Fire Safety | The dangers of hazardous substances

Hazardous substances are all around us in the workplace and in the majority of domestic premises too. They are marked with the International symbols of hazard, and have been since 2009 when they replaced the European symbols for the UK market.

While accepting that they are a necessity for some situations and practices, their identification, handling and storage is of the utmost importance when considering fire safety.

Various steps to reduce the risk of hazardous substances must be taken by all building occupiers and responsible persons to mitigate the impact, in case of fire.

Step One - Risk Reduction

The first step to be taken is to consider risk reduction. Once you have identified the hazardous substance, consideration needs to be given to its necessity. Could another, less dangerous, chemical be used instead?

For example, a particularly hazardous substance (when involved in fire) is acetylene, which is commonly mixed with oxygen and used in welding.  In some situations, a viable alternative is propane, which, although it will produce a different temperature, may be suitable. Some users have been able to alter their working techniques to achieve the same objective. 

The process should be followed for each hazardous substance found.  Is this process necessary? Are alternative methods practical and available?

It may be the case that the original substance is the only substance that can realistically achieve the objective, or that a safer substance is available, which still presents some risk.  The remaining risks need to be mitigated, to ensure a tolerable residual risk level is achieved.

Step Two - Storage & Management

Once it is established that there is no viable alternative to the continued use of a hazardous substance, a realistic starting point is management.  

How much of the substance is required?  How frequent are deliveries?  Can the material be safely stored externally?  This level of consideration should ensure that the materials on site are minimal, with the material actually in use minimal also.  

The storage of hazardous materials is subject to legislation and guidance. Further information on effective storage can be gained through 'The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002' or the 'Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) 2002'.  

Here are some basic safety rules to follow:  

• When storing different substances, the effect of one substance on another must be considered, particularly in case of spillage.
• Compressed cylinders usually require good ventilation and therefore are stored externally in an appropriate cage.
• Cylinders should be stored in a manner which will not cause mechanical damage.
• Combustible materials should be kept away from cylinders, (this should include vegetation etc.)
• Flammable materials are usually stored within metal (fire-proof) cabinets.
• Consider any special temperature requirements of the substances.
• Separate risk areas, do not keep all hazardous substances together.

Step Three - Usage of hazardous substances

On the basis these substances have been classed as hazardous, they must be treated appropriately.  The only way to ensure this is through ensuring all operatives involved in their use are appropriately trained.

Instances have arisen in the past whereby failings of operatives have led to catastrophic results.

For example, in one case, an operative failed to follow correct procedures when using oxy/acetylene, causing a flashback to occur.  The cylinder started to shake, fortunately the operative realised how dangerous it was and the building was evacuated.  Three minutes later, the cylinder exploded causing in excess of £1 million of damage.  There were other contributing factors, such as inadequate flashback arresters.  With appropriate knowledge, training and safety equipment this situation could have been avoided.  Thankfully, no one was injured.

Step Four - Emergency Action

All personnel should know the action to take in the event of an accident involving hazardous substances.  Chemical Spill Kits should be purchased in advance and placed where they may be required, along with protective equipment.  In terms of fire, specific precautions and actions may be required (a fire safety consultant can advise on particulars), although in many instances the best course of action may be to evacuate.  Staff must be adequately trained to enable them to make the correct decisions.

On calling the emergency services, details of the hazardous materials should be given, as this may affect their response.

Summary

Hazardous substances are part of work processes and even if the risk can be reduced, they will still pose a level of risk.  However, through appropriate management, training and storage of these materials, the risk posed to persons, structures and the environment can be acceptable.

Similarly, planning for an emergency should ensure that the life safety of occupants is not compromised and any event does not cause significant harm.

If you would like to know more - or would like to arrange an appointment with one of our senior fire safety advisers - simply call Peter Gyere on 020 8668 8663.