Fire and explosion hazard with hazardous substances (Part 1 of 2)

Published On: 14 February 2022By Categories: GefStoff-ProfiTags: , , , ,
Fire and explosion hazard

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The fire and explosion hazard is a key factor in determining whether or not the hazardous substance is suitable for one’s business. For example, there may be no local exhaust ventilation or the area could be poorly ventilated in general. In this case, it may be worth avoiding substances or processes that pose a fire and explosion hazard.

Explosion hazard even without explosive symbol

Just because there is an explosive symbol in the GHS symbols does not mean that other substances cannot deflagrate or explode. Especially with flammable liquids, explosive steam-air mixtures can develop. Therefore, in this blog post, I list various hints from the safety data sheet that refer to fire and explosion hazard.

Fire and explosion hazard

Classification and labelling from the safety data sheet

There may also be a reference on flammability (Flammable liquid / – solid / – aerosol / …) or explosiveness in section 2 of the safety data sheet. In this case the flammable / explosive property is clear for the considered hazardous substance. The flame or the explosion symbol on the packaging also immediately indicate the corresponding properties.

manage-hazarous-substances.

Further sources of information

For many hazardous substances, technical data sheets describing the intended use and certain selected risks are supplied in addition to the safety data sheet. This document can also be a good reference.

Finally, you can also call the supplier, whose number can always be found on the label and in the safety data sheet. The supplier can then provide qualified information himself or can at least forward your enquiry to the manufacturer.

Fire and explosion hazard in hazardous substances management

As part of hazardous substance management and in the approval process for newly introduced substances, it is also important to keep a good overview of your own hazardous substances. Here, the hazardous substances register is a good start. However, it is easier with special, customised queries, such as on the topic of fire and explosion hazards. Specialised software, such as GeSi³, can provide exactly this overview without you having to rely on maintaining your own lists.

GeSi³ Hazardous substance administration module

The series continues in part 2.

Sources:

[1]        Regulation (EG) Nr. 1907/2006 (REACH-VO), consolidated version of 01.10.2021

[2]        Tip: BAuA internet presence on fire and explosion hazards, German, accessed on 17.01.2022

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