Flammable liquids
H
ighly flammable liquids present a particularly
high fire risk. For example, a leak from a
container of flammable solvents, such as acetone,
may produce large quantities of heavier-thanair
flammable vapours. These can travel large
d
istances,
increasing
the likelihood of their
reaching
a source
of ignition well away from
the
original leak, such as a basement containing
heating
plant and/or electrical equipment on
automatic
timers.
Flammable liquids stored in plastic containers
can be a particular problem if involved in fire
because they readily melt, spilling their contents
and fuelling rapid fire growth.
The risk is reduced by ensuring the storage and
use of highly flammable liquids is carefully
managed; that materials contaminated with
solvent are properly disposed of and when
not in use, they are safely stored. In the workroom,
up to 50 litres may be stored in a fire-resisting
cabinet or bin that will contain any leaks (see
Figures 15 and 16). Quantities greater than
50 litres should be stored in a dedicated highly
flammable liquids store. Further guidance on
the storage of highly flammable liquids in
containers is available from the HSE.
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