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Flammable liquids 
 

 

Flammable liquids dangerous goods logo class 3

  

Combustible liquids dangerous goods logo class 3
 Flammable liquid class 3  Combustible liquid class 3

Flammable liquids

Flammable liquids include petrol, ethanol and methylated spirit, paint thinners, kerosene and acetone.

 

Combustible liquids

Combustible liquids are mostly distillate oils such as heating oil, engine oil and vegetable oil. The hazards are essentially the same as for class 3 flammable liquids, but combustible liquids are less volatile, release fewer vapours and don’t ignite quite as easily.  

 

Why they are dangerous

Even very small quantities of flammable liquids may ignite and cause serious injury and damage. Vapours – especially when accumulated in poorly ventilated rooms or closed containers – may explode.

Note: one litre of flammable liquid – when fully evaporated – may produce 5,000 litres of an explosive vapour / air mix, enough to fill a small store room or garage.

 

Risk assessment

Finding out if you are at risk involves doing a risk assessment and identifying:

  1. the type of product including its dangerous good classification name and number
  2. how much is being stored or used
  3. identifying and controlling particular risks identified in the Occupational Health and SafetyRegulation 2001.

 

Protect yourself and others

Once you have completed your risk assessment, you will need to implement measures to protect yourself and others by:

  1. eliminating the risk if reasonably practicable
  2. remove the dangerous good or substituting for a less hazardous substance
  3. ensuring you have adequate emergency exits
  4. ensuring the physical separation of dangerous goods from people and property by distance or physical barriers
  5. ensuring any spills or leaks are contained and that incompatible substances are not stored together
  6. removing sources of ignition or controlling the risks in hazardous areas
  7. controlling atmospheric emissions 
  8. establishing appropriate administrative controls.

Note: use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort to control risks and do not rely solely on PPE for protection.

 

Find out more

The Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods: Code of Practice has more information about the storage of dangerous goods.

 

Call 13 10 50 for more information about flammable liquids.