Flammable Liquids

Oxidizers

-An oxidizer is a material that yields oxygen, (eg: hydrogen peroxide) -When added to a fire, it will enhance the combustion process -Oxidizers should be stored away from flammables and combustibles

Flammable gases

-Be away of flammable gases -Propane cylinders should not be stored indoors as they tend to leak overtime

Checklists

-Checklists are a useful tool to reduce the risk of fire

Containment

-Containment is necessary to avoid environmental damage and pollution liability from spills

Kitchen Fires

-Cooking oil is combustible, not flammable, but if heated enough, its vapors will eventually form an ignitable mixture in air ~~When they come in contact with an ignition source, a fire starts

Flammable storage drums

-Drums are often stored outside -Try to ensure the containers are located in a fenced area and away from the threat of fire -The area should be free of weeds and other combustible materials that could ignite and spread an outside fire

Flammables vs. Combustibles

-Flammable liquid: Flash point below 100 -Combustible liquid: Flash point above 100 Flammables more easily support continuous combustion

HAZCOM

-Hazardous materials are substances that pose a risk of fire or health if not properly stored and handled

Points to remember

-Keep flammable liquids away from ignition sources such as open flames, sparks, smoking, welding, etc. -Containers should be closed when not in use -Use flammable liquids where there is plenty of ventilation -Good housekeeping is essential in storage areas -Spills or residue should be cleaned up immediately as they contribute to fires

B.L.E.V.E

-Leaks around flammable liquid tanks are extremely serous and can lead to a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion

NFPA Content Categories

-Light Hazard -Ordinary Hazard -Extra Hazard

NFPA signage

-NFPA uses a signage system that easily identifies the health, flammability, instability and related hazards of materials present at a site -The sign warns firemen and other first responders what flammable and other dangerous chemicals are present inside the building in the event of a fire, spill or other emergency

Grounding and bonding

-State electricity creates a fire risk when transferring flammable liquids in or out of containers -Grounding is physically connecting a conductive object to the ground to eliminate any difference in static charge -Bonding is physically connecting two conductive objects together to eliminate any difference in static charge -Static charge can be built up in a number of ways: ~~Fluids flowing through pipes, drops hitting solid surfaces, an air hose, belts in motion, moving vehicles, and other operations

Restaurant fires

-Suitable fire control devices such as a class K Fire extinguisher or a hood suppression system must be readily available

Flammable containers

-The amount of flammable liquids that can be stored in a building depends on the storage conditions and the occupancy -Dwelling occupancies such as apartment buildings should store the least followed by office, educational and healthcare facilities ~~Manufacturing or retail properties may need to store more -In every case, an effort should be made to store flammables in appropriate cabinets or rooms -Flammable liquids should always be stored in spill-proof containers with self-closing lids Flammable containers should be: -5 gallons or less -Constructed to reduce leaks -Designed to eliminate vapor release -Self-Closing lids -Flame arrestors at the dispenser opening They are NOT always red

DOT Signage

-The department of transportation uses a different placard system to identify flammable liquids

Hazards

-The hazards of flammable liquid leaks range from pollution to fire to explosion

Self Combustion

-The ignition temperature is the temperature where a fuel will ignite independent of another ignition source -Oily rags in an auto repair shop can often self ignite ~~For this reason, they must be disposed of in fireproof cans with self-closing lids

Flammables tanks

-The size of a fuel tank is less important than the design of the tank and the material it is storing There are three types of storage tanks you will encounter -Above ground -Underground -Indoor

NFPA rating system

0: Will not burn 1: Must be preheated to ignite 2: Must be moderately preheated to ignite 3: Can be ignited under almost any temperature 4: Will rapidly and completely vaporize

Flammable Storage cabinets

A flammables cabinet has several functions: -Provides a heat-resistant enclosure for flammable liquids -Keeps dangerous liquids segregated -Seismic protection -High visibility in a fire -Can be padlocked -Can be grounded -Some cabinets have a fusible link door that will automatically close in the event of a fire -This prevents additional fuel being added to the fire -If the fire starts inside the cabinet, the door will close and contain the fire -Self-closing cabinets are required in certain states

Flammable Liquids

Definition: A flammable liquid is a liquid having a flash point below 100 degrees -The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with the air

Where do you find flammable liquids?

Everywhere Examples Include: -Gasoline -Turpentine -SomeDistilled Spirits -Acetone -Paint thinner and varnish -Aerosols

Ignition sources

Fire Prevention involves: -Eliminating soruces of ignition such as electrical, mechanical or frictional sparks, open flames, hot surfaces and static electricity -Excluding oxygen -Storing liquids in closed containers -Ventilating to prevent the accumulation of vapors