Posted By GavinR Hi everyone, Can you offer some advice please. Just completed a COSHH assessment for use of Methyl Ethyl Ketone which is highly flammable and has a flash point of - 4°C according to the MSDS. (from definitions i believe it should actually be Extremely Flamm)It is supplied only in 25 L drums. I have identified we need flammable liquid suitable metal bench can for storing the small quantities that will be used to soak the rags and the flammable bunded storage unit for storing the 25L drum. I have 2 issues though that i need advice with. There is already some flammable liquids, approx 35L stored in the storage unit inside. Adding the MEK 25L will bring it above 50L of DSEAR. Does this mean it will have to be placed in an outside flammable storage unit now? Also for transferring from the 25L to the small 4L bench can i for see manual handling issues- is there a suitable method for transferring highly flammable liquids? Any help appreciated.

Posted By John Donaldson Gavin, I should have added that we used pumps powered by compressed air or syphon pumps. We considered the risks of spillage to high to do it by any other means.

Posted By Kenneth Patrick The issues you raise are matters for DSEAR not COSHH. MEK is irritating to eyes and skin and carries the risk phrases R36/37 so it does require a COSHH assessment.

Posted By Heather Collins Gavin The 50 litre "limit" is not absolute and in your case where you would only just be above 50 litres I would not have thought it was necessary to have an external container provided your risk assessment identifies sufficient controls to minimise spillage and/or generation of vapour. See http://www.hse.gov.uk/fi.../storageflammliquids.htm for further detail on this. As for dispensing, provided you have adequate extraction and suitable spillage containment you should be able to use one of the purpose-designed drum taps. These are designed to fit directly onto a 25 litre drum while it is lying on its side and to allow dispensing straight into a safety can. As said above, you need to consider earthing to prevent generation of static sparks and you need to be sure that you buy fittings suitable for handling low flashpoint liquids. An alternative solution if you are not happy to have the drum on its side (although we do this quite safely) is to buy a hand pump which again is purpose designed to fit directly into the top of the drum and allow the liquid to be pumped while the drum remains vertical. Again be sure you have a type suitable for handling hi flam liquids. Most safety equipment companies will have something suitable - a google search for "flammable liquid drum pump" pulls up loads. Don't forget to provide for safe disposal of the solvent-soaked rags - a metal container is best.

Posted By Eric Taylor If it's any use to you, we have MEK in 500ml metal tins. Contact me direct and I will get the suppliers name for you. As for 25litre containers, I'd keep them outside anyway as a spill will release large volumes of toxic and potentially explosive vapour. I'd also worry about sparks opening cans etc. Bronze (sparkless)tooling and taps etc are available.