Seperation

Question 1

Wherever flammable liquids are stored or used, is a list of the quantities and locations of substances present maintained in a place where it is readily available for use by the fire and rescue service?

Answer 1

Wherever flammable liquids are stored or used, a list of the substances present
should be maintained, along with details of their quantities and location (see COSHH Regulations, ref 15). The list should be kept in a place where it is readily available for use by the fire and rescue service on their arrival, such as a gatehouse.

Question 2

Is care taken not to store flammable liquids with oxidising agents or flammable gases?

Answer 2

Flammable liquids should not be stored with oxidising agents or flammable gases.

Oxidising agents or other products incompatible with flammable liquids should be stored in separate areas. Further advice regarding these substances is set out in RISCAuthority recommendations RC43 (ref 40).

Question 3

Where practicable, is the processing or handling of flammable liquids carried out in a detached building?

Answer 3

If practicable, the processing or handling of flammable liquids should be carried out in a detached building or, where this is not practical, in a compartment providing at least two hours fire resistance. (See LPC Design Guide for the Fire Protection of Buildings 2000, ref 41.)

Question 4

Where flammable liquids are handled or stored, is attention paid to the provision of physical barriers, such as bunds, as well as suitably designed compartment walls, floors and doorways, to restrict the flow of a large spillage?

Answer 4

Where flammable liquids are handled or stored, attention should be paid to
the provision of physical barriers, such as bunds, as well as suitably designed
compartment walls, floors and doorways, to restrict the flow of a large spillage

Question 5

Are high standards of housekeeping maintained to prevent the accumulation of rubbish, particularly combustible materials, in the vicinity of flammable and highly flammable liquids?

Answer 5

High standards of housekeeping should be maintained to prevent the accumulation of rubbish, particularly combustible materials, in the vicinity of flammable and highly flammable liquids:

• any waste materials, contaminated cleaning rags etc, should be stored in clearly marked metal bins with metal lids and removed to a safe external area, ideally at least 10m from any buildings, at the end of each shift or working day.
• waste flammable liquids should not be mixed and should be kept in clearly
  marked, closed, waste disposal tanks. The storage of waste flammable liquids
  should be to the same high safety standard as for virgin flammable liquids.
• waste materials must not be disposed of by burning.
• waste flammable liquids should be disposed of carefully on-site, or where
  necessary be removed from the site for further treatment by licensed waste
  contractors

Question 6

Are the quantities of flammable liquids stored in a working area kept to a minimum and subject to a process risk assessment?

Answer 6

Quantities of flammable liquids stored in a working area should be kept to a minimum and be subject to a process risk assessment. In all cases, the volumes should not exceed the requirements for the day or period of work. The risk assessment must ensure that less than 50 litres of highly flammable liquid or 250 litres of flammable liquid are stored in the working area at any time