When considering the storage of flammable liquids there are strict adherences concerning separation distances. This is the distance the flammable liquids must be stored from occupied buildings, boundaries, process units, flammable liquid storage tanks and or sources of ignition.
If you can achieve the relevant distance you can use a standard single skinned, fully bunded storage unit to hold your flammable liquids. If you can’t achieve the relevant distance the storage unit needs to be constructed to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance to comply with UK legislation.
Volume of liquid separation distances:
Up to 1000ltr – 2 metres
1000ltr to 100,000ltr – 4 metres
Above 100,000ltr – 7.7 metres
Some questions worth considering:
Is there good natural air movement in and around where the flammable substances are stored and used?
If not you may have to consider mechanical air changes. Good ventilation will mean that any vapours given off from a spill, leak, or release will be rapidly dispersed.
Have all the obvious ignition sources been removed from the storage and handling areas?
You need to think outside the box as an ignition source can be very varied, sparks from electrical equipment, welding or cutting tools, hot surfaces, open flames, static charge etc.
An explosion can even be caused by the simple action of decanting a flammable liquid from one container to another if they have not been earthed.
Are your flammable substances kept in the correct type of storage unit?
Check the distance from the unit or proposed site of the unit to occupied buildings, boundaries, process units, flammable liquid storage tanks and or sources of ignition.
Does it need to be fire rated?
As stated above if you can’t meet the separation distance relevant to the volume of liquid you are storing you will need a fire rated unit.
If there is a spill will it be contained and prevented from spreading?
Consider what will happen if the liquid is spilled when it is outside the bunded storage unit
Can you replace a flammable substance for a less flammable one, or can you eliminate it from the process completely?
Processes and products evolve, check with your supplier to see if they have non-flammable alternative or can help you redesign your process to make it safer.
Are your flammable substances stored and used in a different area to other processes?
By separating them you will lessen the risk of an incident and improve workplace safety.
Flammable liquids should be stored separately from other dangerous substances that may enhance the risk of fire or compromise the integrity of the storage unit, for example; oxidizers and corrosive materials should be stored separately from each other. Remember other dangerous substances may also be flammable in their own right however, it is still inappropriate to store them with other flammable liquids.
For further guidance on energetic and spontaneously combustible substances please consult HS (G) 131 published by the HSE.
In the event of an incident the objective is to ensure that people can safely escape from the working area and in this context, the purpose of storing dangerous substances in the appropriate storage unit is to provide a physical barrier to delay the involvement of the stored liquids in any fire and provide sufficient time for people’s safe evacuation and the immediate implementation of emergency procedures.
It’s important not to overlook any aspect associated with the safe handling of flammable liquids such as static discharge during filling / decanting, combustion due to excessive heat build-up, potential ignition sources such as a spark from a tool or electrical component and pressure build-up in a container.
Please remember to consult with your insurance provider and local authority fire brigade as they will have valuable input that could save you time and money going forward.
An outside pair of eyes will often see things that have become commonplace to you, so you might want to consider using the services of an outside company to assess / review your site.
Empteezy® have nearly 30 years experience of manufacturing fully compliant, bunded secure storage units of which our fire rated versions have been independently tested by Bodycote Warrington (Warringtonfire) to ensure compliance with: BS EN 1634-1: 2000 and we are also the only company within our industry to be accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 18001. Our site assessments are completely confidential, free of charge and without any onus, so why not book an appointment, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
T: 01506 430309 – Extensions 206 or 208
Main website: www.empteezy.co.uk
Empteezy®
4 Muir Rd
Houstoun Ind Est
Livingston
EH54 5DR
