment which could run hot and act as a local ignition source;
o make sure that gangways and exits from storage and working areas are kept clear of packaging materials, finished products containing flammable solids etc. In the event of a fire, gangways and exits could become obscured by smoke, so the easier they are to find, the better.
Flammable gases
Gases in cylinders are often stored at very high pressures, and so their uncontrolled release can be physically dangerous. A small amount of released gas can fill a large area with a potentially explosive mixture. This is particularly true of liquefied gases such as LPG.
The following points need to be considered:
o stored cylinders need to be suitably restrained and their valves protected from impact damage;
o gas cylinders may need special valves, fittings, and hoses. Always check the manufacturers’ or suppliers’ instructions and fit the correct equipment;
o protect hoses from potential causes of damage that could cut, scuff or weaken them. Examine them regularly and replace them if they show signs of damage or wear that could give rise to a leak.
Oxygen
Although oxygen is necessary for life and is an essential ingredient in controlled burning, such as in a gas fire or oxy-fuel gas welding and cutting, its misuse can lead to serious consequences. Materials that ordinarily will burn only slowly will burn very vigorously in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Others such as greases and oils may burst into flames in this kind of atmosphere. As well as the precautions outlined above for flammable gases, the following points should be remembered:
o never use oxygen instead of compressed air;
Flammable
o never use oxygen to sweeten the air in a working area or
confined space;
o never use grease or oil on equipment containing oxygen.
Reactive chemicals
Some products contain chemicals, such as organic peroxides, which can explode if they are not stored and handled correctly. Other substances can react vigorously with incompatible materials or contaminants. For example, oxidizing chemicals can cause flammable materials to ignite, and some substances, such as sodium, react violently with water and can ignite. The following points need to be considered:
o storage and process temperatures may need to be carefully controlled to prevent dangerous decomposition or reaction;
o check labels and safety data sheets for physical properties and incompatibility with other materials.
EMERGENCIES
Whenever you work with flammable substances, there is the potential for something to go wrong. You need to think about possible problems and make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Instructing staff in emergency procedures is an important part of their job training, and should be ongoing. Examples of things to think about are:
o make sure workers know enough to prevent the mixing of incompatible chemicals;
o lay down the procedures to be followed if there is a leak or spill of flammable material and make sure people know and understand them;
o if special first-aid facilities or equipment are required, then staff need to be trained in their use.
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
This leaflet has given you some basic guidance on the safe storage and use of flammable substances. Health and safety inspectors who might visit your premises will be looking to see how you have applied this guidance to help prevent fires. They will give you advice if you ask. You may also have a visit from, or wish to arrange one with, the Fire Prevention Officer from your local Fire Brigade.
They will want to ensure that, in the event of fire starting, everybody can leave the premises quickly, and safely. They may also guide and advise you about fire
extinguishers, fire alarms and other issues relating to fire safety. The information in this leaflet is intended to be an introduction to some of the precautions needed for safe working with flammable substances. It may be all you need, but if not there is considerable further guidance available, as described in the ‘Further reading’ section.
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