Being in the refinish business, the chances are that you store flammable liquids in your workplace. Flammable liquids are a class of Dangerous Goods. Under the model Work, Health & Safety (WHS) Regulations, they are also referred to as Hazardous Chemicals. As an owner, director or manager of a business, you have a number of legal obligations under various Australian Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) laws.
What are Flammable Liquids?
The technical definition of a flammable liquid is quite complex, so a simpler definition has been provided. A flammable liquid is a liquid, that can catch fire if oxygen is present and the right concentration of flammable vapours are exposed to an energy source, such as heat or a spark. Examples of flammable liquids include, solvent-based paints, thinners, Gun Wash and Prepsol. They are classified as a Class 3 Dangerous Goods and can generally be identified by a red diamond with the wording ‘flammable liquid’, the number 3 and a pictogram of a flame in black or white. The diamonds are in the process of being changed under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for chemicals, but that’s another article altogether!
Your obligation to identify hazards, associated risks and implement controls
Organisations are required to identify any hazards associated with the storage, handling and use of Dangerous Goods on their premises. If a hazard is identified, they are required to assess the risks associated with the hazards and maintain documentation demonstrating that they have undertaken a thorough evaluation. Suitable controls must then be implemented to eliminate or minimise those risks as far as practicable.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS’s or SDS’s (depending on your State) can assist you in the hazard identification and assessment process. MSDS’s/SDS’s are documents created by or on behalf of a manufacturer or importer of a product and contain essential health, safety and environmental information on matters including safe use and storage of chemicals. If you store, handle or use flammable liquids, you are obligated to obtain, maintain and make available, copies of these documents.
Storage and use of Flammable Liquids
Based on the quantity and type of flammable liquids you store on your premises; you may be required to:
- display specific signage (placarding),
- notify your relevant authority (e.g. WorkSafe)
- install fire walls and a fire suppression system.
Flammable liquids must not be stored with incompatible chemicals to avoid the possibility of inadvertent mixing, which may cause a fire or other dangerous reactions. This may be avoided by the appropriate segregation of Dangerous Goods of different classes. In locations where flammable liquids are stored, handled or used, you must be careful not to introduce unprotected ignition sources which can trigger a fire given the right conditions. Examples of ignition sources include pilot lights, electric motors, smoking, radios, phones, extension cords, power tools and static electricity.
To minimise the risks of flammable vapour ignition, it is crucial that areas where these liquids are stored and used have a well-designed ventilation system in place and that the electrics are appropriate for the area.
There is a great deal of free information on your regulator’s website. I would encourage you to take some time to review this guidance.
The material in this article is intended to provide you with general education and information to increase overall safety awareness associated with the storage and use of flammable liquids. It is not intended to cover all aspects of relevant legislation or your specific obligations, and should not be taken as legal or other expert advice or services. You should contact Total Safety Consulting for professional advice or services. No responsibility is accepted for any actions taken by readers of the above material which results in any liability, loss, injury or risk.
Bio
Timur Dede is the Managing Director of Total Safety Consulting. He has almost 20 years of experience in the field of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). His experience has been gained across a number of senior roles within global manufacturing organisations such as General Electric and PPG. He has a degree in industrial engineering and engineering management, and a diploma in occupational and environmental health.
