Fire and explosion

Each year many people suffer burns caused by the uncontrolled ignition of the flammable chemicals and other materials they work with. Work with flammable substances is hazardous because of the risk of fire and explosion.

For a fire to start or an explosion to occur, fuel (ie a flammable substance), air and a source of ignition are all needed. Controlling or eliminating these can prevent fires.

The wide variety of flammable substances found in the workplace range from the obvious – eg heating fuel, petrol, paint thinners and welding gases, to the less obvious – packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and sugar are a few examples.

For more detailed information and guidance....

This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but
which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.