Rank: Forum user 
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Hello.
Is there anything written down on the minimum distance that you must keep flammable chemicals from a source of ignition. I have chemicals on site which are flammable (up to 205 litre drums)and when we use them they are placed / stored approx 3 meters from the closest power point (which is actually closed off and no longer in use ) but the manager has asked if we can move these chemicals closer as we are re-adjusting the area.
I have been told 2 meters , 3 meters etc but I would like to put it in writting into my SSOW, Risk assessments.I would then get a guidance line paint marked on the floor and wall. I have about 2 drums (205 Litres) at the work staion at any time. My most flammable would be white spirit,
Any help would be most grateful.
Gaz
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Rank: New forum user
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I suggest you need to comply with the DSEAR Regulations (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations)
You need to make an assessment of the risks.
As part of that you need to undertake 'hazardous area classification' exercise.
The best guidance document to help you with this is the Energy Institute guide to HAC, known as IP Pt 15.
This document has numerous 'standard' examples/situations described and the recommended flammable zones and the resulting classification - Zone 0, 1 or 2.
Sealed drum storage is likely to be Zone 2.
But it does depend on a number of factors, probably the most important being the flammable characteristics of the flammable liquids being stored and the amount of ventilation (and its reliability).
You will also need to think about other equipment in the area, such as the type of electrical fittings (may need to be ATEX rated) and other sources of ignition e.g. mechanical processes, hot surfaces etc.
From memory, 3m is usually the quoted figure for standard drum storage.
You findings/conclusion as to storage distance will depend on what you find, as you study IP Pt 15
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the info S. Roberts
Very Much appreciated
Gaz
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Alternatively, get a competent electrician to confirm that the unused powerpoint you mention is isolated from the supply and your problems are all resolved?
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Rank: New forum user
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Regardless of the electrical power point being 'live' or 'dead' - it would still be adviseable to 'zone' the drum storage area.
IP Pt 15, is one of the main recognised methods.
There may be other sources of ignition - hot surfaces, vehicles/engines etc.
If yu don't know the size of the hazardous area, you won't know where to place your ATEX warnings signs.
Admittedly - its not rocket science if the area is quite small etc.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hello Gaz,
I thought it might be worth letting you know thatt he HSG71 (Chemical Warehousing) has some good tips and information on storing substances, it also includes a segregation chart, risk assessment, signage etc.
You may find it useful!
Regards
Kev
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for all the advice
I have retrieved / reviewed all the documents mentioned and they have been very helpfull.
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Rank: Forum user
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Gaz
White spirit has a flash point of 38C and not easy to set it on fire at ambient temperatures. (Throwing a lit match into a bucket of white spirit will just extinguish it until temperatures are >30C). Unless an electrical socket was short circuiting or in regular use near open white spirit it is a less likely ignition source. You will need to assess the storage conditions and likely maximum temperatures, the likelihood of leaks, spillages open containers etc. and how close these are to any ignition sources including FLT's etc.
Do you require 410l of flammable material at your work station - is this a days usage. If not go to smaller containers and keep the drums in an external bunded area that should be well away from any ignition source, certainly not near electrical supplies.
I hope this helps.
Mike
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