ohsrmPART BSchool of Molecular Bioscience

Hazardous procedure: Use and storage of Flammables

Step 3. Assess the risk

Ref. # / Description of the hazard or hazardous job / Priority / Identification date
1 / Hazard: Flammable material can ignite, causing fire / 3 / 31/3/10
2 / Hazard: Burns caused by fire / 4 / 31/3/10
3 / Task: Decanting flammables between containers / 3 / 31/3/10
4 / Task: Storing flammables in the laboratory / 5 / 31/3/10
5 / Task: Carrying/transporting flammables / 4 / 31/3/10
6 / Task: Using flammables in labs containing ignition sources / 4 / 31/3/10

What makes it hazardous? Consult with the workers to find out which factors are relevant:

XThe nature of the hazard itself / Fire/Explosion hazard. The flammables may be also be toxic or irritants. Flammable liquids and solids may produce flammable vapours which can ignite from distant ignition sources, or cause toxic effects via inhalation
XThe individual(s) involved / Requires specific training in flammables handling and storage
Untrained individuals require close supervision
Record the names of those consulted when assessing the risk / Date
Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Nick Coleman, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij, Craig Jackson / 22/4/2010

Step 4. Control the risk(s)

Describe the risk control(s) / Who is responsible for implementation / Due by date
Wear personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, safety gogglesor face shield, enclosed shoes) / Individual researcher and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Do not use flammables near ignition sources, especially naked flames eg. Bunsen burners, but also including electrical equipment / Individual researcher and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Flammables should be stored and used at least 3 metres from any potential ignition source (this includes most electrical devices eg fridges and freezers / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Appropriate fire extinguisher and blanket present in laboratory, training of workers in use of these fire-control devices. Workers need to know locations of fire-control devices before a fire occurs. / Individual researcher and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Have appropriate spill kit in laboratory close to storage cabinet / Individual researcher and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Use flammables in a well ventilated area, preferably in a fume cupboard if large volumes (>100 ml) are being used or decanted / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Label flammable containers/bottles with the type of chemical, and the word ‘FLAMMABLE’, keep containers tightly closed when not in use / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Minimise the amount of flammables kept in the work area and
store flammables away from incompatible materials (e.g. oxidizers and acids) in a dedicated flammables/solvent cabinet / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Carry large bottles in a winchester carrier / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Obtain and read the MSDSs for all flammables you use
Keep all MSDSs in a folder in the laboratory / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Proper training of users / Supervisor of researcher / 30/4/2010
Development of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) / Safety Committee / 30/4/2010
Reading and following the SOP / Individual user and their supervisor / 30/4/2010
Record the names of those consulted when deciding on risk control measures
Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Nick Coleman, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij, Craig Jackson
PART B completed by: / Jenny Phuyal / Date: / 22/4/2010