Specific precautions are required when handling
and storing dangerous substances to minimise
the possibility of an incident. Your supplier should
be able to provide detailed advice on safe
storage and handling; however, the following
principles will help you reduce the risk from fire:
• substitute highly flammable substances
and materials with less flammable ones;
• reduce the quantity of dangerous substances
to the smallest reasonable amount necessary
for running the business or organisation;
• correctly store dangerous substances, e.g.
in a fire-resisting enclosure. All flammable
liquids and gases should ideally be locked
away, especially when the premises are
unoccupied, to reduce the chance of them
being used in an arson attack; and
• ensure that you and your employees are
aware of the fire risk the dangerous
substances present and the precautions
necessary to avoid danger.
Additional general fire precautions may be
needed to take account of the additional risks
that may be posed by the storage and use of
these substances.
Certain substances and materials are by
their nature, highly flammable, oxidising or
potentially explosive. These substances are
controlled by other legislation in addition to
fire safety law, in particular the Dangerous
Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations 20027
(also see the HSE’s Ap