Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Figure 8.15
Halogen lighting unit fi tment

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Causes and prevention of fi re
151
The principles of safety relating to both chemicals 
and LPG are similar in many ways and it is intended to 
consider these overall principles for each hazardous 
material as one, with specifi c areas of difference being 
highlighted.
Substitution
Ideally the use, storage, etc. of fl ammable chemicals 
and substances and LPG should be avoided where rea-
sonably practicable. The same can be said for using low 
fl ashpoint liquids. Other chemicals, substances or liquids, 
which are either non-fl ammable or have a higher fl ash-
point, may provide suitable safer alternatives.
It must also be noted that reactive chemicals whose 
properties in themselves are non-fl ammable, but may 
react violently even explosively when mixed together, 
should also be considered in relation to substituting 
them for less reactive materials.
Storage
Where substitution cannot be accommodated, the provi-
sion of safe storage must be considered as a key elem-
ent in reducing the fi re and explosion risks from the 
hazardous materials.
Ideally, arrangements should be made for storage of 
fl ammable liquids, gases and substances to be stored 
well away from other processes and general storage 
areas. This is most effectively achieved by a physical 
distance. An alternative approach may be to provide a 
physical barrier such as a wall or partition, combined 
with a storage system or container.
If the storage facility is to be located within a 
building and the hazardous materials are to be handled 
within the area around the store fi re resisting separation 
from other areas of the building or workplace should be 
considered.
The arrangements for storing fl ammable substances 
and LPG will depend upon the storage facilities avail-
able, the amount of hazardous materials and the nature 
of the materials.