Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.106

Flammable & Combustible Liquids

Today’s agenda

• Introduction

• Hazards of flammable and combustible liquids

• Flammable and combustible liquid safety

• Emergency response procedures– Fire– Spills

• Conclusion

What are flammable and combustible liquids?

• Flammable liquids: Liquids that have a flash point* below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples are gasoline, acetone, toluene and many other solvents.

• Combustible liquids: Liquids that have a flash point* above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples are: diesel fuel, mineral spirits and charcoal lighter fluid.

* Flash Point is the minimum temperature at which the vapor from the liquid will ignite with exposure to a flame or other ignition source

Flammable vs. combustible liquids

• Flammable liquids can ignite more easily than combustible liquids with a spark or other ignition source. For example: gasoline is a flammable liquid with a flash point of approximately -40 degrees Fahrenheit; diesel fuel is a combustible liquid with a flash point of approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

• When combustible liquids are warmed, they start approaching their flash point and become flammable liquids when the flash point is reached.

What are the hazards?

• Fire - Flammable and combustible liquids can ignite easily. The fires are hot and grow with incredible speed.

• Explosion - The vapor from liquids can collect in closed spaces with poor ventilation and explode. Often, the vapor is heavier than air so it can collect in basements, pits or low points.

• Environmental Damage - The liquids can often cause damage to the environment from spills or improper use or disposal.

• Health - Many liquids can cause either temporary damage or permanent health damage to various parts of the body.

What are the ignition sources?

Ignition sources for flammable and combustible liquids include:

• Smoking materials and open flames

• Welding, cutting and other hot processes

• Arcing and sparking electric equipment and controls

• Static electricity

• Lightning

Storage safety

• Always store combustible and flammable materials in the designated container

• Keep all containers closed when not in use

• Always keep the labels legible

• Excellent housekeeping is required in storage areas

• Do not store other chemicals with these materials unless approved by your supervisor

Transfer and use safety

• All ignition sources must be at least 25 feet away

• Use required PPE

• Turn on and use all ventilation equipment

• Bond and ground containers (if required by procedure)

• Use approved pumps or spring loaded, self closing valves for transfer

• Always stay in attendance during the transfer

Transfer and use safety

•Clean up spills immediately

•Dispose of liquid wet wipes and other refuse in closed metal waste containers (empty the containers daily)

•Never mix these material with unknown chemicals

•Keep the liquids separated from oxygen and other oxidizers by a fire barrier or 25 feet

Bonding and grounding

Sample grounding clamp

Emergency response procedures

Fire

1. Alert others in immediate risk

2. Activate the facility fire alarm

3. Take safe, defensive actions to control the fire

(examples of defensive actions: close valves, close

doors, activate fire extinguishing systems, etc.)

4. Use a fire extinguisher if it is safe and if you are

trained and authorized to do so

5. Evacuate

Emergency response procedures

Spills

1. Alert others in immediate risk

2. Follow plan to eliminate ignition sources

3. Notify management representatives

4. Take safe, defensive actions to control the spill (examples

of defensive actions: close valves, close doors, position

absorbents ahead of the spilled material, etc.)

5. Take other actions according to training and our

emergency response plan

Conclusion

Flammable and combustible liquids can present hazards to you, your co-workers and our facility. You must follow all the safety rules at all times when working with combustible and flammable materials.

For more information

For more information regarding flammable and combustible liquid safety or other safety issues please contact:

Gregory & Appel InsuranceMike Salazar, Vice President Direct: 317-686-6407Email: msalazar@gregoryappel.com