Flammable Liquids

Gasoline, solvents, and naphtha are extremely dangerous. If you must use them:

· Store them only in approved safety cans or storage cabinets. Be sure they are labeled.
· Keep them in areas that are well-ventilated.
· Store them away from heat or sparks.
· Clean up spills right away.
· Never smoke or light a match when you're near flammable liquids or handling them.
· Oily rags must be stored in a covered metal container with a self-closing cover.
· Spontaneous ignition happens when heat builds up in piles of trash, damp waste or oily rags.

Electrical Fire Hazards

Faulty electrical wiring is a common fire hazard. Loose wiring, overloaded circuits and overheated electric motors are dangerous. Here's how you can prevent electrical fires:

· Check tools, equipment, extension cords and plugs for worn spots and exposed wires.
· Keep switch boxes clean and closed.
· Don't try to use broken power tools or equipment. Report them to your supervisor.
· Don't attempt to repair broken power tools or equipment unless you're a trained and experienced repair technician.

Arson

Some fires are started deliberately. If you see someone or something suspicious, report it to your supervisor.

Smoking

· Careless smoking can cause fires. Smoke only in areas where smoking is allowed.
· Use butt cans and ashtrays for cigarettes and matches.

Open Flames & Hot Surfaces

· Get a hot-work permit before you use heating tools or appliances, such as welding torches or soldering guns.
· To prevent falling sparks and hot metal from causing a fire, sweep off wood floors and cover them with metal or other non-combustible material.
· Clear the area of anything that could ignite. Surround the area with fire-retardant curtains if they're available.
· When welding is going on, make sure a fire watch is standing by with a fire extinguisher.
· In some cases, the fire watch may need to continue for up to 30 minutes after the job has been finished. · Turn off and unplug appliances such as soldering irons and coffee pots when your work day is over.

Sparks

Friction produces sparks that can cause fires. To avoid them:

· Watch for sparks from metal-to-metal or metal-to-concrete contact. Use brass or plastic containers and tools when you work with flammable materials.
· Check belt drives and conveyors for inadequate lubrication, rubbing, high stress or tautness that can produce sparks.
· Oil motor bearings frequently to cut down on friction and overheating.

Static Electricity

Static electricity is a constant danger when transferring flammable or combustible liquids. Surface vapors can ignite when flammable liquids flow from one container to another.

· Use brass or plastic containers when you transfer flammable liquids.
· Make sure containers for flammable liquids are grounded and bonded to prevent static electricity from causing a spark.