VICES

Question 1

Has the HSE guidance in booklet HS(G)51, which suggests the use of the acronym VICES, been used to help apply five basic principles which ensure that any flammable or highly flammable liquid that is necessary in the workplace is used and stored with appropriate care?

Answer 1

The HSE guidance in booklet HS(G)51 (ref 27) suggests the use of the acronym
VICES to help apply five basic principles which ensure that any flammable or
highly flammable liquid that is necessary in the workplace is used and stored with appropriate care.

Question 2

Is suitable staff training in place to ensure all personnel are aware of the hazards in the workplace and apply VICES to ensure a safer working environment for all?

Answer 2

Suitable staff training should be in place to ensure all personnel are aware of the hazards in the workplace and apply VICES to ensure a safer working environment for all

Question 3

Ventilation: Is there sufficient ventilation to keep the concentration of the liquid’s vapour below its lower explosive limit?

Ignition: Have all possible ignition sources been removed and is the electrical equipment used in this area suited to the risk category?

Answer 3

V Ventilation (see section 5)
* Is there sufficient ventilation to keep the concentration of the liquid’s vapour
below its lower explosive limit?

I Ignition (see section 6)
* Have all possible ignition sources been removed?
* Is the electrical equipment used in this area suited to the risk category?

Question 4

Containment:
* Are the liquids stored in suitable containers?
* In the event of a spill will they be contained?
* Is it possible to prevent spillages from spreading?
* Are bunds or catchment trays present where required?
* Are ‘empty’ containers properly managed?

Answer 4

Containment (see section 7)

• Are the liquids stored in suitable containers?
• In the event of a spill will they be contained?
• Is it possible to prevent spillages from spreading?
• Are bunds or catchment trays present where required?
• Are ‘empty’ containers properly managed?

Question 5

Exchange: Can the flammable substances can be eliminated from the workplace or be replaced by less flammable ones?

Answer 5

Exchange (see section 8)

• Although the fourth heading of the acronym, this asks the basic question can the flammable substances can be eliminated from the workplace?
• Can the substance be replaced by a less flammable one?