Flammable Liquids

INTRODUCTION

Flammable liquids are liquids with a flashpoint of 55ºC or below and hence includes all liquids that are classified as "flammable", "highly flammable" or "extremely flammable" for supply according to the CHIP Regulations 2002. It also includes petroleum spirit and petroleum mixtures. The main hazards involved are fire and explosion, involving either the liquid or the vapour given off from it and an ignition source. Common causes of incidents include :

lack of awareness/training
hot work on or close to flammable liquid containers
exposure to heat from a nearby fire
inadequate control of ignition sources
dismantling or disposing of equipment containing flammable liquids

The amount and spread of vapour release, the characteristics of the flammable liquid, the potential hazards of vapour/air mixtures, the viscosity of the liquid and the physical environment involved are all important considerations.

HSE Flammable substances leaflet

PRECAUTIONS

1. Substitution

Where acceptable on health or environmental grounds, the use of liquids which are either non-flammable or have a higher flashpoint may provide suitable alternatives.

2. Separation

Use of fire-resisting partitions to separate areas where flammable liquids are handled from other parts of the workroom.

3. Dispensing and decanting

Should be in a way which reduces spills and dangerous releases of flammable vapours. Where possible use an enclosed transfer system, or otherwise containers should be designed so as to minimise spillage, release of vapours and the effects of fire. Small safety containers are available incorporating the following :

metal or heavy duty plastic construction
apertures sealed with self-closing spring loaded caps
and fitted with flame arrestors
hoses or other aids when dispensing into small openings
carrying handles for larger capacity containers Additional precautions include decanting etc. away from the area where the liquid is stored (open air or well-ventilated room) and the use of funnels, spill trays etc.

4. Process Areas

Precautions include keeping no more than the minimum amount in workrooms, keeping containers closed when not in use, keeping containers in suitable cabinets or bins in designated areas away from the immediate processing area.

SOURCES OF IGNITION

Sources of ignition should normally be excluded from areas where flammable liquids are handled. Common sources of ignition are :

naked flames (including welding and cutting equipment)
smoking
electrical lighting, circuits and equipment which are not
flameproof or intrinsically safe in construction
processes/vehicles that involve friction or the generation
of sparks
hot surfaces
static electricity

Space heating should not provide a source of ignition and therefore may be by suitably selected radiators. Hot work (welding, cutting) in vessels containing flammable residues should only be done under controlled conditions using a permit to work system. Smoking should be prohibited and appropriate notices displayed.

VENTILATION

All areas where flammable liquids are handled should be adequately ventilated (at least 6 complete air changes per hour) to dilute any released vapours to a safe level i.e. well below its flammable limit and below any relevant occupational exposure limit.

HOUSEKEEPING

Good standards of housekeeping will involve :

dealing with leaks/spills promptly
containment of larger spillages
preventing spills entering drainage systems
preventing workers or their clothing coming into direct contact with spillages;
placing contaminated rags etc. in a suitably designed and regularly emptied, lidded metal bin
disposal of waste liquids should not create pollution

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

All staff should be informed of the hazards and general precautions relating to the flammable liquids in use at the premises. Specific training, based on written procedures, should be provided for those handling flammable liquids, to include (in addition to general safety advice) :

use of protective clothing
specific instructions on individual processes/activities
emergency procedures

GENERAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The advice of the Fire Prevention Officer should always be sought on fire safety matters. Staff should be aware of the established fire precautions and procedures to be followed in an emergency. These should be in writing, disseminated appropriately throughout the workforce and be covered in risk assessments and training courses. The fire fighting equipment will depend on the type of liquid and on the conditions of storage. To deal with fires from small leaks, dry powder, foam or halon fire extinguishers should be provided.

CHECKLIST - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

1	Do you handle/use flammable liquids?	YES/NO
2	Have you carried out a risk assessment on the use of flammable liquids in your premises?	YES/NO
3	Do you have procedures and safe working practices, which include coverage of the following : substitution, where possible/acceptable? separation of areas where flammable liquids are handled? dispensing and decanting? sources of ignition? ventilation? housekeeping? fire precautions and emergency procedures?	YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
4	Do you provide relevant information and training to appropriate staff on flammable liquids?	YES/NO

1. HS (G) 140 - The safe use and handling of flammable liquids

2. Booklet HS (G)51 - The storage of flammable liquids in containers
3. Guidance Note CS2 - The storage of highly flammable liquids

4. Guidance Note EH9 - Spraying of highly flammable liquids

5. HSE Books

6. HSE website

7. Fire and Explosion webpage

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB

Alternatively e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.uk any time