If you have a business that deals with flammable or combustible liquid materials, it’s important to learn about and take preventative measures for the most common causes of fire explosion.
Viable Options to Prevent a Fire Explosion
According to the top fire and explosion consultants, there are several ways to prevent an accident from occurring.
Material Substitution
Although not always possible, consider using a different type of material if you can. Preferably, choose something that’s not flammable or combustible. At a minimum, look for substitute materials with a lesser degree of risk. Safety consulting engineers explain that the goal is to select materials that are effective and safer to use.
Eliminate Ignition Sources
For a fire to start from a flammable or combustible liquid, it needs an ignition source that comes from a mixture of air and vapour. That can be from smoking, as well as sparks and arcs caused by cutting and welding. Even hot surfaces associated with electric lamps, furnaces, irons, boilers, and ducts can cause a fire explosion.
Other possible ignition sources are sparks from fireboxes, incinerators, crushing or grinding operations, and static electricity. The latter could come from rotating belts or the improper transfer or mixing of flammable and combustible liquids.
According to a trusted safety consultant in Toronto, the solution is to eliminate or keep flammable and combustible liquids away from sparks, open flames, and tobacco smoking. Also, installing a fire/explosion wall or panel in a dangerous area is highly beneficial.
Improve Ventilation
Fire and explosion consultants stress that vapours mixed with air can ignite a fire. This is why proper ventilation is so important. As far as the type and amount of ventilation needed, it depends on several factors. These include the specific job, the materials used, and the layout and size of the work area.
Not only does proper ventilation significantly reduce the risk of a fire explosion, but it also provides workers with a healthier work environment. The cleaner the air, the safer it is for your workers.
Proper Storage
Even storing flammable and combustible liquids improperly can cause a fire to start. For this, fire and explosion consultants emphasize using containers designed specifically for the type of liquid. However, a company also needs to choose a storage solution based on the jurisdiction’s current laws and regulations.
Turn to the Professionals for Assistance
Remember, these are just a few examples of the best preventative measures for a fire explosion. Others focus on handling, venting, and selecting drums or containers. Other strategies entail dispensing liquids and correctly labeling containers. At S.A.F.E. Engineering, Inc., we can perform an assessment of your business to identify any fire risks. To learn more about the value of working with us and our team of safety consulting engineers, contact us today.
