Almost every workplace uses some form of flammable liquids. Cleaning products, solvents, paints, fuels and certain laboratory chemicals are a few examples of dangerous goods that can be found in workplaces. Although these products are not naturally flammable on their own, they can be volatile when they encounter an ignition source. In addition to the danger of fire, flammable materials may themselves present a health hazard through fumes, and contact with skin etc.
So, how do you properly store flammable products?
Use Flammable Storage Cabinets
To achieve the lowest level of risk, flammable liquids must always be stored in a flammable liquids storage cabinet. However, you can’t use any type of storage cabinet, it is important to make sure that it meets the requirements of the Australian Standards.
A compliant flammable cabinet must have a dual-skinned construction, self-closing, close fitting doors, no natural ventilation, but the provision for mechanical ventilation, self-closing, close fitting doors and a spill containment sump in the base of the cabinet, at least 150mm deep.
The insulated construction of flammable storage cabinets stops the flammable liquids within the cabinet from exploding in the event of a fire, which allows workers to escape. The spill containment sump contains any spills that may occur within the cabinet and the ventilation provision allows the cabinet to be ventilated if the concentration of the flammable vapours exceeds the workplace exposure standards.
Store in well-ventilated areas
Many liquids give of a lot off vapours. Most of the time, these vapours are the main cause of harm to people and property. If excessive quantities of dangerous vapours are inhaled, it can cause intoxication, nausea and asphyxiation. In line with this, if flammable vapours come into contact with an ignition source or mixes with incompatible chemicals, it can result in severe fires.
To reduce these risks, it is vital to store your flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area as it will reduce the concentration of flammable vapours in the air and minimise the risk of fire and asphyxiation. A well-ventilated area can be an outdoor area or in an indoor location that is fitted with an intrinsically safe ventilation system.
Use Fuel Cans
Safety fuel cans are constructed to minimise the potential dangers of leaks, spills and ignition of flammable or combustible liquids. These fuel cans are constructed from steel or high-density polyethylene and have additional safety features such as:
- Pressure relief venting to guard against rupture
- Spring-loaded, self-closing lids to control vapors and prevent accidental spills
- Spark arresting screens to prevent flashback ignition of vapors inside the can
Availability of Safety Data Sheets
When flammable liquids are used in the workplace, a copy of the safety data sheets for each substance must be kept close to the area where the flammable liquids are being stored. Safety data sheets are documents that chemical manufacturers develop to accompany the use of their hazardous chemicals. These documents provide vital information about the hazardous chemical such as the chemical’s identity, health and physical hazards, storage and handling requirements, emergency procedures, stability and reactivity, and transport information. The use of SDS signs can help in quickly identifying the location of SDS.
It only takes a few minutes for flammable liquids to ignite and destroy a workplace. To minimise that risk, companies must recognise that flammable liquids and chemicals, and all hazardous substances, pose potentially serious risks to people, operations, the environment and the neighbouring community, and that basic steps must be taken to minimise those risks.
If you have questions about flammable liquids storage at your facility or are interested in dangerous good storage storage solutions, contact Southland Supply Group. We can help assess your needs and recommend a flammable storage solution that’s best fits for the requirements of your business or workplace. For a complete product range, visit our website at https://www.southland.com.au/