HSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

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HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS HSE/SOP/103 0 20 Oct 03 1 of 2

1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

All deliveries of HFLs (Highly Flammable Liquids) should be made directly into a store. They must not be off loaded into one
position, and left until later for someone to put them away in the correct store.

Decanting, mixing or sampling should not be carried out in a store. It should be done in the open air or in a separate room
constructed of fire resisting materials or with adequate fire control system.

Funnels should be used to prevent spillage whilst decanting is taking place and drip trays should be used to catch any
spillage that may inadvertently occur.

Any spillage should be soaked up using dry earth, sand or proprietary absorbents.

Metal bins with lids should be provided for any used absorbents to be placed in and these should be emptied regularly and
carefully.

Advice should be sought on the disposal of all used absorbents from the local authority Waste Disposal Officer.

2 EMPTY TANKS AND CONTAINERS

DO NOT CUT ANY EMPTY TANKS, CONTAINERS OR DRUMS. THEY ARE FULL OF GAS AND WILL EXPLODE AND
KILL YOU.

Special care is necessary when demolishing or dismantling disused tanks. By disturbing the tank or heating the residues left
inside, you may cause an explosive concentration of vapors. Before any dismantling work is carried out, advice should be
sought from the HSE Engineer.

Any entry which is to be made into any disused or large tanks should only be made under a Permit to Work system.

3 USE OF HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

In general, where work involves the use of any HFL inside a room, all electrical power should be turned off. If space heating
is needed, it should be flameproof and incapable of causing the ignition of any vapors given off by the HFL.

Heavy concentrations of HFL vapors should be avoided and dispersed, if necessary, by natural or mechanical ventilation.
Other points which should be considered are:

• Naked flames, welding and heating torches or smoking materials should be prohibited in any area where HFLs are
present.
• Metal bins with lids must be provided for off-cuts, waste or rags. They should be emptied regularly.
• Use a suitable container with a lid for any brushes or scrapers, which require soaking, removing residues of HFLs.
This should be placed in a safe area well away from any possible source of ignition.

4 SPRAYING OF HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

The use of a gun for spraying highly flammable liquids may introduce airborne explosive mists into the workplace, thereby
creating a hazard both to the user and to other works in the area. New covering materials, such as paints, varnishes and
lacquers, and the techniques for applying them, have been developed and extensive use of spray painting equipment can
now be seen on construction sites.

Points to be noted:

• Identify the material carefully and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to preparation, use and
application.
• Always use the correct type of spraying equipment.
• Always use the hygiene and washing facilities provided.
• Do not introduce ignition sources into the working area.
• Do not smoke or use naked flames in the working area.
• Always place warning signs in the approaches to the area where the work is being carried out, in the doorways of the
room where HFLs are being used and use physical barriers, if necessary, to stop any unauthorized persons
approaching the work site.

REVIEWED & APPROVED QA & HSE MANAGER

 HSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE
Doc. Number Rev. Date Page No
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS HSE/SOP/103 0 20 Oct 03 2 of 2

5 PETROLEUM BASED ADHESIVES

The requirements for the storage and use of petroleum mixtures are very similar to those necessary for highly flammable
liquids. All references on the previous pages should, therefore, also be applicable to petroleum-based adhesives. The
following notes indicate the additional, special precautions that are required for petroleum-based adhesives.

Dangers can arise from petroleum-based adhesives in poorly ventilated areas, when vapors are allowed to collect in spaces
or areas where they cannot naturally disperse. Vapors from petroleum-based adhesives are flammable, narcotic and toxic,
and will replace the oxygen in the air causing drowsiness, unconsciousness and ultimately death.

Ignition of the vapors by a spark from a tool, by switching a light switch, plug or any other electrical equipment on or off, can
result in a serious explosion.

Points to remember:

• Identify the adhesive carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to uses and application of the adhesive.
• Open all doors and windows. It is essential that the work area be ventilated as well as it possible.
• Extinguish all flames, pilot lights and heating appliances.
• Do not smoke or allow ignition sources into the work area.
• Use the correct warning notices in areas where petroleum based adhesives are being used. Put up physical barriers,
if necessary, to prevent unauthorized entry.

Where petroleum based adhesives are used and you are concerned about dangerous vapors collecting and possibly causing
a dangerous situation, use sampling equipment to assess the possibility of a hazardous situation occurring.

REVIEWED & APPROVED QA & HSE MANAGER