Flammable Liquid Hazards

Safety talk

Flammable liquids are found in almost all workplaces. Who hasn’t worked with solvents, cleaning fluids, spray paint, and fuels? However, it’s not the liquids that we need to worry about — it’s their vapors.

Flammable liquids evaporate very quickly and form dangerous vapors that burn at relatively low temperatures. The vapors are heavier than air and lie close to the ground. They are especially dangerous because you can’t see or smell them. That’s why handling, storage, and disposal activities must be done carefully to prevent ignition.

Common sense will tell you never to smoke, cut, or weld near flammable liquids. But, even a tiny spark from static electricity can make the vapor explode. Faulty electrical equipment, a spark from a light switch, high temperatures, or poor ventilation can also set off an explosion.

Learn about them

Before you use any flammable liquid, check the labels on the container. Then, look at the MSDS as it will contain helpful information on handling, storage, disposal, first aid, and emergency procedures. Make sure you use the personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer.

Air it out

The best way to avoid a buildup of vapors in the air is to thoroughly ventilate the work area. Make sure there is enough fresh air to clear the vapors out. The workplace surrounding the work area should be sealed off or ventilated as well. The work area should also have special spark-proof light switches and fixtures.

The same principle of ventilation applies to empty drums that once contained flammable liquids. All it takes is a few leftover drops to form an explosive mixture with the air in the drum. Never do repair work or weld on a drum without steaming it out first.

Handle with care

Special procedures must be used when transferring flammable liquids from one container to another. You want to avoid static electricity during this process, so make sure the drum containing the liquid is grounded. Then, connect the drum to the transfer container with a bonding wire.

Flammables should always be kept in approved safety containers that have vapor-tight caps and flame arresters. Make sure the containers are labeled and in good condition. Always store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area.

Disposal

Read the MSDS to find out how to safely dispose of the flammable liquid. Don’t just pour it into a drain, sewer, garbage can, or on to the ground. If you spill any on yourself, follow proper procedures for decontamination.

Be prepared

If, despite all of your precautions, a spill occurs, you should know what to do in case of a spill, the location of the correct fire extinguisher and how to use it, and who to notify in an emergency. Being informed and acting quickly will go a long way toward protecting yourself and others against harm from flammable liquids.

Flammable Liquid Safety Checklist

• Do you make sure no one smokes in an area where flammable liquids are stored or used?
• Do you have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each flammable liquid at the worksite?
• Do your employees regularly check the MSDS for safety and handling information?
• Do they know what kind of first aid and emergency procedures to follow in case of a spill?
• Do they use the correct protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when handling the liquids?
• Is the work area properly ventilated?
• Do you have spark-proof light switches and fixtures in the area where flammable liquids are used or stored?
• Do you prohibit any welding or repair work on a drum that contains or used to contain flammable liquids?
• When transferring the liquid from one container to another, are you using proper grounding and bonding techniques?
• Are your flammable liquids stored in approved safety containers that have vapor-tight caps and flame arresters?
• Are the containers properly labeled and in good condition?
• Do you follow the MSDS for correct disposal procedures?
• Are your employees prepared for an emergency — a fire, spill, or explosion?
• Do they know how to use the correct fire extinguisher?
• Do they know whom to notify in an emergency?
• Do they know the correct evacuation procedures?
• Have you held a fire drill lately?