Many operations use flammable and combustible liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, solvents, strippers, alcohol, and benzene. These liquids are so common that the biggest risk is taking them for granted. But our Safety Training Tips editor reminds you that even small amounts may cause fires or explosions when their vapors mix with air and are exposed to an ignition source.
Often these vapors are invisible and odorless. They’re heavier than air, so they sink and can build up at ground level. The greater the vapor concentration, the greater the chance of fire or explosion! The fires also tend to spread quickly.
Flammable and combustible liquids are defined by their flash points, which is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off vapors in enough concentration to catch fire in the air.
- A combustible liquid is one with a flash point at or above 100° F.
- A flammable liquid has a flash point below 100° F.
Whatever safety meeting you need, chances are you’ll find it prewritten and ready to use in BLR’s Safety Meetings Library on CD. Try it at no cost or risk. Here’s how.
To prevent fires and explosions, have your workers keep flammable and combustible liquid vapors away from ignition sources, such as:
- Open flames
- Lightning
- Smoking
- Cutting and welding operations
- Hot surfaces
- Frictional heat
- Static, electrical, and mechanical sparks
- Spontaneous ignition, including heat-producing chemical reactions
- Radiant heat
OSHA’s flammable and combustible liquid standard (29 CFR 1910.106) explains what these substances are, how to store and use them safely, and how to prevent contact between these liquids and ignition sources. These substances are also covered by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Workers should always be aware of where these liquids are located. Tell them to look for signs that identify storage buildings, rooms, and cabinets that contain flammables. The background or letters are usually red with words like:
- DANGER
- FLAMMABLE
- COMBUSTIBLE
- "No Smoking"
- "Keep flames and heat away"
Remind your workers to read—and obey—all warning signs. And tell them to always check the hazard and protection information on labels and MSDSs before starting any job with a hazardous substance.
When workers need a flammable or combustible liquid for a job, have them follow these OSHA rules:
- Take only the amount you need for the job.
- Transfer or withdraw the liquids either outdoors or in
- Have fire extinguishers on hand.
- Make sure there’s drainage or some other way to control spills.
- Be prepared to clean up any spills quickly and correctly.
- Use a method that prevents spills or static electricity–either a closed piping system or grounding.
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Remember that clothes, rags, or other combustible items that absorb liquids can give off vapors and ignite. So, tell workers to follow these precautions:
- Keep the work area clean and free of dust, paper, and debris.
- Promptly remove any clothing that absorbs these liquids.
- Place oily rags and debris in closed metal containers and empty them daily.
Why It Matters …
- OSHA estimates that more than 32 million workers are exposed to around 650,000 hazardous chemicals in over 3 million workplaces.
- OSHA regulates exposure to about 400 hazardous materials, the EPA lists information on more than 62,000 materials, and some chemical libraries provide MSDSs for more than 100,000 substances.
- Combustible dust, in particular, has been responsible for several explosions, flash fires, and deaths in recent years.
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