17 Aug Flammable Liquids – Safe Handling and Storage

Flammable Liquids – Safe Handling and Storage

Safe handling of flammable liquids is essential because many commonly used products—including gasoline, solvents, paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products—can produce vapors that ignite easily. Improper storage or handling can result in fires, explosions, chemical exposure, serious injuries, and property damage.

Understand the Hazard

In most cases, it is the vapor above a flammable liquid—not the liquid itself—that burns. Flammable liquids can release vapors that mix with air and ignite when they encounter an ignition source.

Many flammable vapors are heavier than air and can travel along floors or collect in pits, trenches, drains, or other low areas. An ignition source some distance away can ignite the vapor and allow the flame to flash back to the liquid.

Potential ignition sources include:

• Open flames.
• Smoking materials.
• Sparks from electrical equipment.
• Welding, cutting, and other hot work.
• Static electricity.
• Hot surfaces.
• Engines and powered equipment.
• Equipment not approved for the hazardous location.

Never assume an area is safe simply because you cannot smell vapors.

Know the Product

Before using a flammable liquid:

• Read the container label.
• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Understand the product’s hazards and required precautions.
• Know what PPE is required.
• Know the appropriate spill and fire-response procedures.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and company procedures.

Never use an unidentified or improperly labeled chemical.

Safe Storage

Flammable liquids must be stored in accordance with applicable requirements and in containers suitable for the material.

• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
• Use approved containers and safety cans where required.
• Store only the amount necessary for the work being performed.
• Keep containers away from heat, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources.
• Do not store flammable liquids where they could obstruct exits, stairways, or normal travel routes.
• Store larger quantities in approved flammable-liquid storage cabinets or designated storage areas when required.
• Protect containers from physical damage.
• Keep incompatible chemicals separated.
• Maintain good housekeeping in storage areas.

Never place flammable liquids in beverage bottles, food containers, or other containers that could be mistaken for something safe to drink or use.

Safe Handling and Use

When dispensing or using flammable liquids:

• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep containers closed except when dispensing or using the product.
• Eliminate ignition sources before beginning work.
• Never smoke or permit smoking in areas where flammable liquids are handled or stored.
• Avoid splashing or unnecessary release of vapors.
• Use appropriate pumps, funnels, or dispensing equipment.
• Never use gasoline or other highly flammable liquids as general-purpose cleaning agents.
• Follow applicable bonding and grounding procedures when transferring liquids where static electricity could create an ignition hazard.

Do not use flammable liquids near welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work unless appropriate precautions have been established.

Ventilation

Flammable vapors can accumulate rapidly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

• Provide adequate ventilation when using flammable liquids.
• Never rely on your sense of smell to determine whether an atmosphere is safe.
• Be particularly cautious in pits, trenches, tanks, basements, confined spaces, and other low or enclosed areas.
• Follow confined-space requirements when applicable.
• Use only electrical equipment appropriate for the location where a flammable atmosphere may exist.

If a potentially hazardous concentration of vapor is suspected, stop work and follow company procedures for evaluating and controlling the atmosphere.

Spill Prevention and Response

Prevent spills whenever possible and address them promptly.

• Keep containers stable and protected from damage.
• Do not overfill containers.
• Use secondary containment when required.
• Keep appropriate spill-control materials readily available.
• Eliminate ignition sources in the affected area.
• Report spills according to company procedures.
• Clean up spills only when trained and authorized to do so.
• Dispose of contaminated absorbents and materials in accordance with applicable procedures.

Do not wash flammable-liquid spills into drains, sewers, soil, or waterways.

Contaminated Rags and Materials

Rags, wipes, absorbents, or other materials contaminated with flammable or combustible liquids can create a fire hazard.

Place contaminated materials in appropriate covered containers and handle and dispose of them according to the product SDS, company procedures, and applicable requirements.

Do not allow solvent- or oil-contaminated materials to accumulate around the work area.

Personal Protective Equipment

Select PPE based on the hazards identified by the SDS and workplace hazard assessment. Depending on the product and task, protection may include:

• Chemical-resistant gloves.
• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
• Face protection.
• Protective clothing.
• Appropriate footwear.
• Respiratory protection when required by the Respiratory Protection Program.

If a flammable liquid contacts your skin, eyes, or clothing, follow the SDS first-aid procedures and company emergency requirements. Remove contaminated clothing when appropriate and do not continue wearing clothing saturated with a flammable liquid.

Fire Emergency

Know the location of alarms, exits, and appropriate fire extinguishers before beginning work with flammable liquids.

If a fire occurs:

• Warn others and activate the emergency response procedure.
• Evacuate when required.
• Call or notify emergency responders according to company procedures.
• Attempt to extinguish only a small, incipient-stage fire if you are trained, authorized, have the correct extinguisher, and have a clear escape route.

Never place yourself in danger attempting to save equipment or property.

Remember

Flammable-liquid vapors can travel, accumulate, and ignite unexpectedly. Keep containers closed, provide adequate ventilation, control ignition sources, clean up spills properly, and follow the SDS and established company procedures.

Treat every flammable liquid as a potential fire hazard before opening the container.