flammable dusts dispersed in the workplace atmosphere

Flammable dust.

Finely-divided flammable dust dispersed in the workplace atmosphere can, if ignited, explode violently and cause a lot of damage. If you handle flammable dust, you need to remember the following:
• Keep plant dust-tight.
• Keep the working area dust-free by regular cleaning an
Are your flammable substances kept in suitable containers? If you have a spill, will it be contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the working area? Use of lidded containers and spillage catchment trays, for example, can help to prevent spillages from spreading.
Exchange
Can you exchange a flammable substance for a less flammable one?
Can you eliminate flammable substances from the process altogether? You may be able to think of other ways of carrying out the job more safely.
Separation
Are flammable substances stored and used well away from other processes and general storage areas? Can they be separated by a physical barrier, wall or partition? Separating your hazards in this manner will contribute to a safer workplace. Think about the flammable substances you have in the workplace and apply these five principles wherever possible. Tell workers and others who need to know, about the hazards and how they should control them.
1.2 Specific materials The following sections deal with specific types of flammable substances. The precautions mentioned need to be considered in addition to the VICES principles just described.

Flammable liquids.

Flammable liquids can give off large volumes of flammable vapors at room temperature. These vapors, when mixed with air, can ignite, often violently. Spilled flammable liquids can, if not contained, flow a long way to an ignition source, and then flash back to the source of the leak. Spills on clothing can represent a serious risk of injury if ignited. To help control these risks:
• store flammable liquids in a separate storage area, or in a purpose-made bin or cupboard;
• dispense and use them in a safe place where there are good ventilation and no source of ignition;
• keep containers closed when not in use. If possible, use safety containers which have self-closing lids;
• dispense liquids over a tray and keep some non-flammable absorbent material handy to mop up spills;
• dispose of contaminated materials safely or call in disposal experts.
 d vacuuming spillages as they occur.