Flammable and combustible liquids Safe use and storage

Objective To explain the safe storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids Based on Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR 1910.106: Flammable and Combustible Liquids SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background A flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture in the air SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Flammable liquids A flammable liquid (Class I liquid) is any liquid that has a flashpoint less than 100º F SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Combustible liquids A combustible liquid (Class II and III liquids) is any liquid that has a flashpoint equal to or greater than 100º F but less than 200º F SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Knowing what’s flammable These materials include, but are not limited to: Gasoline Kerosene Paint Paint thinners Propane Acetylene SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Staying safe The actual liquid is not flammable The danger is in the vapor that is formed as soon as the container is opened Keep flammable liquids properly contained and follow correct procedures when handling them SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Staying safe Most flammable liquids are volatile Evaporate quickly Reach a concentration in the air that could lead to an explosion SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Staying safe Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each liquid you store, move, or use Control three potential fire hazards: Temperature Concentration of vapor Ignition sources SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Storage Handle, store, and dispose of flammable and combustibles properly Keep flammables away from fire and sparks Keep flammables, combustibles, and reactives (oxidizers) away from each other SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Storage Check to see that ALL containers are labeled and in good working order Do not store flammables in stairways or exits Store flammables at least 20 feet away from any building SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Storage Use bonding and grounding wires to prevent dangerous static electricity while transferring chemicals from one container to another Only transfer the amount of flammable liquid you will use immediately SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Use Wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) The MSDS has this information Make sure PPE fits properly Know the locations of the right fire extinguisher for the type of chemical you are using   SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Use Never smoke, cut, or weld around flammable liquids Use flammables only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas Avoid starting equipment where flammable or combustible liquids have been stored SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Use Never refuel engines when they are hot Turn engine off and allow it to cool before refueling Clean all spills immediately, no matter how small SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Emergencies Only handle the emergency yourself if it is small and you are trained Turn off any flames and equipment that can spark Open windows and ventilate the area thoroughly  SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Emergencies Read all MSDS material when handling dangerous substances Know the locations of eye wash stations Know your escape routes and emergency procedures SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review For both flammable and combustible liquids, it’s the vapor that is formed when the container is opened that is dangerous Read the MSDS to learn how to handle and store the liquid, and what PPE to wear   SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review To stay safe, control three things: Temperature Concentration of vapor Ignition sources Never start equipment near stored flammables or refuel a hot engine   SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review Prepare for emergencies Know location of eye wash stations and fire extinguishers Be familiar with escape routes and emergency procedures   SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.