Journal
Thursday,Jun 18 2009, 11:50:01 AMFire Safety Equipment
Flammable substances or liquids are used in many homes and workplaces. These substances consist of paints, cleaning fluids and gasoline. If you use your common sense in handling these dangerous liquids, you can prevent yourself from accidental injuries and decrease the possibility of your house or workplace bursting up in flames. The substance itself does not burn but once it evaporates, it becomes a volatile vapor that can set off a simple spark.
Carefully reading the manufacturer's manual on safe storage and use of these substances is the first step in ensuring your safety. You should also practice good housekeeping habits in flammable storage areas. Appropriate safety signs should also be placed near storage places where they are kept to warn people that a dangerous substance is nearby. It is important to clean up spills immediately and place the cleanup rags in a closed and secured metal container. This will keep the oxygen away from the rags and reduce potential fires. If these rags are exposed to air, it can produce heat that can spontaneously ignite. Use only approved metal safety containers. Keep these containers closed and placed in protected storage areas away from passageways.
Do not depend on your smelling ability to tell you that a container is vapor free. Some dangerous liquids do not give off vapors that can be detected through smell. It is important to use flammable liquids if there is plenty of ventilation. Be careful of letting this substance touch or get on your clothing. It will definitely cause skin irritation and might possible ignite your clothing. Wash it off immediately or change it as soon as you can. Keep the used clothes in a safe bin to avoid starting a fire with it.
Bond and ground all bulk containers during dispensing operations. These materials can be ignited with just a minimal static spark so be very careful. A conductive connection is required between a receiving container, the dispensing container and the ground pipe. When drawing out a flammable substance from a bulk tank into a portable container, there must be a solid connection between the tank and the container. The use of a self-closing valve will limit spills.
If possible, control all ignition sources. These increase the chances of starting a fire. Follow manufacturer's suggestions for their proper use to ensure safety. Enforce safety signs such as a no smoking sign around these flammable liquids. Sparking tools are also fire starters so keep them far away.
Acquiring knowledge on fire safety concerning flammable liquids is crucial because these substances are necessary in our everyday lives. Although it may present danger of fire and explosion, generally this may be prevented by eliminating fire hazards and following strict observance of safe storage, dispensing and handling procedures.
Fire Extinguishers