Flammable Products

The term 'manufactured product' in this guidance note refers to a mixture of flammable liquid and solid material. The solid material may be a resin, wax, pigment or filler. The technical definition of 'manufactured product' is contained in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code).

Examples of Class 3 Flammable Manufactured Products are: polishes, adhesives, surface coatings (such as paint, lacquers and varnishes), and roofing sealants (such as 'liquid bitumen').

These products are normally used with a flammable solvent such as thinners or turpentine. Certain flammable products, (stains, for example), are not classified as manufactured product in this context.

Identifying a flammable product

If the container carries a red, flammable liquid 'diamond' label, then it contains dangerous goods of Class 3.

If a flammable solvent is used to thin the product, or to clean items such as brushes which are used to apply the product, then you may assume that the product itself is flammable.

It is important to distinguish between the amount of solvent and the amount of 'manufactured product' kept on school premises. This becomes relevant when determining storage and licensing requirements.

Packing Groups

Once the product has been identified as flammable, the 'Packing Group' to which it belongs must be determined. This information is also needed to determine the storage and licensing requirements for the product.

The Packing Group indicates the degree of hazard involved. The Packing Group maybe printed on the label below or near the flammable liquid 'diamond'.

The letters 'PG' along with a Roman numeral, either II or Ill may be displayed.

Another clue as to the Packing Group is the type of solvent used. For example, if turpentine or kerosene are used to 'thin' the substance, then it is probably classified as PG III.

If 'thinners', containing xylene is used, then it is probably PG II.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) contain all the relevant information on products; these should be available from the supplier.

If the solvent is classified as PG I, then special advice must be sought from WorkCover.

Dangerous Goods storage licensing

Licensing is based on the total amount of flammable liquid stored on the premises. All calculations should be based on the maximum quantity ever likely to be stored on the premises. This would probably be at a time when a new bulk order is delivered while there is still old stock on hand.

Solvents such as thinners or turpentine are generally used with a manufactured product. These would normally be stored on the premises also. In determining whether a license is required, the amount of solvent, 'thinners' and other flammable liquids from each Packing Group should be added up.

For manufactured product, the licensing requirement depends on the container size, the Packing Group and the total amount.'

A licence would be needed if there is solvent over 100L of pG1 or PG11 and/or manufactured product over 100L and any containers over 5L of PG11. For example, if you have more than 100 L of 'thinners' or more than 1,000 L of turpentine or kerosene on site, then a licence is needed.

The risk may be able to be reduced, by lowering the amounts stored, or keeping smaller containers and therefore, not require a licence.

Storage requirements

If more than 250L of PG1 or PG11 solvent are stored, then it must be kept in a flammable liquids cabinet or in a special flammable liquids store (internal or external). The full requirements for these can be found in the Australian Standard AS 1940 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

To reduce fire risk, it is important to consider the use of a flammable liquids cabinet or a special storage facility. This is particularly relevant in situations where open containers are frequently handled close to combustible materials. For example, in a woodwork room, estapols and varnishes may be open near timber supplies.

Interaction with materials and appliances

The possible interaction of dangerous goods with other materials and appliances on the school premises must be considered. Solvent and manufactured product must be stored at least three (3) metres away from:

- heat sources (such as a soldering stove and welding areas in metalwork rooms, or oven in a kitchen)

- ignition sources (such as electrical power points, welders, grinders, and battery chargers)

- other classes of dangerous goods including gas cylinders

- any materials that might interact dangerously if mixed. Steps must be taken to minimise the possibility of interaction. Advice and information on compatibility should be available in the product's MSDS

- anything easily combustible (such as newspaper, rags, stacks of timber and polymer materials)

- stairs, aisles or emergency exits, where they may jeopardise escape from a building in the event of fire.

Opening and decanting

Containers should be kept closed when not in use. Quantities of waste solvent should also be closed prior to disposal.

Opening a container, decanting, and cleaning equipment contaminated with the product using solvent, should be carried out in a well‑ventilated area and at least five (5) metres away from any potential source of ignition.

Plastic taps on drums would melt in a fire so these should not be used in conjunction with flammable goods packages. Self‑closing, non‑drip, metal taps are recommended.

Safe handling

The transfer of solvent or product from the storage area to the point of use should be carried out in a way that minimises the possibility of spillage or fire. It should not, therefore, be carried in open containers, such as cans or bottles.

Plastic containers should not be used with flammable liquids unless they are specifically designed for this purpose.

Anybody handling flammable liquids and products must be aware of the hazards involved. Suitable training must be provided and MSDS should be made available.

Spillages

All spillages must be cleaned up immediately. A clean‑up kit should be used for this purpose. An absorbent material such as sand or sawdust may be used to soak up the spill. This should then be cleaned up using a broom and shovel, and placed in a drum with a removable lid.

Care must be taken in disposing of waste materials contaminated with flammable substances. This should be carried out safely and in accordance with local council regulations. For more information, your local council or the EPA can be consulted.

The dangerous goods storage area must be kept clean of combustible waste material.

Containers should be stored safely in a designated area, on shelves or in cupboards. In general, liquids should not be stored above solids.

Used cleaning rags should be kept in a metal bin or drum with a close‑fitting lid to prevent escape of solvent vapour into the atmosphere. Emptying these bins should be made part of the daily routine. In addition, it is important to check the MSDS for manufacturers' recommendations on storage.

Signs and extinguishers

Where more than 100 L of flammable liquids are stored, the following items are required:

· a fire extinguisher (dry chemical) within ten (10) metres and readily accessible; and

· a warning sign worded 'DANGER ‑ FLAMMABLE LIQUID ‑ NO SMOKING KEEP FIRE AWAY, placed at an effective location adjacent to the store. If a licence is required, then a red flammable liquid 'diamond' must also be displayed.

Spray painting

There are additional requirements in the Factories (Health and Safety-Spray Painting) Regulation 1977. Spray booths must be approved by WorkCover. There are also additional requirements for the use and storage of flammable materials in and around booths and spray painting areas.

Disclaimer

ITE Services can not warrant and does not represent that this material, at the time of distribution, is complete, reliable and/or free from error.

ITE Services also can not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense you might incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon the information which appears in this document.

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