Solvents, lighter fluid, petroleum, pesticides, paint, kerosene, propane, butane, gasoline, diesel, cleaning products are all flammable liquids. These products are used everywhere, especially the various types of fuels and cleaning products that everyone has in the house. When moving or working with any of them, you must follow the safety rules.
If the profession involves working with combustible materials, then you need to know all the issues related to protecting your life and others in case of fire. This article describes all the necessary requirements for flammable liquids.
General safety requirements
Any flammable liquid can pose a serious he alth hazard or fire risk if used improperly. If the concentration of the vapor cloud reaches a certain temperature, the liquid ignites. Matter itself, which is at rest,cannot ignite. Flammable liquids have a high flash point, flammable liquids have a low flash point, so they are more dangerous to humans.
What should I do if I spill something?
If a combustible substance spills, immediately open all windows and ventilate the room. Turn off all electrical equipment, as it is a source of sparks that can lead to an explosion. If something gets on clothes - remove it, on the skin - rinse with water as soon as possible. If a large amount of flammable material is spilled, it is advisable to evacuate all employees and call the fire department.
When a fire spreads, do not try to extinguish it with water, in the case of such liquids, it will only aggravate the situation. A fire extinguisher is best. It should be kept close to the work area.
Material Tips
Always read the label carefully before using any product. To make sure you know how to properly use flammable and combustible liquids.
List of tips:
- Don't talk on the phone, listen to music, or do anything else while working with combustibles.
- Working with flammable liquids requires a well ventilated area. Since the fumes are unsafe, and harmful chemicals can enter the body through the respiratory tract. Many of them are odorless.
- Caution is the first rule. Make sure that the product you are working with does not get on your skin or clothes.
- If there is a leak, tell the manager.
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Whenever you leave a room where a flammable liquid is stored, inspect it before closing the door.
- Never smoke cigarettes in a place where such substances are present. They must be kept away from open flames.
- Remember that there are many hidden sources of ignition, such as in machinery.
- When using metal reels, hoses, piping, make sure they are grounded to avoid static buildup, which can be a source of ignition.
- Make sure all containers, faucets, canisters, pumps and other equipment used for storage are designed to handle flammable liquids.
Try to avoid flammable substances
The best way to reduce the risk of fire is to avoid such products. If possible, you can replace it with another, less flammable substance. Take a look at your current view and see if there are any ways you can work more safely.
Take note of the following tips to help you handle flammable liquids properly.
Firstly, you need to take special courses where the instructor will tell you all the nuanceswork with combustible substances.
Second, when it comes to safety, the he alth of those around you is very important. Observe labor protection requirements and do not risk other people's lives.
What is the flash point and spontaneous combustion?
The flash point of a flammable liquid is the minimum level at which a liquid will release vapors to a surface to ignite. Liquids themselves do not burn. A mixture of fumes and air burns.
Gasoline, with a flash point of -43 °C, is a flammable liquid. Even at low temperatures, it produces enough vapor to form a combustible mixture with air.
Phenol is a flammable liquid. It has a flash point of 79°C (175°F). Therefore, its level must exceed 79 °C before it can ignite in air.
The autoignition temperature of most common liquids ranges from 300°C (572°F) to 550°C (1022°F).
Explosive flammability limits
The lower flammable limit is the proportion of vapors in the air above which a fire cannot occur because there is not enough fuel. Vapors with a higher density than air tend to be more dangerous because they can flow along the floor and accumulate in low places.
The upper flammable limit is the proportion of vapors in the air when there is not enough air to ignite.
Flammable liquids are explosive, and these limits give a range between the lowest and highest vapor concentrations in the air. That is, using the ignition limits, you can determine which substance will burn and which can explode.
For example, the lower explosive limit of gasoline is 1.4% and the upper limit is 7.6%. This means that this liquid can ignite when in air at levels between 1.4% and 7.6%. Vapor concentrations below the explosive level are too low to ignite, more than 7.6% - may cause an explosion.
Flame limits serve as guides to hot spots.
Why are these substances dangerous?
At normal room temperature, flammable liquids can release quite a lot of vapors that form flammable mixtures with air. As a result, they can pose a serious fire hazard. Flammable liquids burn very quickly. They also emit large amounts of thick, black, poisonous smoke.
Flammable liquids at temperatures above their flash level can also cause serious fires.
Spraying flammable and combustible liquids into the air will cause a fire if there is an ignition source. Pairs of substances are usually invisible. They are difficult to detect unless special tools are used.
Flammable and flammable liquids are easily absorbed into wood, fabric and cardboard. Even after removing them from clothesor any other coatings they can be dangerous, give off harmful fumes.
What danger do these liquids pose to the body?
Such substances bring great harm during a fire and explosion. They are hazardous to he alth. Flammable liquids can cause irreparable damage to the human body, depending on the specific material and method of exposure:
- Inhalation of vapours.
- Eye or skin contact.
- Swallowing liquids.
Most flammable liquids, flammable substances are dangerous to humans. Many of them are stored incorrectly and undergo incompatible chemical reactions, which can cause even more harm.
The data on labels and containers must tell you all the hazards for the flammable substances with which the person works.
For example, propanol (also known as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor reminiscent of a mixture of ethanol and acetone. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel long distances. High levels of vapors can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination. The substance may also cause respiratory or eye irritation.
How to properly store substances in production areas, workshops, laboratories and similar workplaces
It must be recognized that for practical purposes where liquids are used, it will most likely be necessary to store them in the workshop. Only a minimum amount of such substances may be placed in the work area.zone, but even they should be used during the day or changed place. Actual storage time figures will depend on work activities, organizational arrangements, fire risks in the workshop and work area. The storage of flammable liquids in large quantities at home is prohibited. All responsibility will lie with the owners.
Containers for flammable liquids must be closed. They must be placed in designated areas that are away from the immediate processing area and do not jeopardize the workshop and work area.
Flammable liquids should be stored separately from other hazardous substances that may increase the risk of fire or compromise the integrity of the container or cabinet (drawer), such as oxidizers and corrosive materials.
What if the amount exceeds the maximum limit?
When recommended storage rates are exceeded, all factors must be evaluated. Please note the following:
- Materials must be stored or handled in the work area;
- should take into account the size of the workshop and the number of people working there;
- The amount of liquid processed in the workshop must not exceed the norms established by the enterprise;
- The workshop should be well ventilated.
There must be an evacuation plan for a workshop where explosives are handled.
