Transcript Understanding Flammables and Combustibles

Right To Know
Understanding Flammables and
Combustibles
Learning Objectives
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Meaning of terms “Flammable” and
“Combustible
Difference between:
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Flammable Aerosols
Flammable Gases
Flammable Liquids
Combustible Liquids
Flammable Solids
Learning Objectives (cont)
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Flammables and Combustibles in
Your Area
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Physical Hazards
Health Hazards
Methods of Detection
Emergency and Handling Procedures
First Aid Procedures
Overview
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Awareness
Remember
MSDS’s
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Toluene
(etc)
Definitions
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For a fire to occur there must be:
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Fuel (the Flammable/Combustible substance)
Heat
Oxygen or an Oxidizer
Chemical or Chain Reaction
Flammable – a material that is easily ignited and
burns rapidly. In addition to the fire hazard,
exposure to vapors from flammables can have
serious health effects. Common Flammable: Gasoline
Combustible – a substance capable of fueling a fire,
but will not burn as readily as a flammable. Common
Combustible: Wood
Types of Flammables
and Combustibles
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Types of Flammables
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Aerosols
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Types of Combustibles
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Many materials are combustibles, but there
is a special category og combustible liquids
Flammable Aerosols
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An Aerosol that yields a flame
projection for more then 18” at full
valve opening, or a flashback (a flame
extending back to the valve) at any
degree of valve opening
In your Area
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MSDS’s
Incidents or Concerns
Flammable Gases
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A Compressed Gas with:
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Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) at or below 13% by
volume
Flammability Range greater than 12% regardless of
the Lower Limit
LEL and other flammability information is determined
by the chemical manufacturer, and can be found on
the MSDS
Any terms like “LEL” can be found in the Glossary of
the MSDS ( or MSDSonline System)
MSDS
Flammable Gases:
Physical Properties and Hazards
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Properties
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Expand to several times their volume when released
May be Heavier than Air (Butane, Propane) and will settle in
low places
May be Lighter than Air (Hydrogen, Methane)
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Vapor Density will tell you whether it is Lighter or Heavier.
Heavier = VD > 1.0, Lighter = VD <1.0
Does not always have an Odor
Often Colorless
Dangerous if cylinders are damaged. A damaged valve may
cause the cylinder to “Rocket”
In Your Area
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MSDS’s
Flammable Gases:
Health Hazards
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All flammable gases are Simple Asphyxiants.
This means they will displace oxygen to a
level below that needed for normal body
functions
Some may also have Toxic effects, like
Hydrogen Sulfide, that can result in Death
In your Area
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MSDS’s
Flammable Gases:
Methods of Detection
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Odors are often added to flammable gases to aid
detection and, therefore, prevent injury.
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CAUTION: Some gases will quickly deaden the sense of
smell
Large volumes escaping often make a hissing sound
Soap Solution can be used to find leaks
Air Monitoring equipment is available to identify leaks
of flammable gases in your area
Operators are first line of defense, but we can assist
with Air Monitoring and Hazard Analyses
Flammable Gases: Emergency
Handling and Procedures
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Always
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Transport and Store cylinders with valve cap on
Never drag or roll cylinders, use carts
Secure with straps or chains
Keep Cylinder Upright
Keep hose connections tight and leak-free
Store Oxygen and Flammable Gas cylinders separately
If gas leaks: Ventilate and use respiratory protection;
turn off ignition valve; shut off the main cylinder valve
Emergency Procedures in your Area
Issues
Flammable Gases:
First Aid
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General Procedures for overexposure
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Inhalation: move victim to fresh air. If
unconscious, maintain an open airway. Restore
breathing if necessary. Seek medical attention.
Eyes: Hold eyelids open and flush for 15 minutes
with large quantities of water. Seek medical
attention.
Skin: Wash with large quantities of water. Seek
medical attention
MSDS Information
Flammable Liquids
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A substance with a Flash Point below
100°F.
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Flash Point – the minimum temperature at
which enough vapors are given off to
support flame when an ignition source is
present.
MSDS’s
Flammable Liquids:
Physical Properties and Hazards
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Properties:
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Vaporize quickly at room temperature
Some are soluble in water (alcohols)
Some are soluble in organic solvents or acids
Variety of Odors (acetone smells sweet)
Variety of colors, but are often clear
Most have a specific gravity less than 1; this means
they will float on top of water
Vapors are heavier than air and may settle in low areas
React violently with Oxidizers and Halogen Gases
(chlorine, fluorene)
In Your Area
Flammable Liquids:
Health Hazards
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In addition to flammability the following
Health symptoms are often present:
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Skin contact – may cause reddening or
drying
Inhalation – may cause dizziness, nausea
or headaches, or may irritate respiratory
tract
Flammable Liquids:
Health Hazards (cont)
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In addition to the General symptoms:
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Alcohols (end in -ol) mild irritants. Methanol when
swallowed may cause blindness
Ketones (end in -one) slightly more toxic than alcohols
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (end in -ane) may cause excitement,
stupor, confusion
Amines (end in -amine, -amid, or -nitro) can cause liver, lung
and kidney damage
Ethers (end in -ether, or -futan) may cause unconsciousness,
pneumonia, and death
Aromatics (end in -ene) may cause convulsions, coma and
death. Some are suspected carcinogens
In Your Area
Flammable Liquids:
Methods of Detection
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All Flammable Liquids:
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Have detectable Odors, although sense of smell may quickly
become deadened
May cause tearing or redness of the eye
May be felt on skin as an initial splash of liquid
Air Monitoring equipment is available to identify leaks
of flammable gases in your area
Operators are first line of defense, but we can assist
with Air Monitoring and Hazard Analyses
MSDS’s
Flammable Liquids:
Personal Protective Equipment
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When working with Flammable Liquids
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Wear approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate
Wear splash goggles and a full face shield, where necessary
Wear solvent resistant gloves as prescribed in the MSDS
Wear a rubber apron, or, for large quantities a splash suit
when working with open containers of flammable liquids
PPE Recommended in Your Area
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MSDS’s
Flammable Liquids: Emergency
and Handling Procedures
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Remember:
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Always remove all sources of ignition
Be certain area is well ventilated
Never pour or wash flammable liquids into sewers
or drains
When transferring flammable liquids, ground
containers. Not only must you ground the
container you are pouring into, You Must ground
the container you are pouring from to the
container you are pouring to.
Issues
Flammable Liquids:
First Aid Procedures
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In the event of overexposure:
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Inhalation: move victim to fresh air. Rescuers
should be equipped with proper PPE before
attempting rescue. If unconscious maintain an
open airway. Seek medical attention immediately.
Eyes: hold open eyelids and flush with water for
15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin: immediately wash with soap and water, or
waterless cleanser. Remove contaminated
clothing
MSDS’s
Combustible Liquids
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Have a higher flashpoint then
Flammable Liquids, meaning they will
not burn as easily as flammables. Flash
Point at or above 100°F, but below
200°F.
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Remember Flash Point for Flammable
Liquids was below 100°F.
Flammable Solids
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Any solid, other than explosives, that can
cause a fire by self-igniting through:
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Friction
Spontaneous chemical changes
Retained heat from manufacturing process
Reactivity with air or water
In Your Area
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MSDS
Flammable Solids:
Physical Properties and Hazards
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Flammable Solids:
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Burn readily and persistent
May generate chemical products that are
corrosive, poisonous, or flammable
Require special extinguishing agents in a
fire
In Your Area
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MSDS
Flammable Solids:
Health Hazards
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All Flammable Solids have potentially severe
health effects:
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Alkali Metals: react with moisture on body to
cause severe burns to skin, eyes, nose, and
throat.
White Phosphorous: reacts with air to form
phosphoric acid, which is corrosive to eyes, skin,
nose, and throat. May affect the lungs.
Azides: many are toxic, causing a drop in blood
pressure; inhibit enzyme action. May decompose
explosively. Sensitive to heat, shock and friction
In Your Area
Flammable Solids:
Methods of Detection
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If material begins to ignite, fume or
bubble when exposed to air or water,
evacuate to a safe distance immediately
and notify emergency personnel.
Flammable Solids: Emergency
and Handling Procedures
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For Emergency:
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For Spills: if air or water reactive, evacuate
personnel immediately, and notify
emergency personnel.
For Fire: Notify emergency personnel and
evacuate.
Always follow Safety Procedures
Flammable Solids:
First Aid Procedures
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In the event of overexposure:
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Inhalation: move victim to fresh air. Restore breathing if
necessary. Seek medical attention immediately
Eyes: hold eyelids open and flush eyes with water for 15
minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin: immediately wash area with large quantities of cold
water. Keep affected area cold. Seek medical attention
immediately.
Ingestion (swallowing): seek medical attention immediately.
In Your Area
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MSDS
Summary
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Definitions:
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Flammable - a material
that is easily ignited and
burns rapidly.
Combustible - a
substance capable of
fueling a fire, but will not
burn as readily as a
flammable
Types:
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Aerosols
Gases
Liquids
Solids
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In Your Area:
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Physical Properties and
Hazards
Health Hazards
Methods of Detection
Emergency and Handling
Procedures
First Aid Procedures