Safety Training Presentation

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and Combustible Liquids. What’s the Big Deal?

Ignite with explosive force Burn readily and give off

twice the heat as an ordinary combustible fire

Common materials people often take for granted or use carelessly

Goals

Hazards and identification of flammable/combustible liquids

Safe storage, handling, and dispensing Quiz

Examples of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable liquids Isopropyl alcohol Propane Solvents such as

acetone, MEK, paint thinner

Fuels such as gasoline, kerosene

Aerosol cans

Combustible liquids Oil Greases and lubricants Oil-based paints

Flashpoint

Lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to be ignited

Low Flashpoint = High flammability Flammable liquids have a flashpoint < 100˚ F Combustible liquids have a flashpoint > 100˚F

Sources of Ignition

Lit cigarettes Welding and

cutting Static electricity Sparks from

machinery or combustion engines

Hot surfaces or machinery Electrical equipment

Health Hazards

Short-term exposure Inhalation Skin contact Eye contact Ingestion

Long-term exposure Organ damage or cancer

Identification or Labels

Warning signs Department of

Transportation (DOT) label

Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) labels

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labels

Read the fine print on the labels

MSDS

Storage and handling precautions

Dispensing Flammability limits Reactivity hazards Fire fighting protective

equipment and instructions Hazardous combustion products

Goals

Hazards and identification of flammable/combustible liquids

Safe storage, handling, and dispensing Quiz

Storage Room Requirements

“No smoking” signs Ventilated room Explosion-proof lighting

and electrical equipment Containers bonded

and grounded Secondary containment

Storage Tips

Store in fire-resistant building, rooms, and cabinets

Storage areas marked with warning signs Keep storage areas free of other

combustible materials Avoid stacking containers Do not store incompatible materials Cool area, out of direct sunlight Maintained distance from

electrical panels or furnaces

Maximum Storage Limits

Maximum limit per fire division 120 gallons in drums 660 gallons in portable tanks

Storage in approved fire cabinets 360 gallons

Larger quantities should be stored in approved inside storage rooms

Safe Handling

Use only approved containers to transfer liquids Keep containers closed when not in use Label containers properly Take only the amount needed for the job

Put rags soaked with flammable liquids in approved closed containers

Do not weld or torch empty containers

Electrical Installations

5 feet in all directions from container must be explosion proof or vapor proof

10 feet horizontally to 18 inches high must be vapor proof

Pipe trench containing flammable liquids must be explosion proof

Beyond these limits, ordinary electrical equipment

Dispensing Flammable Liquids

Static electricity Grounded and bonded Pumps Spark-proof tools Safety glasses or goggles Protective gloves Protective clothing Respirator or mechanical ventilation

PPE

Safety glasses or goggles Protective gloves Protective clothing Respirator or mechanical

ventilation

First Aid

Fresh air if inhaled Flush the eyes Wash skin with soap and water If ingested, consult a doctor

Fire Response

Extinguishing media Hazards such as

toxic fumes, heat, or explosions

Training Protective equipment

or instructions

Fire Suppression Equipment

Extinguishers Manual foam or

water systems Sprinkler systems Inspected regularly

Spill Response

Report the spill Turn off ignition

sources Evacuate the area Help clean up only

if properly trained

Goals

Hazards and identification of flammable/combustible liquids

Safe storage, handling, and dispensing Quiz

Summary

Flammable and combustible liquids ignite with explosive force

Review labels and MSDSs Keep away from ignition sources Follow proper dispensing procedures Use only approved containers that are

properly labeled

Quiz

1. Flammable liquids have a flashpoint > 100˚F. True or False

2. Describe the type of electrical equipment required in a room for storing or dispensing flammable liquids: __________________________________________

3. What steps are taken to prevent static buildup when dispensing? ________________________________

4. Describe a symptom of breathing too many fumes of flammable or combustible liquids:__________________________________________

5. Oxidizers should not be stored with flammable liquids. True or False

Quiz (cont.)

6. Name a potential source of ignition at your company: __________________________________________

7. Describe the DOT label for flammable liquids:__________________________________________

8. What should be done with rags soaked with flammable liquids? __________________________

9. Keep flammable liquids at least two feet away from normal electrical installations. True or False

10. Name a hazard of fighting a flammable or combustible liquids fire: ______________________

Quiz Answers

1. False. Flammable liquids have a flashpoint < 100˚F. Combustible liquids have a flashpoint greater than or equal to 100˚F.

2. Explosion proof.3. Bonding and grounding containers.4. Headache, dizziness, feeling nauseous.5. True.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. Smoking, welding, static, sparks or hot surfaces of machinery, electrical installations.

7. Red with a white flame.8. Put rags in approved, closed containers.9. False, at least five feet away.10. Toxic fumes, heat, explosions.