WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS
FLAMMABLES
In general, a flammable material is one which catches fire very easily. When the flammable material is a liquid, OSHA is a little more specific. According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.155(h), a flammable liquid is one with a flash point below 1400 F. The flash point is the temperature at which the material will give off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture. The real issue here is that flammable materials present a very serious fire hazard on construction sites.
There are many different flammable materials that are used in construction. The most common is probably gasoline; but there are many others: propane, paint, paint thinner, solvents, alcohol, and acetylene, along with a host of chemicals and additives. One of the most important things that you have to do is to know which materials are flammable, and how flammable they are. Take the time to read labels. Learn how to read both the color bar and the NFPA diamond label systems.
Once you know how flammable a material is, you can take the necessary steps to keep it from catching fire. Here are some general rules to keep in mind any time you work near or handle flammable materials:
1. No smoking — this means you and anyone else nearby.
2. Keep flammable materials away from all sources of ignition; these sources include open flames (like matches, lighters, torches), sparks (from welding, electrical outlets, the brushes in electric motors), and hot surfaces (like engines or exhaust pipes).
3. Clean up spills immediately and properly — don’t throw a match at it to burn it off.
4. Change clothes promptly if you spill flammable liquids on them, and make sure they are cleaned properly.
5. Keep in mind that flammable gases and the vapors from flammable liquids can drift in the air and could ignite some distance from where you are working.
6. Always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
7. Follow all company rules regarding fire prevention and the use and storage of flammable materials.
It probably isn’t possible to work on a construction site and not be exposed to flammable materials. It is possible to prevent fires and accidents. Learn how to work with these materials safely. “Learn not to burn.”
Date______________ Company______________________________ JobName/No._________________________
Topics Pertaining To Your Project ________________________________________________________________
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Employee Safety Recommendations ___________________________________________________________
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Meeting Attended By: Please sign your name and date.
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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.
Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
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