10 - Flammable Liquids

Abstract

This chapter discusses flammable liquids and several factors associated with it. A flammable liquid is a liquid that has a flashpoint below or equal to 55°C. The flashpoint of a substance is the “lowest temperature at which a substance will give off sufficient flammable vapor to ignite momentarily if a flame or other ignition source is applied.” Another important category is that of substances that are ‘highly flammable.’ A substance categorized as highly flammable is one with a flashpoint below or equal to 32°C. If these substances are used or stored in the workplace, a specific regulation, the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972 applies. A fire-risk assessment carried out on the activities of using, storing, or handling flammable liquids identifies possible hazards associated with these activities. The main hazards resulting from the use of flammable liquids are fire and explosion, which will occur if vapors are released into uncontrolled areas or ignition sources are introduced into controlled areas. A fire-risk assessment should be carried out on the activity involving flammable liquids and the likely hazards of their risk should be assessed. After a fire-risk assessment has been carried out, suitable and sufficient control measures should be put in place.