Safe Handling of Flammable Solvents by TheSafetyMaster™

Flammable materials are those which can ignite at easily at low temperatures and burn rapidly. They can be common materials at work sites in any of the three forms, i.e. gas, liquid, or solid. A flammable vapor and liquid mixture of specific concentration can explode violently. Flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid emits sufficient vapor in the air to form an ignitable mixture near the surface of the liquid. Flammable liquids have their flash points lower than the room temperature. Most flammable solvents are dangerous to skin and can be harmful or toxic if inhaled.

These are usually denoted by various signs and symbols at specified areas as shown below:-

Some examples of flammable solvents are gasoline, acetone, alcohol, paints, toluene, paint thinners, adhesives, cleaners, waxes, polishes etc. Flammable liquids have flash points below 100 ⁰F (37.8 ⁰C).

Safe Handling Keypoints :-

·         Wear standard laboratory PPE to avoid skin contact: Closed-toe shoes, clothes that cover the legs fully, safety glasses, safety gloves, and a lab coat. The lab coat should be flame resistant or, at a minimum, 100 percent cotton. Most of the synthetic materials quickly melt as soon as they are ignited.

·         Always keep sources of ignition away when working with flammable liquids. Never heat a flammable solvent with a Bunsen burner or any other open flame. Be aware that there are many ignition sources in a laboratory such as outlets, electrical equipment, light fixtures, and static electricity build-up. 

·         Keep all of the containers having flammable solvents tightly closed when not in use.

·         Use flammable solvents in areas such as chemical fume hood which are well-ventilated to avoid the build-up of an explosive atmosphere.

·         Never pour large amounts of solvents while working on an open bench top, and never let flammable solvents evaporate while placed on an open bench top.

Work procedures and training:

Work procedures must be developed by the employees for the use and storage of flammable materials and ensure workers are trained on these practices and procedures. Because of the potential fire hazard, the employer will also need to have additional alternate procedures in place to deal with fires and spills. Work procedures should address the following points:

·         Storage

·         Dispensing of materials

·         Spill clean up

·         Materials that are not compatible

·         Use and maintenance of engineering controls that are being used in the workplace(such as ventilation)

·         Required personal protective equipment(PPE) for handling flammable products

·         Fire protection and prevention

·         Special circumstances (e.g. confined spaces, hot work) which may require additional training and precautions.

Storage of flammable materials:

·         Portable Storage Containers for flammable liquids

·         Storage Cabinets  

·        Storage Tanks & Rooms 

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