Page 40 - Occupational Health & Safety, April 2019

FIRE SAFETY
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment issues are the leading cause of fires in industrial properties, according to the NFPA. Electrical issues also frequently make OSHA’s top ten list of violations.
on site. Knowing the properties of each chemical is the first step in keeping em- ployees safe. It’s also the first step in storing, handling, and using it correctly to avoid re- actions and other unsafe conditions.
Section seven of every hazardous chem- ical’s safety data sheet (SDS) lists storage and handling information. This includes any incompatibilities as well as any other special precautions that need to be taken, such as storing the chemical away from ig- nition sources, water, or oxidizers; or keep- ing it within a specific temperature range.
Open Waste Containers
Waste and recycling containers that do not have lids can encourage misuse. Often the misuse is unintentional, but it can lead to the mixing of incompatible materials or putting something hot into a container of combustible materials. Uncovered contain- ers that contain flammable wastes can also release vapors that contribute to indoor air quality issues and can could potentially cause unsafe flammable atmospheres.
Keeping lids on containers helps to
geous. Review the fire hazards in the area to choose the best type for each situation.
Fire extinguishers are useful for in- cipient fires, but they need to be inspected regularly to ensure that they are still pres- surized and in working order. Inspections also should include making sure that the extinguishers are not blocked and that they are located in an area that gives the user a clear exit path if the contents of the extin- guisher cannot extinguish a fire.
Electrical Issues
Electrical distribution and lighting equip- ment issues are the leading cause of fires in industrial properties, according to the NFPA. Electrical issues also frequently make OSHA’s top ten list of violations.
Extension cords, daisy-chained con- nections, and overloaded outlets are three of the easiest electrical problems to spot,
as are blocked electrical panels. Checking power cords for frays and verifying that outlets have the proper tension takes a bit longer but will help avoid more than one safety risk.
Inadequate Sprinkler Clearance
Storage space is usually a precious com- modity in facilities. It can be tempting to stack things just a little bit higher or to put things on a top shelf, just for the time be- ing. Sprinkler systems need a minimum of 18 inches of clearance to function correctly. Items that are stored too close to sprinkler heads can disrupt their flow patterns and diminish the sprinkler system’s ability to adequately drench an area.
Improperly Stored Chemicals
Few facilities operate without at least a handful of different hazardous chemicals
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