Knowing HOW and WHERE a material will be used is as important for safe working practices as knowing hazardous ingredients. Individual situations must be evaluated for the following, before work commences:

Heating: heat will produce more vapour and cause some products to become unstable

How material will be used: spraying presents a greater hazard than does brushing, dipping or rolling

Mixing: some products become more hazardous when mixed, while others become more stable

Ventilation: how much is available and how much is required?

Where material will be used: working outdoors may limit the hazard while working indoors or in a confined space may intensify it

Nearby products: products being used nearby may cause a reaction with your materials and create a new hazard entirely

Gasoline and Other Flammable Liquids

• gasoline and other flammable liquids must not be carried in the passenger compartment of a vehicle

• gasoline and other flammable liquids must be transported and stored in approved containers bearing the CSA or ULC label

• ensure that containers are not damaged and that caps or fittings are properly secured after filling

• flammable liquids must be transported in an upright position, braced or otherwise secured to prevent overturning

• when transporting flammable liquids in a van, place the containers in the rear with adequate ventilation. Remove the containers immediately upon arrival at your destination

• keep an ABC fire extinguisher in the driver’s compartment while transporting gasoline or other flammable liquids in a van

• do not use gasoline as a cleaner

• gas engines should be shut off and allowed to cool before refueling

Oxygen and Acetylene

• oxygen and acetylene cylinders must be secured in an upright position at all times during storage, use, and transportation

• store cylinders in a well-ventilated area—preferable outside with overhead protection from the weather

• keep acetylene cylinders away from heat sources. The surrounding temperature should be kept below 54 C (130 F)

• store full and empty cylinders separately. Store acetylene and oxygen cylinders separately

• protective caps must be in place when the cylinders are not in use or they are being moved

• place cylinders where materials and equipment will not strike, fall on, or knock them over

• do not store or use cylinders where they can become part of an electric circuit or be struck by a welding rod

• before moving cylinders, close the valves and replace the protective caps

• cylinders must be hoisted in properly rigged racks or baskets to keep them secure and upright

• before using regulators, hoses or torches, make sure they work properly. Protect supply hoses from traffic

• a 4A40BC fire extinguisher MUST be available whenever oxyacetylene cutting, welding, soldering, or brazing is done

• when using an oxyacetylene cutting torch, workers must wear leather gauntlet gloves and goggles with No. 4 or 5 lens shade. No. 4 or 5 lenses do NOT remove arc-welding rays. For arc welding, No. 10 or 12 lenses are required

• workers doing oxyacetylene work should not carry butane lighters

• do not use oxyacetylene torches to blow dust from work surfaces, clothing, or skin

• use the proper T-wrench or key to open acetylene cylinders and leave the wrench or key on the valve for emergency shut-off

• use only a spark lighter to ignite torches. Never use matches or cigarette lighters

• a leaking gas cylinder must be shut off and removed to an outdoor location away from ignition sources and marked to be readily identifiable. Notify the supplier immediately

• when handling a leaking cylinder, remember that your clothing can be saturated with gas and you can draw a trail of gas behind you. Stay away from all ignition sources

• never use oxygen or acetylene to pressure-test for leaks in a piping system. These gases can react explosively with oil

Propane

• unless designed for horizontal use, propane cylinders must be kept in an upright position

• store propane cylinders in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and preferably outdoors and above grade

• when not in use, propane cylinders and hose-connected devices should not be left in trenches or other low-lying areas. Propane is heavier than air and can settle in dangerous concentrations at the bottom of vaults, vessels, equipment wells, basements and similar places

• use only approved hoses, fittings, and correct wrenches to connect a cylinder to tools and equipment

• never look for leaks in a propane cylinder with a match or torch. Use soapy water

• when handling a leaking cylinder, remember that your clothing can be saturated with propane and you can draw a trail of gas behind you. Stay away from all ignition sources

• whenever possible, position safety relief valves so that they face away from likely sources of heat

• personnel working on propane appliances and equipment must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification issued pursuant to the Energy Act 1971

Natural Gas

• Like propane, natural gas must be handled with caution because of its flammable and explosive properties. Personnel working on natural gas appliances and equipment must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification issued pursuant to the Energy Act 1971

Health and Safety

Company Policy Statement, Roles and Responsibilities ● Injury Prevention ● Common Job-site Hazards, Housekeeping ● Emergency Procedures, First Aid Treatment ● WHMIS ● Assessing the Degree of Hazard, Working with Hazardous Gases ● Common Health Hazards in the Mechanical Trade, Workplace Specific Information ● Worker Statement, Sub-contractor Statement