Solvents, lighter fluid, oil, pesticides, paint, kerosene, propane, butane, gasoline, diesel, cleaning products are all flammable liquids. These products are used everywhere, especially the various types of fuel and cleaning products that everyone has in their home. When moving or working with any of them, the safety rules must be observed.
If the profession involves working with flammable means, 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 be a serious health hazard or risk of fire if used improperly. If the concentration of the vapor cloud reaches a certain temperature, the liquid ignites. The substance itself, which is in a calm state, cannot catch fire. Flammable liquids have a high flash point, flammable - low, so they are more dangerous for humans.
What to do in case of a spill of any product?
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 could cause an explosion. If something gets on your clothes - remove, on the skin - rinse with water as quickly as possible. If a large amount of combustible substance has spilled, it is advisable to evacuate all employees and call the fire department.
When a fire spreads, you do not need to try to extinguish it with water, in the case of such liquids it will only aggravate the situation. A fire extinguisher is best suited. It must be stored close to the work area.
Material Tips
Before using any product, always read the label carefully. To make sure that you know how to use flammable and flammable liquids correctly.
The list of tips:
Do not talk on the phone, listen to music or be distracted by anything else while working with flammable substances.
Working with flammable liquids requires a well-ventilated area. Because fumes are unsafe and harmful chemicals can enter the body through the airways. 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 clothing.
If there is a leak, inform the manager.
Whenever you leave a room where flammable flammable liquid is stored, inspect it before closing the door.
Never smoke cigarettes in the place where such substances are present. They should be kept away from open flames.
Remember that there are many hidden sources of ignition, for example, in equipment.
When using metal drums, hoses, pipelines, make sure that they are grounded to prevent the accumulation of static charge, which can be a source of ignition.
Ensure that all containers, cranes, cans, pumps, and other storage equipment are designed to use flammable liquids.
Try to avoid flammable substances.
The best way to reduce the risk of fire is to bypass such means. If possible, you can replace it with another, less combustible substance. Take a look at the current view and determine if there are ways in which you can do the job more safely.
Take note of the following tips to help you work with flammable liquids.
Firstly, it is necessary to take special courses at which the instructor will tell you all the nuances of working with flammable substances.
Secondly, when it comes to safety, the health of others is very important. Observe labor protection requirements and do not risk the lives of others.
What is flash point and spontaneous combustion?
The flash point of a flammable liquid is the minimum level at which a liquid releases vapors to the surface for ignition. Liquids themselves do not burn. A mixture of vapors and air is lit.
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 auto-ignition temperature of the most common fluids ranges from 300 ° C (572 ° F) to 550 ° C (1022 ° F).
Explosive limits
The lower ignition limit is the fraction of vapors in the air above which a fire cannot occur because there is not enough fuel. Vapors with a higher density than air are generally more dangerous because they can flow across the floor and accumulate in low places.
The upper limit of ignition is the fraction of vapors in the air when there is not enough air to ignite.
Flammable liquids are explosive, and these limitations give a range between the lowest and highest concentrations of vapor in the air. That is, with the help of the ignition limits, it is possible to determine which substance burns, 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 it is in the air at a level of from 1, 4% to 7, 6%. The vapor concentration below the explosive level is too low to ignite; more than 7.6% can cause an explosion.
Ignition limits serve as guides in hot spots.
Why are such substances dangerous?
At normal room temperature, flammable liquids can emit quite a lot of vapors, forming combustible mixtures with air. As a result, they can be a serious fire hazard. Highly flammable liquids burn very quickly. They also emit large amounts of thick, black, toxic smoke.
Flammable liquids at temperatures above their flash level can also cause a serious fire.
Spraying flammable and combustible liquids in the air will cause a fire if there is a source of ignition. Vapors of substances are usually invisible. They are difficult to detect, unless special devices are used.
Flammable and flammable liquids are easily absorbed into wood, fabric and cardboard. Even after removing them from clothing or any other coatings, they can be dangerous, emit harmful fumes.
What danger do such fluids pose to the body?
Such substances bring great harm during a fire and explosion. They are hazardous to health. Flammable liquids can cause irreparable damage to the human body, depending on the specific material and method of exposure:
- Inhalation of vapor.
- Eye and skin contact.
- Ingestion of fluid.
Most flammable liquids, flammable substances are dangerous to humans. Many of them are stored improperly and undergo incompatible chemical reactions, which can do even more harm.
The data indicated on the labels and containers should tell about all the dangers for flammable substances with which a person works.
For example, propanol (also known as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor that resembles a mixture of ethanol and acetone. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel long distances. High vapor levels can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The substance may also cause irritation to the respiratory tract or eyes.
How to store substances in production areas, workshops, laboratories and similar workplaces
Admittedly, for practical purposes where fluids are used, it will most likely be necessary to store them in the workshop. Only a minimal amount of such substances can be placed in the working area, but even they should be used during the day or change the place. Actual storage time figures will depend on labor activity, organizational mechanisms, fire risks in the workshop and work area. Do not store flammable liquids in large quantities at home. All responsibility will rest with the owners.
Tanks for flammable liquids must be closed. They must be placed in designated areas that are away from the immediate processing area and do not endanger the workshop and work area.
Flammable liquids should be stored separately from other hazardous substances, which may increase the risk of fire or disrupt the integrity of the container or cabinet (drawer), for example, oxidizing agents and aggressive materials.
What if the quantity exceeds the set maximum?
When the recommended storage rates are exceeded, all factors must be evaluated. The following must be considered:
materials should be stored or processed in the work area;
the size of the workshop and the number of people working there should be taken into account;
the amount of liquid processed in the workshop should not exceed the norms established by the enterprise;
the workshop should be equipped with good ventilation.
There must be an evacuation plan from the workshop where they work with explosive substances.