Flammable liquids should not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or that are normally used for the safe passage of people. As volatile substances that can produce enough flammable vapors to ignite at low temperatures, Class 3 flammable liquids are dangerous goods that must be kept in mind when used and stored in the workplace. If personnel do not follow the correct procedures, there are some real risks associated with their handling and storage. This blog details the risks associated with flammable liquids and the essential safety precautions you can take to ensure that your workplace stays safe and complies with regulations.
To minimize the above-mentioned risks related to Class 3 dangerous goods, you must implement control measures to address the many risks they pose. As we discussed earlier in this blog, Class 3 flammable liquids can emit large amounts of flammable vapors. An integral part of safe storage is the ongoing maintenance of your flammable liquid reservoirs. A particularly important cleaning practice that must be established is to ensure that Class 3 dangerous goods are always packaged safely.
Storage containers and drums for flammable liquids must be in good condition and properly labeled. Correct labeling allows workers to identify the risks associated with the substance and keep chemicals away from ignition sources and incompatible substances. Workers must have access to appropriate personal protective equipment if they are handling Class 3 flammable liquids. Take precautions when storing flammable chemicals in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator temperatures may be higher than the flash points of flammable liquids. Compressors and circuits are usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, where vapors from small spills or leaks can accumulate. The electrical sparks in a conventional refrigerator can then ignite the flammable vapors that accumulate inside it. Unless the cold room is ventilated and has a fire sprinkler system, no store flammable liquids there.
Combustible materials such as cardboard, paper towels, sawdust and debris should be kept away from flammable storage areas to prevent them from getting involved and spreading a fire. To further help prevent fires, all flammable liquid containers should be kept closed when not in use. Flammable storage cabinets should never be located next to exit doors. Collect flammable waste in appropriate containers and clearly label it as flammable.
Apply the same handling precautions used for flammable liquids. Please note that flammable waste is taken into account to achieve the maximum permitted limits. Dispose of waste through the DRS when the container is full. Storing spill kits in storage, processing, fluid dispensing and waste handling areas and training employees to use them will help ensure that small spills are handled quickly and efficiently, so that vapors do not accumulate and present problems, and slippery puddles do not pose a safety hazard from the ground.
Here's a brief summary of what to consider under NFPA 30 when storing and using flammable and combustible liquids in your facilities. Because of the dangers posed by the presence of flammable liquids in a facility, it is necessary to carefully consider where and how containers are stored and handled. This comprehensive industry-agreed standard addresses many different facets of storing flammable and combustible liquids, including the storage and handling of liquids in containers such as drums and buckets. Flammable vapor, if not removed by venting, can flow to an ignition source and return quickly to the source of steam.
All storage must be at least 36 meters away from beams, beams, ceilings and ceilings, and must not interfere with the operation of any fire-fighting equipment. Grounding process: When flammable and combustible liquids pass through a pipe or air, static charges build up. The vapors of flammable and combustible liquids can be present at room temperature and form explosive mixtures with air. The International Fire Code and the National Fire Protection Association define flammable and combustible liquids according to their flash point: flammable liquids have a flash point lower than 100°F (38°C) and combustible liquids have a flash point above 100°F (38 °C).
Employers must develop procedures for the use and storage of these materials and train employees on these procedures to ensure safety in the workplace.
