Flammable and Combustible Materials

• Are combustible scrap, debris, and waste materials (oily rags, etc.) stored in covered metal receptacles and removed from the worksite promptly?
• Is proper storage practiced to minimize the risk of fire including spontaneous combustion?
• Are approved containers and tanks used for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids?
• Are all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping, vapor and liquid tight?
• Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containers when not in use (e.g., parts cleaning tanks, pans, etc.)?
• Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded and bonded to containers during dispensing?
• Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have explosion-proof lights?
• Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have mechanical or gravity ventilation?
• Is liquefied petroleum gas stored, handled, and used in accordance with safe practices and standards?
• Are "NO SMOKING" signs posted on liquified petroleum gas tanks?
• Are liquified petroleum storage tanks guarded to prevent damage from vehicles?
• Are all solvent wastes, and flammable liquids kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until they are removed from the worksite?
• Is vacuuming used whenever possible rather than blowing or sweeping combustible dust?
• Are firm separators placed between containers of combustibles or flammables, when stacked one upon another, to assure their support and stability?
• Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders separated by distance, and fire-resistant barriers, while in storage?
• Are fire extinguishers selected and provided for the types of materials in areas where they are to be used?
  
  Class A Ordinary combustible material fires.
  
  Class B Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires.
  
  Class C Energized-electrical equipment fires.
• Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted within 75 feet (2286 meters) of outside areas containing flammable liquids, and within 10 feet (3.048 meters) of any inside storage area for such materials?
• Are extinguishers free from obstructions or blockage?
• Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and tagged at intervals not to exceed 1 year?
• Are all extinguishers fully charged and in their designated places?
• Where sprinkler systems are permanently installed, are the nozzle heads so directed or arranged that water will not be sprayed into operating electrical switch boards and equipment?
• Are "NO SMOKING" signs posted where appropriate in areas where flammable or combustible materials are used or stored?
• Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids at a point of use?
• Are all spills of flammable or combustible liquids cleaned up promptly?
• Are storage tanks adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes?
• Are storage tanks equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure?
• Are "NO SMOKING" rules enforced in areas involving storage and use of hazardous materials?

Last reviewed October 2024