Flammable liquids can be the different kinds of liquids we use every day, such as oil and gasoline. They often need to be shipped and carried over large distances. If you need to transport or carry such materials, special safety precautions need to be taken. This is to ensure that those carrying them and being exposed to them are safe and that you stay within government issued guidelines. Here are some steps to follow to be safe when carrying combustible liquids.
1. Make sure that the material is labelled correctly.
One of the most important things to ensure when transporting flammable materials is that it is labelled correctly. Follow the labelling regulations of your country when deciding which class the material should belong to. Generally, the highest class of flammable materials is defined as a material that is 99% composed of a substance that catches fire at 60.5 degrees Celsius (141 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. It is necessary to label any combustible materials as such so that anyone handling it knows the protocol for handling them and the risks they are being exposed to. If a third-party is handling the shipping, then they need to be aware of the risks and the regulations surrounding the handling of such material.
2. The liquid should be contained properly.
Even if you are carrying small amounts of combustible materials, it needs to be enclosed in a specially designed carrier such as an IBC bunded pallet with a spill bund. An IBC bunded pallet is a safe container that can be used to store things such as oil, adhesives, and different kinds of industrial thinners. IBC bunded pallets are weatherproof and often mandated by the law. They can be enclosed in a spill bund, which can collect the material and keep it safe in case there has been a spill.
3. There are more regulations if large amounts are being transported.
If large amounts of flammable materials are being transported, you may have to follow special regulations. The vehicle may have to be designed for carrying such materials, and the vehicle operator may need to have special training for the handling of hazardous material. Proper ventilation and pressure release mechanism are very important to prevent the buildup of gases that can escape and ignite a spark. This is why tanks in specially fitted vehicles need to have safety hatches. Flammable materials should never be carried in the trunk of a car, no matter how small the volume is. Even if it is enclosed in a safety can, the lack of ventilation means that there is a high risk of ignition in such as small, confined space.
4. People handling them must be specially trained.
People who handle and drive around with combustible materials should be trained so that they know safe handling protocols. They should also know how to react in case there is an accident or a spill.
If properly standards and safety procedures are followed, the handling of flammable materials does not have to be dangerous. But caution must always be exercised under all circumstances.
