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Basics of Flammable Liquids to Keep Your Employees Safe

In any job, safety should be the top concern of leaders and employees. Incidents can happen in any industry. However, in jobs that work with chemicals and flammable materials, the chances of injuries are greater. You and your team can avoid accidents if you follow safety procedures. It is also important to understand flammable liquid safety issues. Following these guidelines can help people work effectively and avoid problems.

Know the Labels

By law, flammable liquids should include safety labels. These identify the type of liquid it is and the hazards it poses. These identifying marks can help you use the liquid safely and properly. The labels also explain the following:

  • Flammable warning: clearly states that the liquid can explode or burn under certain conditions.
  • Name of the liquid: label states the name of the liquid so people can know what it is.
  • Flash point: this is the point when the gasses or vapors from the liquid will ignite.
  • Fire point: the temperature when the liquid will start giving off vapors. 

In your facility, you can add other information and labels to the liquid containers. When doing this, it can be helpful to speak with fire and explosion consultants.

Fire Suppression Requirements

Different types of liquids require different methods of stopping fires and explosions. In your facility, you must carefully identify how to properly suppress the fires that the liquids may cause. Make sure your employees understand these and that the instructions are clear. Train your employees on how to use fire extinguishers or employ other effective tactics. Safety engineering consultants can advise you on how to accomplish this.

Flammable Liquid Safety and Storage

Even when you are not using the liquids, you must safely store them. In certain environments, they can ignite and cause fires or explosions. You may even need to store your liquids for months or years. Ensure that you contain the liquids in durable, sealed containers. Equally as important, you must store them in a temperature-appropriate area. If the storage room is too hot, a fire could ensue. Some liquids can even post safety issues if the storage area is too cold.

After understanding the importance of safely storing flammable liquids, let’s delve into the specifics of storing them in cabinets, considering design compliance, ventilation, ignition source removal, and the significance of proper employee training.

Storing Flammable Liquids in Cabinets

Finding a suitable cabinet for storing flammable liquids is not an easy task. But with the right solutions in place, you can achieve your goal faster.

The design of a cabinet for flammable liquids storage should be compliant with safety and health requirements. Other mandates include:

  • An accurate design that ensures proper flow when you drain or fill the container
  • Good ventilation practices to ensure proper gas dispersal during a leak
  • Removal of ignition sources, welding equipment, and cutting tools
  • Safety measures in the form of vents and self-closing faucets and latches
  • Supervised training to employees on handling and storing flammable liquids

Train, Train, Train

You can never have enough training with your team on how to work with flammable liquids. This may involve fire and explosion consultants or similar professionals. Discuss how to use and store these liquids correctly. Also, demonstrate safe emergency responses in case of exposure. If there are fires or explosions, know how to react.

Safety Matters Most

Never work with flammable liquids until you fully understand correct safety guidelines. To learn more about flammable liquid safety, contact S.A.F.E. Engineering today. Experienced team members are available to ensure your team is ready to work safely with these liquids.

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