1. Flammable and combustible liquids
Safe use and storage

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.