FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS

Material Storage Handling

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OSHA Regulations

Store flammable and combustible liquids according to the applicable laws.

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Fire fighting equipment

Ensure the storage areas are supplied with adequate firefighting and spill clean-up equipment.

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Construction

Make sure the storage areas are properly constructed and have designated areas for combustible materials and liquids.

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Storage Areas

Make sure the storage areas are well ventilated, dry, and cool and are free of ignition sources.

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Storage by Volume

Store combustible or flammable materials according to the volume necessary at the station; or the volume that is safe for long-term onsite storage; or, for materials that cannot be stored in amounts exceeding a particular safe limit, in amounts only up to that safe limit.

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Storage by Type

Make sure that the materials being stored are compatible with each other.

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Where to Store?

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Refrigerators

Do not use domestic refrigerators. Make sure the unit is laboratory safe and explosion proof.

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Safety Cans

Make sure that the cover springs are closed properly.

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Storage Cabinets

Flammable and combustible storage cabinets should have vents on opposite sides, and all the contents should be in closed containers.

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Storage Rooms

Make sure that the storage rooms are well-equipped with explosion-proof electrical fixtures and the chemicals are stored according to their compatibility with each other.

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How to Store?

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Remove open flames or spark - producing equipment.

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Use approved explosion-proof equipment in hazardous areas.

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Make sure that all containers have warning labels attached.

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Keep a container of sand and the appropriate fire extinguishers readily available in all hazardous areas.

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Do not smoke around flammables or combustibles.

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Never use plastic or glass containers for storing flammable liquids.

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Do not accept delivery of damaged or defective containers.

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Do not mix incompatible chemicals.

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