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Safety in your workplace, business premises, or construction site is an essential part of keeping everyone within it protected at all times - as well as passersby. This is especially important for those operations that handle and store flammable liquids, as the risk of fire-related accidents and injuries is higher.
Find out exactly how these chemicals should be stored, as well as what flammable liquid storage you need in our blog below.
The 5 Best Practices for Storing Flammable Liquids
1. Invest in Proper Storage
First and foremost, you need to invest in proper storage. Without using the correct compliance-approved chests or containers, you’re immediately failing to protect your business and those around you.
Avoid using containers made of plastic or glass (unless a metal material affects the purity of your liquid). Ensure the solution you purchase is COSHH-approved, as this will decrease the chance of fires occurring. For example, you can browse our collection of Armorgard Flambank chests, offering high fire resistance and security - even on the move.
2. Pick the Right Location
Next, it’s important to pick a location for your flammable storage unit. Ensure you begin by looking for an area that:
- Is away from other dangerous substances
- Is away from potential ignition sources
- Is temperature controlled (or at least room temperature)
- Has clear escape routes in case of a fire
Before you pick your location, it’s important to complete a risk assessment. This helps you evaluate the environment you wish to store hazardous materials and flammable liquids, allowing you to identify any hazards - which you can later control or remove.
3. Ensure Ventilation
Without the right amount of ventilation, there may be an increase in the buildup of ignitable vapours. If they evaporate at room temperature, they can cause fires and even explosions.
With appropriate levels of airflow, such as keeping a small window open throughout the day, this disperses fumes and decreases the chances of them reaching dangerous concentration levels.
4. Only Store Small Quantities in One Place
The Health and Safety Executive advises that only small quantities of flammable liquids can be stored in any one place.
In fact, the maximum amount legally allowed is no more than 50 litres of extremely flammable liquids, and no more than 250 litres of other flammable liquids with a higher flashpoint of up to 60°C.
5. Dispose Liquids Safely
Never dispose of flammable liquids down the sink, toilets, or outdoor drains. Instead, ensure you take them to a recommended council recycling centre for hazardous waste.
When transporting them from your site to the centre, store the liquids in sealed containers that are clearly labelled with warning signs. Put them in the boot of the vehicle you’re driving in to avoid fumes entering the driver and passenger compartments.
How to Store Flammable Liquids On The Move
Sometimes, you’ll need to transport flammables safely from site to site. To do so safely, ensure you take the following steps:
- Only transport small quantities
- Seal liquids in a tight container not made of glass or plastic
- Ensure containers are fastened down or packed securely so tipping doesn’t occur
- Keep containers away from ignition sources
- Ensure exposure to sunlight is completely controlled or minimised
The Compliance Requirements You Need to Know
The Safety Measures You Must Take
Every workplace or business premises are responsible for the safety of those onsite - therefore, they must do whatever they need to to ensure they’re protected.
This includes:
- Performing risk assessments on areas where flammable liquids are stored
- Train staff to properly manage and store flammable liquids safely
- Ensure clear fire routes are labelled in areas where flammable liquids are stored
- Appoint someone to oversee the management of this storage
- Ensure cabinets and storage areas are leak-proof
The Mandatory Features of Approved COSHH Cabinets
Unfortunately, you can’t just purchase any old cabinet or container if you plan on storing flammable liquids inside of it. The storage you choose must have the mandatory features for containing flammable liquids, as guided by COSHH regulations.
This includes:
- Fire resistance and protection (at minimum 30 minutes)
- A bonded base to contain spills
- Self-closing doors
- Robust steel construction
Hazard Labelling
Any containers with flammable liquids must be labelled with the proper signage, which are the safety warning symbols under the UK’s classification and labelling framework. Ensure the fireproof security cabinets in which you store these liquids are also labelled too.
Improper Flammable Storage: What You Risk
Fires & Explosion
If liquids are stored near heat sources or in cabinets that lack compliance, you are at risk of fires and/or explosions occurring. This is because the vapours released from flammables have a chance of igniting - even at low temperatures or from a considerable distance.
Serious Accidents & Injuries
If you fail to store flammable liquids properly, neglect to train staff on how to manage them, or avoid highlighting clear fire escape routes in case of an emergency, serious accidents and injuries could take place.
Breaching Regulations
Breaching any regulations related to fire safety on your business premises or construction site can have severe consequences. You might face a hefty fine, or in extreme circumstances, business closure.
Secure Flammable Liquids Safely With Safe Options
We’ve supported thousands of businesses and organisations nationwide in safely storing flammable liquids on their premises. We proudly supply safes and chests from some of the most trusted manufacturers of COSHH cabinets and hazardous storage solutions, guaranteeing high quality and reliability for many years to come.
Our expert team is ready to help you safeguard your people and operations - whilst ensuring full compliance with current regulations. Better yet, any product from our storage solutions is ready to be delivered straight to your premises at your convenience. Get in touch today for more information and guidance.
