WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
Flammable liquids pose a high risk and have the potential to cause catastrophic fires or explosions, which can result in serious workplace injuries.
According to the American Burn Association, each year over 486,000 individuals were seen in emergency departments, minor emergency clinics, or physician’s offices for the treatment of a burn injury in the United States and Canada. Thermal-burns from gasoline account for approximately 15,000 emergency room visits per year. In 2014 alone, there were 3,275 recorded deaths from fire and smoke inhalation injuries.1
When considering the hazards of flammable liquids, it is important to understand that it’s not actually the liquid that ignites but the vapor the liquid gives off. A liquid’s flashpoint is the temperature at which it releases enough vapor to become ignitable near the surface of the liquid. Liquids can vaporize and form flammable mixtures with air when containers are left open, when leaks and spills occur and when liquid is aerosolized (i.e., sprayed). Just like water when it evaporates on a warm day, the amount of vapor that a flammable liquid gives off increases as its temperature rises.
To understand OSHA’s requirements for the safe storage and handling of flammables, we must first define flammable. The flashpoint and boiling point determine the category of the flammable liquid. A flammable liquid is any liquid having a flashpoint < 199.4°F, and they are divided into four categories:2,3
Category 1: Liquids with flashpoints
< 73.4°F (23°C) and with a boiling point
< 95°F (35°C).
Category 2: Liquids with flashpoints
< 73.4°F (23°C) and with a boiling point
> 95°F (35°C).
Category 3: Liquids having flashpoints
> 73.4°F (23°C) and < 140°F (60°C).
Category 4: Liquids having flashpoints
> 140°F (60°C) and < 199.4°F (93°C).
Some common flammable liquids in many workplaces include gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, oil-based paints and finishes, furniture polish, paint thinner, turpentine, spray paints, and wood stains.
When is the last time a physical hazard inspection was performed in your workplace? To help minimize the risk of injury from flammable liquids, use the following checklist from OSHA’s Small Business Handbook.4
Flammables Inspection Checklist
- Are combustible scrap, debris and waste
materials (e.g., oily rags, etc.) stored in covered metal receptacles and promptly removed from the work area? - Is proper storage practiced to minimize the risk of fire, including spontaneous combustion?
- Are approved containers (i.e., metal with spring-closing lid) used to store and handle flammable liquids?
- Are all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping, vapor and liquid tight?
- Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containers when not in use (e.g., parts cleaning tanks, pans, etc.)?
- Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded and bonded to containers during dispensing?
- Is liquefied petroleum gas stored, handled and used in accordance with safe practices and standards?
- Are “NO SMOKING” signs posted on liquefied petroleum gas tanks and in areas where flammable liquids are used or stored?
- Are liquefied petroleum storage tanks guarded to prevent damage from vehicles?
- Are all solvent wastes and flammable liquids kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until they are removed from the work area?
- Is vacuuming used whenever possible rather than blowing or sweeping combustible dust?
- Are firm separators placed between containers of combustibles or flammables that are stacked one upon another to ensure their support and stability?
- Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders separated by distance and fire-resistant barriers while in storage?
- Are fire extinguishers selected and provided for the types of materials in the areas where they are to be used?
- Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted within 75 feet of outside areas containing flammable liquids and within 10 feet of any inside storage area for such materials?
- Are extinguishers free from obstructions or blockage?
- Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and tagged at intervals not to exceed one year?
- Are all extinguishers fully charged and in their designated places, and is this inspection documented each month?
- Where sprinkler systems are permanently installed, are the nozzle heads so directed or arranged that water will not be sprayed into operating electrical switchboards and equipment?
- Are all spills of flammable or combustible liquids cleaned up promptly?
Should you require assistance with safe use of flammable liquids or a physical hazard survey in your workplace, please contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.
Resources:
- American Burn Association:
www.ameriburn.org - MIOSHA General Industry Part 75. Flammable Liquids
- OSHA 1910.106 Flammable Liquids
- OSHA Small Business Handbook,
OSHA 2209-02R 2005.