Right To Know Understanding Flammables and Combustibles

Learning Objectives Meaning of terms “Flammable” and “Combustible Difference between: Flammable Aerosols Flammable Gases Flammable Liquids Combustible Liquids Flammable Solids

Learning Objectives (cont) Flammables and Combustibles in Your Area Physical Hazards Health Hazards Methods of Detection Emergency and Handling Procedures First Aid Procedures

Overview Awareness Remember MSDS’s Toluene (etc)

Definitions For a fire to occur there must be: 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 Types of Flammables Aerosols Gases Liquids Solids Types of Combustibles Many materials are combustibles, but there is a special category og combustible liquids

Flammable Aerosols 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 MSDS’s Incidents or Concerns

Flammable Gases A Compressed Gas with: 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 Properties 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) 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 MSDS’s

Flammable Gases: Health Hazards 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 MSDS’s

Flammable Gases: Methods of Detection Odors are often added to flammable gases to aid detection and, therefore, prevent injury. 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 Always 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 General Procedures for overexposure 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 A substance with a Flash Point below 100°F. 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 Properties: 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 In addition to flammability the following Health symptoms are often present: Skin contact – may cause reddening or drying Inhalation – may cause dizziness, nausea or headaches, or may irritate respiratory tract

Flammable Liquids: Health Hazards (cont) In addition to the General symptoms: 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 All Flammable Liquids: 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 When working with Flammable Liquids 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 MSDS’s

Flammable Liquids: Emergency and Handling Procedures Remember: 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 In the event of overexposure: 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 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. Remember Flash Point for Flammable Liquids was below 100°F.

Flammable Solids Any solid, other than explosives, that can cause a fire by self-igniting through: Friction Spontaneous chemical changes Retained heat from manufacturing process Reactivity with air or water In Your Area MSDS

Flammable Solids: Physical Properties and Hazards Flammable Solids: Burn readily and persistent May generate chemical products that are corrosive, poisonous, or flammable Require special extinguishing agents in a fire In Your Area MSDS

Flammable Solids: Health Hazards All Flammable Solids have potentially severe health effects: 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 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 For Emergency: 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 In the event of overexposure: 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 MSDS

Summary Definitions: 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: Aerosols Gases Liquids Solids In Your Area: Physical Properties and Hazards Health Hazards Methods of Detection Emergency and Handling Procedures First Aid Procedures