It seems to me that just about every liquid in an engine is flammable- from the obvious like gasoline and oil all the way down to windshield wiper fluid. Add acetone, paints, paint solvents, degreasers, and detergents to the mix, and anyone can see the extent we need flammable liquids to service vehicles. Every automotive dealership, service station, and collision center has to keep a number of these on hand, and technicians need to handle them daily.
However, these chemicals are inherently dangerous, and that makes them heavily regulated. Here is the short list of “common sense and legally required safeguards for workers” that Brenda Gordon, OSHA’s area director for Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts referred to as part of Monroe Muffler’s recent $184,000.00 citation. This list focuses on areas where flammable liquids are in use- not where they are stored. It is not exhaustive, and you should discuss state and local regulations with your KPA safety engineer.
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No smoking in the building. Check to make sure no smoking signs are properly mounted in and around the service bay and any areas- including outdoor areas- with flammable liquids |
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All metal flammable storage containers need to be grounded with alligator clips and ground wires. Fixed storage drums need to be affixed to a grounded pipe. Gas caddies need bonding wire, complete with metal clips. Always use a pump for transfers. |
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All lids need to be closed when not in use- including funnel lids and paint containers. |
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Remove all ignition sources located near flammable or combustible chemicals. |
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Flammable liquids should never be transferred to non-approved containers (don’t use plastic cans, don’t let your technicians use empty beverage containers to mix solvents). |
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Make sure your shop has enough fire extinguishers, that they are properly mounted, accessible, with signage, and that they passed the latest monthly inspection. Make sure there is at least one near the flammable liquids area. |
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Maintain fire prevention equipment and plans. Keep emergency numbers posted by all phones. |
| Personal Protective Equipment |
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Any fuel-piping systems need to be equipped with flashback arrestors to prevent backflow of Oxygen or flashback into the fuel-gas. |
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Make sure hoses are in good condition |
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Make sure all shut-off valves are closed when not in use. |
| Training |
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General shop and tool safety for all employees, as needed. Keep all certificates on file. |
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Personal Protective Equipment Safety annually. Keep all certificates on file. |
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Tool specific safety training, as needed. Keep all certificates on file. |
