Flammable Chemicals
Flammable chemicals can be intimidating to work with. The primary concerns surrounding these chemicals are how to use, store and dispose of them safely. By following proper procedures and using personal protective equipment (PPE), flammable chemicals can be handled with confidence. You can use flammable chemicals in a number of exciting experiments and demonstrations. They require safety precautions, but this should not prevent you from using them.
The flammability of a chemical is determined by its flash point, which is the minimal temperature at which the liquid forms a vapor above its surface in a high enough concentration to make ignition possible. Chemicals with a flash point below 100°F (~38°C) are considered flammable. Any chemical with a flash point above this temperature is classified as combustible. When ignited, the vapor burns rapidly. These chemicals should only be used in a ventilated area, preferably in a fume hood, and should never be used near an ignition source such as a Bunsen burner. It is also important to keep them away from strong oxidizing agents due to their reactivity which leads to the generation of heat. Flammable chemicals should always be stored properly in unbreakable plastic bottles or PVC-coated glass bottles. If you transport them between the storeroom and lab, always use a bottle carrier and support the bottom of the bottle with one hand to prevent accidents.
Flammable chemicals should always be stored in a flammable safety cabinet with a lock. Cabinets constructed of thick, exterior-grade plywood are preferred since wood is a thermal insulator and resistant to corrosion. Metal cabinets are not recommended since metal is a heat conductor and corrodes easily. The storage room where flammables are kept should contain an ABC fire extinguisher, fire blanket and smoke detector. There may be additional storage requirements based on the type of chemical. Always review the SDS before storing a chemical. Organic vapors are heavier than air so the storage room should be equipped with a corrosive-resistant fan and an exhaust system that draws the vapors from the floor to prevent them from accumulating and becoming dangerous.
When used in the lab, flammable liquids should be dispensed from smaller bottles to reduce the potential for spills and accumulation of fumes. Dispensing these liquids from containers larger than 1 liter is not recommended. A central location should be used for easy and accident-free transportation. It is important to have cleaning materials ready in case of a spill—it pays to be prepared. Neoprene gloves, chemical splash goggles and lab coats or aprons are required when handling organic solvents.
Flammable chemicals contain organic compounds making them difficult to dispose of and often require disposal by a licensed company. Buying these chemicals in small amounts is recommended to limit long-term storage. For example, Diethyl ether decomposes over the course of a few years and may form explosive peroxides. Disposal methods for flammables may vary based on the organic compounds they contain. Contact Flinn Scientific for details.
Flammable chemicals are often shied away from due to the increased safety considerations. However, as long as you take the time to understand handling, storage and disposal and put your knowledge into practice, you can use them safely.
Sincerely,
Megan Leifker
Senior Staff Scientist