Potential Hazards
- Chemicals defined as “Flammable” have a flash point of <100°F (<37.8°C)
- Vapor from flammable chemicals can be ignited and lead to fire or explosion
- Some flammable chemicals are also considered toxic or health hazards
- Combustible chemicals (flash point >100°F / 37.8°C) are also considered fire hazards
Examples of flammable chemicals:
acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, isopropanol, methanol, pentane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene
Hazard Controls
Use This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If using >500mL of flammable chemicals or the chemical is also toxic / health hazard
- A standard knee-length lab coat
- Chemical splash goggles
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long pants
- T-Shirt
- Nitrile Gloves
Use these Engineering Controls
Work with flammable chemicals should be performed in a ventilated fume hood if at all possible.
Work with flammable chemicals MUST be done in a ventilated fume hood if:
- The volume you are working with is greater than 500mL
- The flammable chemical is irritating to the eyes or respiratory system
- The flammable chemical is also Toxic or a Health Hazard
Work Practice
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eye-wash fountain and deluge shower Keep all flames and sources of electical spark away from work area (e.g., stirring hotplates) Close containers of flammable chemicals when not in use
Storage & Transportation
- Store containers of flammable chemicals in a flammables cabinet or explosion-proof refrigerator
- Never store flammable chemicals near oxidizers
- Never use a standard refrigerator or freezer to store flammable material
- Transport flammable chemical bottles in secondary containment