Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Flammable Liquid
University of Kansas Medical Center
Safe Operating Procedure
FLAMMABLE LIQUID
Purpose/Scope:
The purpose of this safe operating procedure is to guide laboratory staff in the safe handling,
storage and use of flammable liquid chemicals. It provides general safety recommendations to
reduce the risk of exposure and accidents.
This procedure applies to all laboratories that use flammable liquid chemicals.
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or ehs@kumc.edu )
Definition:
A flammable liquid means a liquid having a flash point of not more than 60 C (140 F).
A combustible liquid means any liquid that does not meet the definition of any other hazard class
specified in the subchapter 173.120 and has a flash point more than 60 C (140 F) and not more
than 93 C (200 F).
Examples
Methanol, Ethanol, Xylene, Butanol, Isopropanol, Acetone, etc.
Hazards
Highly flammable. Explosive in presence of open flames and sparks of heat. High concentration
of vapors.
Routes of Exposure
If any symptoms should occur, seek medical advice.
Eye contact: Immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Flammable Liquid
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Inhalation: Report to fresh air, keep calm and at rest. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. DO NOT induce vomiting and seek medical attention.
Handling/Storage:
Handling
Keep locked up. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition. Ground all equipment containing
material. Do not ingest or breathe gas / fumes / vapor / spray. Wear suitable protective clothing.
In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical
advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep
away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, metals, acids.
Storage
Store in a segregated and approved area. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep
container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Avoid all possible sources of ignition
(spark or flame). Keep segregated from all oxidizers.
Spills and Accidents:
Ensure eye wash and safety shower locations are known.
Fill out incident report form: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/incident-report-form.html
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or ehs@kumc.edu )
PPE (personal protective equipment) and Engineering/Ventilation Controls:
Engineering/ventilation controls and/or proper work practices should be used to eliminate
hazards. If these alone do not eliminate the hazards present then PPE should be used. PPE is
ineffective if it is not used properly.
PPE
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Flammable Liquid
Personal protection: Avoid contact with skin and eyes when handling the product. Use only in
well ventilated areas.
Inhalation: In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
Hands and Skin: wear suitable protective gloves (nitrile), lab coat, etc.
Eyes: Wear safety glasses/goggles.
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Use only in well ventilated areas.
Work conducted under a certified chemical fume hood is recommended. Please see the
following link for information regarding work with chemical fume hoods:
http://www.kumc.edu/Documents/compliance/safety/2012%20Chemical%20Fume%20Hood%20Plan.pdf
Waste Disposal:
The EHS office is required by Federal Regulations, the EPA, to properly dispose of all hazardous
waste. Once a lab is ready to discard any hazardous materials, please fill out chemical pickup
form located on the EHS website or follow the link below:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/chemical-pick-up-form.html
Special Precautions for animals:
For any projects involving the use of chemicals or drugs on animals, all researchers must review
and comply with the IACUC Chemical and Drug Hazard Policy. Additionally, the “Section H”
portion within the IACUC protocol form is the designated location for disclosing all hazards
(including chemical and drug use) for research involving animal models. The policy can be
found at: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/office-of-animal-welfare/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/iacuc-policies.html.
Resources:
Consult the individual chemical’s MSDS (or SDS) for additional information about the hazards
and proper handling of each specific chemical. If you do not have an MSDS, several can be
found on the following websites:
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Flammable Liquid
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html
http://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/msdssearchhome?showMSDSSearch=Y&storeId=10652
Other Resources:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-.html
Keegan, Robert. J. (2011/2012). Hazardous Materials, Substances & Wastes Compliance Guide. Kutztown, PA: Robert J. Keegan.