Storage & Use of Flammables

1. Storage & Use of Flammables

2. Highly Flammable Liquids & LPG Regs 1972 • Flashpoint of less than 32oC • Small quantities of liquid may be kept in ordinary workrooms which are either safe by position or are of a fire-resistant structure • Every tank, cylinder, store room etc used for storage of LPG to be marked “Highly Flammable - LPG”

3. Highly Flammable Liquids & LPG Regs 1972 • All HFLs must be stored in one of the following: • Fixed storage tanks in a safe position • Suitable closed vessels in a safe position in the open air, where necessary being protected against direct sunlight • Suitable closed vessels kept in a store room, either safe by position or of fire-resisting structure • In the case of a workroom where the aggregate quantity does not exceed 50 litres, in suitable closed vessels in a suitably placed cupboard or bin that is a fire-resisting structure

4. Highly Flammable Liquids & LPG Regs 1972 • All LPGs to be stored in one of the following ways: • Suitable underground reservoirs or in suitable fixed storage tanks, in a safe position, either underground or in the open air • In suitable movable storage tanks/vessels kept in a safe position in the open air • In pipelines or pumps forming part of an enclosed system • In suitable cylinders kept in safe positions in the open air or, where not reasonably practicable, in a store room constructed of non-combustible material, with adequate ventilation, in a safe position, of fire-resisting structure and solely used for storage of LPG and/or acetylene cylinders

5. Storage Areas • Separate from manufacturing, accommodation, public access, garages & equipment which may produce a fire hazard • At least 2 access points to allow escape • Doors & gates should be shut when not required to allow passage of goods. Locked when not in use • Segregation of different types of good (e.g. packets, drums, cylinders etc.) in different areas

6. Storage Areas • Stacked goods: • Keep stacks as small as is practical • Keep stacks away from walls and off floor by using pallets • Stacks should not be close to lights, alarm points, fire-fighting equipment or sprinklers • Stack should not block drains • Housekeeping: • Inspect stores regularly • Waste & debris should not be allowed to accumulate for fear of fire • All electrical equipment within the area should be of a standard related to the risk (zoned)

7. Fire Prevention - Eliminate Ignition Sources! • No smoking - the use of the stores for a “quick smoke” is a particular hazard • Heating equipment - no portable heaters • Incoming goods - especially baled materials, should be inspected for incipient fire or smouldering • Any repair or maintenance work carried out in the stores should be supervised. Blow lamps & cutting equipment are a particular hazard

8. Fire Prevention - Eliminate Ignition Sources! • Fire-fighting equipment should be suitable for the risk e.g. fire class, and be properly maintained. All staff should be instructed in its use and other emergency procedures e.g. evacuation, raising alarm and calling fire brigade • Limitation of damage - Should a fire occur, damage will result from the fire itself, from water & from smoke. These causes can be minimised by spacing, to limit spread and allow access between stacks. Keeping water sensitive goods off the floor and keeping drains clear will greatly reduce losses

9. Storage & Handling - General Considerations • Compartmented or separated store; up to 4 hour fire resistance • Not located where it could hinder escape in event of fire • Incorporate means to prevent liquid escapes • Located at ground level • All ignition sources (rubbish, vegetation) should be eliminated • Area should be ventilated to the open air • Store and containers should be marked

10. Storage - Drums & Barrels • Stored outside on an impervious surface (concrete) • No container should be stored within 2m of any door, plain glazed window, or escape route • Small containers in work rooms may be stored, provided that: • The total quantity does not exceed 50 litres • When not being used they are kept in a store of non-combustible construction

11. Storage Precautions Safe storage of small quantities of highly flammable substances in fire-resisting cabinets

12. Storage Precautions Quantities greater than 50 litres should be stored in a properly designated store, either in the open air (on well ventilated, impervious ground, away from ignition sources) or in a suitably constructed storeroom

13. Storage Precautions Storage in the workroom

14. Storage Precautions Safety containers with self-closing lids should be used for dispensing and applying small quantities of flammable liquids

15. Storage Precautions Rags & cloths which have been used to mop up or apply flammable liquids should be disposed of in metal containers with well fitting lids and removed from the workplace at the end of each shift or working day

16. Prevention of Ignition • All stores & workrooms must be ventilated to reduce vapour concentrations. • All naked flames & smoking must be prohibited • Tools, spanners and wrenches used for opening drums must be of non-sparking alloy • Zoned electrical equipment

17. Other Controls • Trained competent staff • High levels of supervision • Fire fighting equipment • Emergency procedures