Time to get your flammables under control!
Posted on Wed, Apr 22, 2009 @ 06:46 AM
by Kimberly Parker, Environmental Compliance Specialist
Reducing the quantity of flammables stored at a facility, especially in a laboratory setting can be a daunting task for any EH&S manager. If you're struggling to get your flammable quantities under control and below your permit limits or in compliance with state building code, then here are a few quick tips that may help you move in the right direction:
1. Establish a Chemical Inventory:
If you don't have a chemical inventory system, this is a useful tool to consider.
2. Clean house:
Now may be a good time for a lab clean out day focused on getting rid of unwanted or unused flammables. You'll be amazed at how much expired or unwanted flammable material is hiding throughout your labs.
3. Assess what's needed:
You may find that you are ordering 4L bottles of some solvents but researchers generally only need 1L or 500ml at a time. Look at each common flammable solvent/chemicals at your facility and asses what the most appropriate quantity and volume based on the typical work that is being performed.
4. Get more frequent shipments:
Work with your vendor and see if flammables could be delivered on a more frequent schedule. If you get a once a week delivery, try twice a week to reduce the amount stored onsite at any given time.
5. Don't forget the waste:
Remember - flammable hazardous waste counts towards your storage capacities too! Make sure you are counting the waste when you take a flammable inventory and consider the size of waste accumulation containers throughout the facility.
If you work in Cambridge, MA and store flammable materials at your facility, then you are well aware that flammable permits must be renewed with the Cambridge Fire Department by April 30th. Most other cities renew permits annually based on when the facility applied for the permit.