Shielding Some areas will require protection from radiant heat and sparks which could cause an ignition resulting in a fire or explosion. Combustible materials should be removed from these situations wherever possible. This is not always possible and so other methods may be required to block any radiant heat or sparks being transferred. Shielding to block radiant heat and sparks can be done by having screens put in place to stop this transfer. Welding and other hot work, such as grinding or cutting can be done in areas where screens or curtains are put in position to prevent the heat or sparks travelling a distance and igniting any combustible materials. The screens or curtains should be in good condition, be flame retardant and conform to any relevant national standard. Screens can be fixed or be mobile and can be transferred quite easily from different parts of the workplace. Before any work starts behind the screen, it should be inspected to ensure it is in the correct position. Separation of Ignition and Fuel Sources Ignition sources and fuel sources should be separated and maintained by regular monitoring and inspections. Inductions, regular toolbox talks, and notices displayed in the workplace can help in the separation being implemented and maintained. Risk assessments and safe systems of work should help in the separation of ignition and fuel sources, but poor maintenance and monitoring may bring these two factors together. Good housekeeping should always be in place, which prevents the premises from looking untidy and helps to keep ignition sources, such as heaters or the use of grinding tools coming into contact with sources of fuel. Control of sources of fuel Safe storage, transport and use of small quantities of substances within the flammable liquid categories Materials in use: • Keep quantities of materials, in use and stored, to a minimum • Container lids should be replaced after use • Any contaminated rags will need to be disposed of safely • Establish a common earth potential when dispensing or charging containers with flammable liquids • Any person using flammable materials must be trained
Materials in Storage:
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