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Safe Handling of Flammable Liquids

This document discusses safe handling procedures for flammable liquids. It begins by explaining that flammable liquids themselves are not actually flammable, but rather their vapors are, and cautions keeping containers closed to contain vapors. It defines flammable liquids as those with a flash point below 100°F and notes the importance of understanding a liquid's explosive range. Key safety guidelines include properly storing flammables away from heat and ignition sources in designated areas, using protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and carefully disposing of waste. The document stresses preparing for potential emergencies by knowing emergency plans and evacuation procedures.

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7 views1 page

Safe Handling of Flammable Liquids

This document discusses safe handling procedures for flammable liquids. It begins by explaining that flammable liquids themselves are not actually flammable, but rather their vapors are, and cautions keeping containers closed to contain vapors. It defines flammable liquids as those with a flash point below 100°F and notes the importance of understanding a liquid's explosive range. Key safety guidelines include properly storing flammables away from heat and ignition sources in designated areas, using protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and carefully disposing of waste. The document stresses preparing for potential emergencies by knowing emergency plans and evacuation procedures.

Uploaded by

agrocel_bhv5591
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Keeping the Lid on

Flammable Liquids
''Flammable liquid is not quite an accurate
term. It's not the liquid that is flammable,
but the vapor that begins to form as soon
as the container is o p e d . This is
why it is so important to keep
flammable liquids properly
contained and to follow
correct procedures when
handling them.
What Are Flammables?
A flammable liquid is any liquid
whose flash point-the temperature
at which vapors can ignite when there
is a spark, flame, or static electricity
present-is below 100F (37.8"C). At
higher concentrations and higher temperatures
or exulcde
the vamrs of the liauid can ignite
"
without a spark Most flammable liquids are volatile;
that is, they evaporate quickly and reach a concentration in the air that could lead to an explosion. Read the
MSDS for each liquid you use, so you will know its
flash point as well as its upper and lower explosive
limi%between these two numbers, vapors are at the
right concentration to explode if they are ignited. Some
flammable liquids that are highly volatile include
gasoline, acetone and alcohol; these and other liquids
with a flash point of 80F (26.6"C) or less must be
m k e d with a red label. To work safely with flammables, you need to control three potential hazards:
temperature, concentration of vapor and ignition
sources. Follow these guidelines and your company's
policy.

Store Them Right


Store flammables separately from other chemicals,
especially reactives such as oxidizers, in wellventilated, temperature-controlled areas. These areas
should be equipped with nonsparking electrical
system and heat sources. Smoking, of course, is not
allowed in these mas. If you work in a flammable
liquid storage area, make sure flammables are stored
in authorized containers and are correctly and clearly
labeled for flammability All containers must have
grounding wires attached to prevent static electricity
buildup. When you transfer flammable liquids from a

drum to a container, connect the container to


the drum with a bonding wire before
pouring the liquid, since the friction of
ponring can prcduce enough static
electricity to ignite the vapors.
Use only clearly labeled,
fireproof safety containers
with vapor meens and
vaportight caps.
Use Them Safely
If you work with flammables,
wear the right, correctly fitted
personal protective equipment.
Whenever possible, use a h o d or other
ventilation system to keep vapor concentration down. Know what chemicals, such as
oxidizers, increase the fire daneers
of flam"
mables. Avoid mixing flammables; even small
amounts of highly volatile liquids can lower the flash
point of the mix& to dangerous levels. Before you
begin any operation involving flammables, know the
location of the right fire extinguisher to use in a fire
involving those flammables. Only use flammables in
areas that are away from ignition sources; avoid areas
where there is welding, grinding, smoking or faulty
wiring. Keep flammable containers tightly closed, and
store flammable-soaked rags and other waste materials in tightly covered, designated containers only. And
d k p e of used flammables according to company
policy4on't throw them down the drain. You don't
want an explosion in the sewer!
Emergencies-Get Ready Now
Chances are you will never have to deal with a fire or
an explosion c a u s e d by flammables. But it makes sense
to prepare for the possibility now. Know your
company's emergency plan. If a fire breaks out, sound
the alarm and evacuate the
area immediately.
Remember, flammables are safe to use as long as
you avoid acess heat, buildup of vapors and ignition
s o m such as sparks and friction. Read the MSDS to
h o w what conditions your flammable can tolerate
and keep the lid on fire hazards.
01991 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL 12W 005

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