TOOLBOX TALK 04/60
TOPIC: OPERATION GENERAL FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE AWARNESS OF THE DANGERS OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

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Some things to know before you give your talk.

• As supervisor, you should let your crew know a fact that surprises a lot of people about flammable liquids. And that fact is that it is the vapor rising from the liquid that burns, not the liquid itself.
• When flammable vapor mixes with air and a flame or spark ignition occurs.
• Whether the result of ignition is a fire or an explosion depends on the circumstances. In a closed space with the right mix, the burning is so violent that the sides of the building or the can are torn open.

Here are a few scenarios:

• A mechanic decided to cut the end out of a 44-gallon drum that had been used for storing jet fuel. There was hardly any liquid but there was enough vapor and air in the drum to cause an explosion.
• A fire occurred while a mechanic was angle grinding a piece of metal and sparks fell into a tray of thinners.
• An explosion happened during spray painting of a storage space in the workshops.

Tell your crew that explosions can be prevented by:

• Steam cleaning drums, tanks or containers before a torch is used on them.
• Providing enough ventilation to remove flammable vapours.

Questions you can use to get them talking:

• Has anyone ever had an accident – or know of one – involving flammable liquids?
• What should you do if you suspect an area has a build-up of flammable vapours?

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