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Solvents
are used on rags in workplaces for a variety of reasons, including applying
finishes and degreasing or otherwise cleaning equipment. Solvents are also
highly flammable. Although OSHA and the EPA are both advocating the use of
safer materials, it is a safe bet that rags contaminated with solvents will
be around American workplaces for a long time.
Rags Lying Around—Again
A sign
manufacturing company in Lima, Ohio was recently fined $46,970 in part for
leaving solvent-contaminated rags lying around. Let’s look at the exact
violation and how the company could have avoided it.
The requirements under the OSHA standard for spray finishing that uses
flammable materials include:
- Residue
scrapings and any debris contaminated with the residue must be immediately
removed and properly disposed of.
- Metal
waste cans must be provided for rags or waste that are saturated with
finishing material.
- The rags
and waste must be put in the can immediately after use.
- The
contents of the waste cans must be properly disposed of at least once
daily or at the end of each shift.
Sign
Source USA, Inc. was cited by OSHA in part for not ensuring that the metal
cans that contained flammable finishing materials were emptied properly and
in a timely manner (i.e., once daily or at the end of each shift). This was
the second time in 3 years that Sign Source USA was cited for the same
violation. Sign Source USA was also cited for not training employees in the
use of hazardous chemicals and for not properly labeling hazardous chemical
containers.
All
employers that use or store flammable liquids must comply with OSHA’s
standard for flammable liquids, which includes details on constructing and
locating storage areas, procedures to control and extinguish fires, and steps
to prevent contact between flammable liquids and ignition sources. Employers
whose employees work with flammable liquids must also comply with OSHA’s
Hazard Communication Standard, which includes container labeling requirements
and provides information and training concerning hazardous chemicals.
Spray
finishing operations have additional requirements for using flammable
materials.
Train
Your Workers
A way Sign
Source USA could have avoided some of the recent citations was to properly
training its workers about flammable materials and, in particular, the
requirements for spray finishing operations. The employees responsible for
the proper disposal of the rags in the metal cans must know the basic safety
rules for working with flammable liquids, including:
- Know the
flash point of the liquid.
- The
flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapors from a liquid
are concentrated enough to be ignited.
- Flammable
liquids have a flash point below 199.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The
lower the flash point, the more hazardous the liquid.
- The
vapors from the liquid can catch fire, even at low temperatures.
- Safety
data sheets (SDSs) will tell you what the flash point is.
- Keep all
sources of ignition away (e.g., open flames, cigarettes, sparks).
- Use only
approved fireproof containers for storage or transfer.
- Keep
containers closed when not in use.
- Follow
all warning for working with flammable liquids, including:
- Signs
- Instructions
on labels and SDSs
- Company
rules
Solvent-contaminated
rags—you use them, you need them, but what’s the best way to get rid of them?
Check tomorrow’s Advisor for
options under the EPA for managing your rags.
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