Working in a warehouse has its ups and downs, but no matter what you do there, everyone deserves to work in a safe environment. That’s why you should understand the dangers of flammable materials in your warehouse.
Knowing how to organize these chemicals and dispose of them properly is critical for safety. Learn about the risks these materials pose in a warehouse environment.
Flammable Liquids Cause Fires and Explosions
Flammable liquids don’t burn on their own. The vapor from them burns when it combines with air.
For example, when you put gasoline in your car, it most likely won’t cause a fire. However, having a lit match nearby may ignite flames when enough vapor concentrates.
It all depends on the temperature of the air. Many of these liquids burn at room temperature, so people must store them carefully. Electrical materials such as used forklift batteries also require careful handling to prevent a fire.
Materials Could Ignite Quickly and Unexpectedly
Flammable and combustible materials have explosive limits they must reach before they ignite. However, these limits are generally vague and not intended to be strict boundaries.
Sometimes, autoignition is possible with flammable liquids, which means they will burn without any ignition source, like a spark or a match. As with explosive limits, autoignition temperatures vary, even when measuring the same material. Taking the proper precautions when dealing with flammable or combustible materials is essential for safety.
Vapors Can Cause a Flashback
If a container with flammable liquid is left open, vapor can flow into the air. This poses the risk of a flashback occurring, which is when the vapor ignites and leads the trail of fire back to the liquid, where an explosion might happen.
Fires or flashbacks can occur when the open container is hundreds of feet away or even several floors higher or lower than the fire. Make sure to cover every container securely before you put it away to prevent this from happening.
The Materials Are Harmful to Your Body Without Combustion
Although fires are the primary risk of flammable materials, these materials can harm people in other ways, too. Depending on the type of material and exposure method (such as breathing in vapor, touching the liquid with your hand, or swallowing it by accident), these liquids can cause significant health problems. In addition to irritation at the point of contact, these materials can damage your internal organs.
Overall, there are numerous dangers of flammable materials in your warehouse. Be careful with them and use them with caution. Safety is the most profitable warehouse management strategy in the long run, so proceed with this sentiment in mind.
