Flammable Liquids and Chemical Segregation
When you’re dealing with any type of dangerous goods, a clear understanding of the hazards associated with that substance is vital if you want to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. And if you’re working with Class 3 Flammable Liquids, one of the key considerations is how to safely segregate your flammables from other incompatible substances.
Incompatible Substances & Substances That React Dangerously
According to the Australian Standard AS 3833-2007, there is a difference between substances that are incompatible and those that will react dangerously.
Incompatible substances are defined as chemicals which are:
Substances that react dangerously are defined as those that react in a way that directly creates a hazard due to the reaction. These may include:
How To Segregate Flammable Liquids
Dangerous goods that are incompatible and react dangerously with flammable liquids must be stored in a way that allows for safe segregation. You can achieve this by storing chemicals in separate safety cabinets or outdoor stores that are applicable for that class of dangerous goods.
If you don’t choose dedicated safety cabinets for storage, you must abide by the rules of chemical segregation. These distances are determined by the Australian Standard AS 3833-2007 - The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods.
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The general segregation rules for incompatible chemicals are either a 3 metre or 5 metre distance, depending on the dangerous goods class that is being stored. however, as each dangerous good has specific requirements for segregation, you must refer to a chemical segregation chart to understand the exact requirements.
For example, flammable liquids are incompatible with classes of dangerous goods including (but not limited to):
Class 2.1 – Flammable Gases: these must be kept apart from flammable liquids by a distance of at least 5 metres
Class 4.1 – Flammable Solids: these must be kept separated by at least 3 metres
Class 6.1 – Toxic Substances: you must separate flammable liquids and toxic substances by a distance of at least 3 metres
Class 8 – Corrosive Substances: these are incompatible classes of Dangerous Goods and must be separated by at least 3 metres
Remember, this is only an example of the segregation distances required for incompatible classes of Dangerous Goods.
If you use compliant flammable liquids cabinet to store your Class 3 Flammable Liquids, the cabinet is providing you with sufficient chemical segregation — so the distances don’t apply. This is particularly useful for businesses who carry multiple classes of dangerous goods or organisations that don’t have an abundance of floorspace.
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