How do you know if a liquid is flammable? Chances are, the only way you would know if a liquid is flammable is by reading the label. The truth is that a liquid with a flash point of one hundred degrees (F) is actually flammable. Everyday products such as aerosols, solvents and paints are more than likely flammable. Because of their nature, flammable products are required to be stored and handled certain ways. These requirements were establish by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). There are different storage requirements when it comes to different types of flammable liquids.
Containers and Cans
If a container holds more than five gallons of liquid then it is not permitted to hold any type of flammable liquid. All containers holding flammable liquids are required to have less than a five gallon capacity and a spout attached to a tight lid. This spout is designed to let out fumes in case of the event that the container becomes highly pressurized.
Flammable Storage Cabinets
Flammable storage cabinets are designed to safely store all types of hazardous liquids. OSHA has also established rules for how these storage cabinets are to be manufactured. OSHA guidelines state that flammable storage cabinet must be constructed with 18 gauge steel. This steel construction must be completely welded together. There must also be an opening that is 1.5 inches long where air can flow through. Other requirements established by OSHA include a three point lock (that can be secured) and a sticker that says "Flammable - Keep Fire Away."
Flammable storage cabinets come in a variety of sizes. There are cabinets that can be stored on a counter or workbench, cabinets that are built to hang under the counter and even cabinets that are weatherproof. All flammable storage cabinets are designed to serve a particular purpose.
Area and Location
Now that you know how flammable liquids should be stored, you need to know where it is safe to put the storage unit or container. This is where the NFPA offers suggestions. While OSHA does not require any specific placement of flammable liquid cabinets, the NFPA recommends that these potentially hazardous materials be stored in an area that is not connected to a large building. Even when safely stored, flammable liquids do pose a threat to buildings. If one thing set the cabinet in flames it is likely the building will not survive the disaster.
It is also discouraged to have more than three flammable cabinets in one area. If something were to happen, having multiple cabinets near each other would cause severe devastation to the surroundings. If you plan on storing your flammable safety cabinets outside be sure that the climate is not too hot. Place the cabinets in a shady area and away from any sources of heat or anything that may produce sparks.
Lastly, it is always important to treat these hazardous materials with care. They are capable of causing a lot of damage if not handled properly.
Phillip Montessori has been a workplace safety consultant for over two decades. You won't believe the variety of safety cabinets found here. Prevent an accident from occurring by finding a flammable safety cabinet that suits your business's needs.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น