Introduction Small quantities of dangerous goods can be found in most workplaces. Whatever they are used for, the storage and use of such goods poses a serious hazard unless basic safety principles are followed. Then you must · be aware of the hazards of various types of flammable substance; · be aware of the basic standards, which apply to safe handling and storage of flammable substances; · introduce procedures to prevent accidents and protect people from the hazards of flammable substances; · find more detailed information when you need it. There is an enormous variety of flammable substances to be found in the workplace. They range from the obvious, e.g. petrol, paint thinners, welding gases and heating fuels, to the not so obvious, e.g. packaging materials, dusts from woodworking and dusts from food stuffs such as flour and sugar etc. SAFETY PRINCIPLES By applying the following five principles, courtesy of the Health & Safety Executive, www.hse.gov.uk you will be well on the way to making sure that you are working safely with flammable substances. Ventilation (V) Unsure there plenty of fresh air where flammable liquids or gases are stored and used? Good ventilation will mean that any vapours given off from a spill, leak, or release from any process, will be rapidly dispersed. Ignition (I) Have all the obvious ignition sources been removed from the storage and handling areas? Ignition sources can be very varied and they include sparks from electrical equipment or welding and cutting tools, hot surfaces, open flames from heating equipment, smoking materials etc. Containment (C) Are the flammable substances kept in suitable containers? Will a spill will it be contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the working area? Use of lidded containers and spillage catchment trays, for example, can help to prevent spillages spreading. Exchange (E) Can we exchange a flammable substance for a less flammable one? Can we eliminate flammable substances from the process altogether? Think of other ways of carrying out the job more safely. Separation (S) Are flammable substances stored and used well away from other processes and general storage areas? Can they be separated by a physical barrier, wall or partition? Separating the hazards in this manner will contribute to a safer workplace. Think about the flammable substances you have in the workplace and apply these five principles wherever possible. Tell workers, and others who need to know, about the hazards and how they should control them. Think - keep a strong grip on your workplace safety. |
