Solvents fire risks

Flammable liquids are widely used in many types of factories, and their misuse is responsible for many outbreaks of fire. The fire risks from the flammable liquids in common use such as petrol, paraffin, white spirit, cellulose solutions and thinners are well known, but these are only a few of the liquids which present hazards in industry. The variety of flammable liquids used in processes as solvents or carriers and for other purposes is constantly extending. 

Solvent cleaning, the oldest method, preferably in the vapour phase. There are severe restrictions on the use of solvents, chlorinated ones in particular, and safety, environmental and fire risks. Convenient solvents, which must be compatible with the substrate, can dissolve oils, greases and other organic contaminants. Generally, the parts... 

Properties Colorless, mobile liquid pleasant odor. D 1.141 (20/4C), bp 155C, flash p 104F (40C) (OC), refr index 1.4542 (20C). Insoluble in water soluble in most common organic solvents. Combustible. Hazard Moderate fire risk. 

Properties Reddish-brown liquid. Slightly soluble in water soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. Forms salts with metals and organic bases. Hazard Possible fire risk. Absorbed by skin, strong irritant. 

Hazard Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption irritant to skin and eyes. Flammable, dangerous fire risk. TLV 100 ppm STEL 125 ppm. Use Intermediate in production of styrene, solvent. 

Hazard Toxic by ingestion. Moderate fire risk. Use Flotation frother, solvent and diluent in organic coatings, intermediates. 

C, fp -10C, flashp 32F (0C), refr index 1.3994 (20C). Soluble in alcohol, acetone, ether, petroleum and coal tar solvents insoluble in water. Hazard Flammable, dangerous fire risk. 

Properties Colorless liquid. D (cis) 0.708, (trans) 0.704, (commercial) 0.7010-0.7050 (20/4C), bp (trans) 98C, (cis) 98.5C, (commercial) 97-99C, refr index 1.406 (20C) flash p (commercial) 28F (—2.2C). Soluble in alcohol, acetone, ether, petroleum, and coal tar solvents insoluble in water. Hazard Flammable, dangerous fire risk. 

Hazard Moderate fire risk. Irritant to skin and eyes. Use Solvent for a variety of resin coatings. 

Evaporation—rapid drying, possible solvent troubles (toxicity, fire risk, cost, safety). 

Products and Uses Used in films, coatings, leather, and perfume as solvent, odorant, and flavoring. Precautions Flammable, dangerous fire risk also toxic by swallowing and breathing. Skin irritant. 

Caution. Many finely divided metals are pyrophoric and, if solvent residues are also present, are a significant fire risk. 

The amount of flammable solvent in the laboratory at any time should be kept to a minimum since this is probably the highest fire risk area within the whole solvent recovery operation. 

Despite the risk of reignition of a solvent fire from smouldering wood, it is on balance safer to store drums on pallets. A stack of palletized drums is more stable, particularly if the ground is at all uneven. Palletized drums are less prone to damage in handling by fork-lift truck than when handled loose, even if specialized drum handling attachments are used and in an emergency pallets can be handled more quickly. Finally, in a bunded area where rainwater may accumulate the base of a drum may be corroded whereas it is rare for a pallet to rot under the same conditions. 

Properties Colorless liq. plum-like odor misc. with oils, hydrocarbons, alcohols, ether, ketones si. sol. in water m.w. 116.16 dens. 0.880-0.885 m.p. -73.5 C b.p. 123.5 C flash pt. 26.6 C Toxicology LD50 (oral, rat) > 5 g/kg, (skin, rabbit) > 5 g/kg toxic by inh. and ing. mod. irritant by skin contact TSCA listed Precaution Flamm. dangerous fire risk reacts vigorously with heat, flame, oxidizing materials NFPA Health 1, Flammability 3, Reactivity 0 Uses Solvent for cellulose esters, resins films... 

Precaution Flamm. mod. fire risk can react with oxidizing materials Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits acrid smoke and fumes NFPA Health 2, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0 Uses Solvent, stabilizer for shoe creams and floor waxes solvent in paint and lacquers, for oils, fats, waxes, resins, rubber, and asphalt substitute for turpentine cleaning machinery stain removal cleaning fluids lubricants motor fuel additive... 

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