Some substances can appear to be quite safe, but when they have been fully investigated, they can be found to be classed as 'Dangerous', such as hairspray and furniture polish found in aerosol containers, which may contain highly flammable liquefied petroleum gas as a propellant. These have been known to explode if they have been exposed to fire. If dangerous substances are present in the workplace, then the responsible person must inform all employees what the dangerous substances are, and the risks they present. The properties of a dangerous substance that need to be known include the boiling point and flash point of any flammable liquid, and whether any flammable gas or vapour that may be present is lighter or heavier than air. For dusts, information on particle size and density will be needed, once it has been shown that a particular dust can form an explosive atmosphere. Supplier Information Information on safety is provided by the supplier (and has been previously discussed in an earlier section) it can be found in the “Safety Data Sheet” (SDS). This document should be carefully studied as it has been compiled by the manufacturer or supplier and will contain information on the potential hazards and how to work safely with the product. It will contain information on the use, storage, handling, and emergency procedures that relate to the hazards of the material. It will also give information on how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if an accident or incident occurs and how to recognise the symptoms of over exposure. Information on the product data sheet relevant to fire includes: • Flash point
• Boiling point • Flammability • Explosive properties • Vapour pressure and density • Reactivity • Storage • Incompatible substances • Extinguishing media • Advice for fire-fighters
The circumstances of the work Assessing the risk will require looking at the premises and the type of work that is to be carried out. The circumstances of the work may require special, technical, or general organisational measures being put in place, to help in the elimination or reduction of the risk. The substance and its possible interaction will also need to be established. What action would occur if the substance were ignited? In addition, will any of the structures have areas of weakness that may increase the speed of fire spread due to possible ignition sources and combustible materials being present?
©SHEilds – All rights reserved FCV 3 JUN 2021
Page 9 of 12
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software