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Activity Owner: Francis Zheng Inputs by: DENV Team Approved by: Soh Thian Ping (Dr) Module Chair: Jayne Loh
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Todays problem
As the new safety officer, you were tasked to:
Perform an evaluation of the use of acetone and isopropyl in the lab. Recommend measures to be taken for the lab to operate safely.
Your experiment with flammable vapour mixtures showed that a higher concentration of flammable vapour does not necessarily mean that the mixture can combust.
Explain the results of your experiment.
The approach
Find out the basics requirements for a fire to start. Identify characteristics of flammable material that need to be evaluated. Categorize the types of flammable material. Based on the requirements of the different categories of flammable material, use the Hazard Control Hierarchy to prevent the occurrence of fires / explosions. Identify measures that can be put in place to mitigate the consequences of a fire.
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Fuel Fuel
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Air (Oxygen)
Fire Point
The lowest temperature at which a vapour above a liquid will continue to burn once ignited.
For the same liquid, which is higher; flash point or fire point?
Fire Point
Flammable Limits
When mixed with air, the vapour of a fuel will only burn within a specific concentration range. Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)*
The minimum concentration (vol % fuel) of the vapour in air below which a flame is not propagated (i.e. no combustion).
The mixture is only flammable when the concentration of the fuel vapour is between the LFL and UFL.
* LFL and UFL are also known as Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) and Upper Explosion Limit (UEL) respectively.
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
LFL and UFL data of individual components from MSDS / SDS Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
7.0 84.0
Combustion Did Not Occur. 2.25 12.44 16.0 Total % flammables > UFL
Hazard Labeling
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
Hazardous Chemical is classified according to:
a hazard class based on its hazard nature (e.g. Flammable Liquids) AND A hazard category based on the severity of the hazard (e.g. Cat 1)
Hazard symbols, signal words and hazard statements are then Degree of hazard (0,1,2,3,4) used to describe the hazards denoted in each diamond based on the classification To be fully implemented in 3 Singapore by mid-2015 GHS and 1 0 NFPA Labels for Acetone
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
A liquid having a flash point < 23C and initial boiling point 35C. A liquid having a flash point < 23C and initial boiling point >35C. A liquid having a flash point 23C and 60C. A liquid having a flash point > 60C and 93C No Symbol
Danger
Extremely flammable liquid and vapour Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Danger
Warning
Warning
Hierarchy of Control
Elimination
Is it possible to eliminate any side of the fire triangle? Remove oxygen from the process. Eliminate the use of volatile solvents. Possible to eliminate all ignition sources?
Substitution
Can we replace the mixture with something else that is less flammable / non-flammable (e.g. higher flash point)? Replace solvent-based substances with waterbased substances.
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Hierarchy of Control
Engineering controls
What are the flammability limits (LFL / UFL)? Install ventilation systems to dilute flammable mixtures. Safety Interlocks / Fail Safe Are ignition sources controlled / minimised? Ground / insulate equipment grounded to prevent static discharge Intrinsically safe / explosion proof equipment Are the vessels / containers / areas suitable? Select correct material for vessels / containers. Proper segregation of flammable storage area. Safety Cabinets
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Hierarchy of Control
Administrative controls
Is there a set of Safe Work Procedures for any work involving flammable substances? Risk Assessment for each process Good housekeeping Train people to properly handle flammable substances. No smoking in certain locations. Is there control of work involving heat and flammable substances? Permit-to-work system (Hot Work Permit) Are the flammable substances well-labelled? Use of Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Hierarchy of Control
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
What are the necessary PPE needed for people handling different types of flammable substances? Proper selection of PPE Correct use of PPE (Training for workers) Maintenance and availability of PPE
Mitigation!
Fire Protection / Fire Fighting Systems
Automatic Fire Detection Devices
Heat Detectors Smoke Detectors Flame Detectors Aspirating Detectors
Alarm Systems
Audible (alarm bell) Visual (strobe lights)
Fire Extinguishers Fire Hydrants Sprinklers systems Water / Smoke Curtains Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Special extinguishers with approved agents for each type of metal (e.g. NaCl for magnesium fires)
Types of Explosions
Vapour Cloud Explosion (VCE)
Sudden release of a large quantity of flammable vapour (e.g. when a tank of LPG ruptures) Dispersion of vapour while mixing with air Ignition
Dust Explosion
When finely divided particles of solid material are dispersed in air and ignited Common in flour milling, grain storage and coal mining industries.
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
The Hazard Control Hierarchy can be used to evaluate fire hazards. Mitigation measures for possible fire / explosion need to be in place.
Copyright 2011 by Republic Polytechnic, Singapore