Flammable Materials Storage

Flammable materials on construction sites include solvents, adhesives, paints, LPG, timber, insulation, and packaging waste.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) apply to the storage of flammable substances.
Flammable liquids must be stored in a dedicated, ventilated, fire-resistant store located away from ignition sources.
The storage area must display hazard signs, no smoking signs, and the appropriate fire extinguisher type for the contents.
Maximum storage quantities within the work area must be limited to the amount needed for the current shift or task.
Flammable materials must not be stored near site offices, welfare units, escape routes, or electrical distribution boards.
Incompatible chemicals must be separated — oxidisers stored with fuels dramatically increase fire and explosion risk.
Combustible waste including timber offcuts, cardboard, and plastic packaging must be cleared to skips regularly throughout the day.
Security of flammable storage is important — arson using stored flammable materials is a significant cause of site fires.
A fire risk assessment must specifically address the storage locations, quantities, and control measures for all flammable materials.

Rapid fire spread	Improperly stored flammable materials provide the fuel for a small fire to become a total project loss within minutes.
Explosion risk	Flammable vapours from solvents and fuels create explosive atmospheres in enclosed stores — ventilation prevents accumulation.
Arson prevention	Flammable materials left unsecured outside provide ready fuel for arsonists — locked, dedicated storage reduces this risk.

Do

Don't

Store flammable liquids in a dedicated, ventilated, fire-resistant storage unit.
Display hazard warning signs and no smoking signs on all flammable stores.
Keep only the quantity needed for the current task in the immediate work area.
Position flammable stores away from offices, welfare, escape routes, and power supplies.
Separate incompatible chemicals according to their safety data sheet requirements.
Clear combustible waste to skips regularly — do not let it accumulate in work areas.
Lock flammable storage units at the end of each shift to prevent arson access.
Ensure a suitable fire extinguisher is located adjacent to the flammable storage area.
Include flammable material storage in the site fire risk assessment and update regularly.
Brief all workers on the storage rules and the location of flammable material stores.

DON'T store flammable liquids in unventilated areas or containers without fire resistance.
DON'T smoke near flammable storage areas — observe all no smoking restrictions.
DON'T stockpile flammable materials beyond what is needed for the current task.
DON'T locate flammable stores near ignition sources, site offices, or escape routes.
DON'T store oxidisers alongside fuels or solvents — they create extreme fire risk.
DON'T allow combustible waste to build up in work areas or against buildings.
DON'T leave flammable storage unlocked overnight or during unattended periods.
DON'T work near flammable storage without a fire extinguisher accessible nearby.
DON'T ignore flammable storage in the fire risk assessment — it is a primary fire cause.
DON'T decant flammable liquids into unlabelled containers — labels identify the hazard.

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | LPG and Gas Cylinder Storage

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record