5.2. Flammables
Laws and regulations
Usage and storage of flammable liquids and gases at Kemicentrum is regulated and supervised by laws and regulations. The responsibility lies with the manager of flammables or their deputy (referred to as “Föreståndare brandfarlig vara” and “Ställföreträdare”) at each unit/division or department.
General explosion hazards in lab environment
Certain areas within the laboratory, as well as around storage facilities and cupboards, are EX-classified due to their closeness to flammable solvents and gases. In EX-classified areas, an explosive atmosphere may occur in such quantities that it requires special precautions.
In these EX-classified areas, the use of non-EX-classified electrical equipment or any other ignition sources is prohibited. However, there is exceptions for lightning a burner in some EX-classified areas.
- Before starting to work in the laboratory, it is essential to study the EXclassification plan displayed on your division. For more information om about EXclassifications plans, see section 5.2.1 EXclassified areas.
Note! Areas with forced ventilation, such as fume hoods, are the only areas that remain non-classified as explosively hazardous during regular work involving flammable solvents and burnable gases.
Regulations on handling flammable solvents and gases
The laboratory facilities designed for handling flammable solvents and gases, such as fume hoods and storage cupboards, have been constructed and adjusted to meet the requirements set by the governing authorities.
Individual modifications to these facilities are prohibited. Any malfunctions or inadequate adjustments should be reported to the authorities.
When working with flammable solvents or gases, it is mandatory to use fume hoods or other workspaces equipped with forced ventilation. Exceptions are allowed only if specific precautions have been implemented to ensure compliance with regulations related to EX-classified zones.
Additionally, during reflux boiling of flammable solvents, use only tap water cooling instead of pump-circulated cooling.
Electrical equipment usage in fume hoods
- Electrical equipment used in fume hoods must only be connected to power sockets interlocked with the ventilation system.
- Electrical equipment marked with the “EX” symbol is accepted for connection to standard power sockets.
- Never place power socket connectors inside, under, or in front of the fume hood.
Regulations regarding storing flammable liquids
Flammable liquids and explosive mixtures must be stored in ventilated cupboards.
When storing chemicals, consider the compatibility of different substances. For example, oxidizing chemicals must be kept separate from flammable liquids or other flammable chemicals. Chemicals that are both flammable and toxic should be stored as flammable chemicals. Chemical storage rooms and ventilated cupboards with flammables must be marked according to below.
Quantity guidelines:
- As a general rule, store the smallest possible quantities of these substances in the laboratory. The general recommendation is a
maximum of 2.5 liters. - In each fire cell boundary in building 2, 3 and 5 (as per fire documentation), a maximum of 50 liters of flammable substances may be stored in ventilated cupboards. However, there’s an exception for laboratories in building 1, equipped with fire sprinklers, where a maximum of 50 liters of flammable liquids may be stored in ventilated cupboards in each laboratory.
Prohibited storage locations:
- It is forbidden to store flammable substances in an ordinary refrigerator or freezer. Use approved refrigerators/freezers designed for this purpose.
- Avoid placing containers with flammable liquids directly on the floor.
Container requirements:
- Plastic containers larger than 2 liters must be type-approved for the specific flammable liquid they will hold.
Specific substances – storage volumes:
- Picric acid: Maximum storage of 3 kg per storage room.
- Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of ≥20%, maximum storage
volumes:
1 liter if the concentration is 80%.
5 liters if the concentration is 60% but lower than 80%.
50 liters if the concentration is lower than 60%.
Special permission is required to handle any amount of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration exceeding 60%.
Labels
| Pictogram | What shall be marked | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable material shall be marked with this pictogram. | ||
|
|
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| Cupboards and storage rooms containing flammables shall be marked with these sings and pictogram. |
Read more about signs and symbols in section: 7. Signs and symbols.
Regulations regarding transporting flammable liquids
Always prioritize safety when transporting volumes exceeding 1 liter of highly flammable solvents or gases in areas outside the laboratory.
Always prioritize safety when transporting volumes exceeding 1 liter of highly flammable solvents or gases in areas outside the laboratory.
Follow these guidelines:
- Choose the right equipment: Use a trolley equipped with soft rubber wheels and a fence to protect the goods during transport.
- Transporting single bottles: Single bottles can be transported in an upright position in a plastic bucket or similar containe
- Transport in elevators: When transporting liquid hazardous chemicals in an elevator, ensure that there are no passengers in the elevator. Place the hazardous chemicals in the elevator with a sign “do not enter the elevator” and take the stairs.
Special requirements on experimental work in case of evacuation and ventilation outage
To account for the possibility of evacuating Kemicentrum due to accidents, spills, exposures, or ventilation outage, the following regulations must be considered for all experimental work. Before beginning any laboratory task, ensure that a risk assessment is in place to deal with emergency situations.
Risk assessments must confirm whether the experimental setup may or may not produce non-negligible volumes of flammable or explosive atmosphere if left for several hours without forced ventilation.
If the experimental setup may produce non-negligible volumes of flammable or explosive atmosphere, then:
- The experimental setup must be designed for this specific activity and supervised by staff.
- The risk assessment must include a time plan for sealing of the setup.
- In case of evacuation, the experimental setup must be sealed before evacuation (if this can be done without immediate risk of health).
Example 1: Flash chromatography
Flash chromatography, when using low boiling solvents collected in open sample tubes, always produce considerable amounts of flammable gases.
Therefore, it is important to always supervise the process to ensure immediate sealing in case of an evacuation.
Example 2: Bottles containing solvents
Bottles containing solvents should never be left open to the atmosphere. Always close them in the event of an evacuation.
Example 3: Use of a continuous stream of flammable
Use of a continuous stream of flammable gas must be supervised and closed in case of evacuation or be equipped with an automatic valve that closes if ventilation ceases.