HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Highly Flammable Liquids (HFL) are widely used in construction site processes and operations they are defined as having a flashpoint of less than 32℃ and supporting combustion at 50℃. All containers will be marked either as Highly Flammable or Flashpoint below 32℃.

HAZARDS

• Flammable
• Toxic
• Explosion
• Inhalation
• Manual Handling
• Pollution

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

[Storage]

• Mark "Highly Flammable" indicate flash point.
• Mark No Smoking, Naked Flame, or Possible Ignition.
• Access clear and maintained for handling, delivery, and emergency action.
• Dry powder fire extinguishers must be provided to adequately cover risk.
• Concrete base should be provided with bund.
• A mesh fence provides security and ventilation.
• A roof cover to provide shelter from the effects of the elements in particular the effects of the sun.
• Bund and ramp to contain 110% of contents of largest container stored.
• Separation distance 6 meter from boundary/fixed sources of ignition.
• Any electrical installation must be to zone 2 requirements.

[Petrol]

• Only 3 gallons maximum to be stored on site without a licence

[Decanting]

• In open air or fire resistant building
• Info small, marked containers with effective closure container must be designed for purpose
• Funnels/trays are to be used to control spills
• Spillage are to be mopped up using spill response kit and required PPE
• Absorbents disposed of safely as COSHH detail

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[Use of Highly Flammable Liquids]

• Good ventilation or mechanical extraction with flame proof motor
• No naked flame or ignition sources
• Waste bins provided, with lids. Impregnated rags should not be left in bins - they can self-combust
• Warning notices displayed and barriers placed
• Fire extinguisher provided with trained operatives and fire watchers were required
• Containers with lids, for cleaning brushes shall be provided

[Spraying]

• Identify materials : observe precautions in use and storage
• Use correct equipment and maintain as instructed
• Protective equipment/clothing must be worn after training
• Avoid ignition risks
• Warning notices, barriers in use
• Fire extinguishers provided adequate for risk with trained operatives
• Well ventilated (mechanical ventilation within building or structures)

[Flammable Adhesives]

• Identify type of adhesive and check precautions for safe usage
• Use exhaust ventilation as necessary - spark free motors
• Use respiratory/protective clothing as risk assessment and after training
• No ignition sources; avoid sparks and naked flames
• Electrical installations - isolate fuses if not zone 2 electric's
• Provide warning notices; erect barriers
• Solvent not used to clean hands, surfaces etc adhere to COSHH training
• Empty containers not to be heated or cut adhere to COSHH disposal
• Tanks - precautions taken against risk of explosion
• Entry into tanks; authorizing permit obtained first. Risk Assessment and training of operatives for Confined Spaces

[Fire Emergency Procedures]

• Emergency procedures - provide and display instruction as risk assessment and method statement were requires

[Disposal of containers]

• Empty - collapse container
• Partially empty - dispose of as special waste as recommended by COSHH assessment

QUSTIONS

• How is a highly flammable liquid defined?
• Which is the correct type of fire extinguisher?
• How are containers to be disposed of?

SAFETY REMINDER

Highly flammable liquids must always be regarded as high risk category and as such must only be used after the risks procedures and method for use and control have been assessed and detailed training given to users.