Tool Box Talks Flammable Liquids and Fire

Extinguishers

June 2015

FLAMMABLE LIQUID - DEFINITION

Flammable liquids – any liquid with a flash point (the temperature at which vapors can ignite when there is a spark, flame, or static electricity), is below 100°F.

Combustible liquids – a liquid with a flash point above 100° but below 200°F.

Some highly flammable liquids are gasoline, acetone, and alcohol.

FLAMMABLE LIQUID - DEFINITION

Most flammable liquids are highly volatile: these evaporate quickly, and reach a concentration in the air that could lead to an explosion.

Containers with these flammable liquids must be marked with the appropriate label.

STORAGE

Only approved containers and portable tanks can be used for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.

No more than 60 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in any one storage cabinet.

No more than three storage cabinets may be located in a single storage area.

STORAGE continued

Flammable liquids must be store separately from other chemicals, especially reactives such as oxidizers.

Flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks must be equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure.

DISPENSING FLAMMABLES

Safety containers will be used for the dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids.

Drums containing Class I flammable liquids are to be grounded and bonded before and during dispensing into containers.

“No smoking” signage must be posted in the service area.

FLAMMABLE SPILLS AND WASTE

All flammable and combustible liquid wastes shall be kept in fire-resistant, containers.

Flammable waste materials, such as oily rags, must be stored and disposed of properly.

All spills of flammable or combustible liquids must be cleaned up promptly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers must be mounted within 50 feet of outside areas containing flammable liquids and within 10 feet of any inside storage area for such materials.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

A fire extinguisher should be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area or major fraction thereof.

Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher should not exceed 75 feet.

Fire extinguishers must be easy to see and be readily accessible: no obstructions.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Inspections of fire extinguishers must be done each month. These should include the following checks: ◦ Confirm extinguisher is in the proper location

◦ Confirm extinguisher is not obstructed

◦ All seals and pins are in place

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Monthly inspections continued: ◦ If applicable, check gauge to ensure pressure is within operable range.

◦ Examine the extinguisher for obvious signs of physical damage, leakage, corrosion or clogged nozzles.

◦ Ensure that a current service tag is present on extinguisher.

◦ Upon completion, employee responsible for inspection should either date the service tag or the monthly Workplace Inspection Sheet.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

All portable fire extinguishers must have an annual maintenance inspection completed by a qualified contractor.

The scheduling of annual maintenance inspections is the responsibility of the location’s General Manager or Retread Plant Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All employees are responsible for following these guidelines to prevent fires.

All employees are responsible for bringing spills or flammable waste to the attention of their supervisor.

Employees must change clothing that becomes contaminated with flammable liquids and place in closed containers that are to be removed at end of work day.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Managers and Retread Plant Managers will provide employees training, including designating employees for training on the use of fire extinguishers.

Location managers are also responsible for alerting employees to fire emergencies and proper evacuation procedures.

Additional Items

◦ As a reminder, smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the building—never in the service area.

◦ Due to the late reporting of several accidents and injuries, we are required to review the Claims Reporting Policy with our employees and to have them sign an acknowledgment.

Additional Items

◦ All EMPLOYEES must report injuries or accidents to their supervisors immediately!

◦ Location MANAGERS are required to report injuries to corporate HR or vehicle accidents to Mechanical within 24 hours!