Health and Safety

2. Flashpoint of less than 32oC

Small quantities of liquid may be kept in ordinary

workrooms which are either safe by position or
are of a fire-resistant structure
Every tank, cylinder, store room etc used for

storage of LPG to be marked “Highly Flammable -
LPG”

3. All HFLs must be stored in one of the following:

Fixed storage tanks in a safe position

 Suitable closed vessels in a safe position in the open air,
where necessary being protected against direct sunlight
 Suitable closed vessels kept in a store room, either safe
by position or of fire-resisting structure
 In the case of a workroom where the aggregate quantity
does not exceed 50 litres, in suitable closed vessels in a
suitably placed cupboard or bin that is a fire-resisting
structure

4. All LPGs to be stored in one of the following ways:

Suitable underground reservoirs or in suitable fixed storage

tanks, in a safe position, either underground or in the open
air
In suitable movable storage tanks/vessels kept in a safe

position in the open air
In pipelines or pumps forming part of an enclosed system

In suitable cylinders kept in safe positions in the open air or,

where not reasonably practicable, in a store room constructed
of non-combustible material, with adequate ventilation, in a
safe position, of fire-resisting structure and solely used for
storage of LPG and/or acetylene cylinders

5. Separate from manufacturing,

accommodation, public access, garages &
equipment which may produce a fire hazard
At least 2 access points to allow escape

Doors & gates should be shut when not

required to allow passage of goods. Locked
when not in use
Segregation of different types of good (e.g.

packets, drums, cylinders etc.) in different
areas

6. Stacked goods:

Keep stacks as small as is practical

 Keep stacks away from walls and off floor by using pallets
 Stacks should not be close to lights, alarm points, fire-
fighting equipment or sprinklers
 Stack should not block drains
Housekeeping:

Inspect stores regularly

 Waste & debris should not be allowed to accumulate for fear
of fire
All electrical equipment within the area should be of

a standard related to the risk (zoned)

7. No smoking - the use of the stores for a “quick

smoke” is a particular hazard
Heating equipment - no portable heaters

Incoming goods - especially baled materials,

should be inspected for incipient fire or
smouldering
Any repair or maintenance work carried out in the

stores should be supervised. Blow lamps & cutting
equipment are a particular hazard

8. Fire-fighting equipment should be suitable for the risk

e.g. fire class, and be properly maintained. All staff
should be instructed in its use and other emergency
procedures e.g. evacuation, raising alarm and calling fire
brigade
Limitation of damage - Should a fire occur, damage will

result from the fire itself, from water & from smoke.
These causes can be minimised by spacing, to limit
spread and allow access between stacks. Keeping water
sensitive goods off the floor and keeping drains clear will
greatly reduce losses

9. Compartmented or separated store; up to 4 hour fire

resistance
Not located where it could hinder escape in event of

fire
Incorporate means to prevent liquid escapes

Located at ground level

All ignition sources (rubbish, vegetation) should be

eliminated
Area should be ventilated to the open air

Store and containers should be marked


10. Stored outside on an impervious surface

(concrete)
No container should be stored within 2m of

any door, plain glazed window, or escape
route
Small containers in work rooms may be stored,

provided that:
The total quantity does not exceed 50 litres

When not being used they are kept in a store of non-

combustible construction

11. Safe storage of small quantities of highly flammable
substances in fire-resisting cabinets

12. Quantities greater than 50 litres should be stored in a properly designated store,
either in the open air (on well ventilated, impervious ground, away from ignition
sources) or in a suitably constructed storeroom

13. Storage in the workroom

14. Safety containers with
self-closing lids
should be used for
dispensing and
applying small
quantities of
flammable liquids

15. Rags & cloths which have
been used to mop up
or apply flammable
liquids should be
disposed of in metal
containers with well
fitting lids and
removed from the
workplace at the end
of each shift or
working day

16. All stores & workrooms must be ventilated to

reduce vapour concentrations.
All naked flames & smoking must be

prohibited
Tools, spanners and wrenches used for opening

drums must be of non-sparking alloy
Zoned electrical equipment


17. Trained competent staff

High levels of supervision

Fire fighting equipment

Emergency procedures
