Flammable and Combustible Materials – Fire Prevention Checklist

The use, storage, and handling of flammable and combustible materials is critical to the safety of workers, property, the community, and the environment. This is a general checklist designed to give you a starting point. Edit the list as necessary for location specific regulations and codes and based on the types and quantities of flammable and combustible liquids on site.

Inspector: _________________________________Date: _________________________________

	Yes	No	Comments
Limit amounts of flammable and combustible materials
Are leaks and spills of flammable or combustible liquids disposed of promptly and safely?
Are chemicals purchased in smallest volumes required?
Are chemicals used at workstations/locations limited to only those needed for immediate task?
Are combustible waste materials and residues kept to a minimum, stored in covered metal receptacles, and disposed of daily?
Unless the original container is designed to be used, are flammable or combustible liquids transferred to an approved safety can prior to use?
Are limits on capacity and quantity of Class I, Class II, Class III liquids being followed?
Ventilation
Are storage areas equipped with properly designed and functioning ventilation systems?
Are processes that use or make flammable materials kept from exhausting back in the work site?
Is equipment, such as spray booths, where flammable materials are used, exhausted outside of the building and away from air intakes?
Are ventilation systems in general in compliance with building and fire codes?
Does the ventilation system provide for a complete change of air within the room at the required rate?
Control ignition sources
Are containers of flammable and combustible liquids closed when not in use?
Are open flames and smoking prohibited in flammable or combustible liquids storage areas?
Are storage areas for flammable or combustible liquids kept free from combustible materials?
Are containers and portable tanks used for flammable liquids electrically bonded or grounded during transfers?
Are leaks and spills of flammable or combustible liquids disposed of promptly and safely?
Is the electrical wiring and equipment located inside the storage room especially designed to prevent possible ignition of any released flammable vapors?
General storage considerations
Are portable fire extinguishers available at locations where flammable or combustible liquids are stored?
Is the storage of flammable or combustible liquids prohibited near exits, stairways, or areas normally used for the safe exit of people?
Is the storage of flammable or combustible liquids prohibited in office areas except that required for maintenance and operation of building and operation of equipment?
Are flammable and combustible liquids stored in their original container or in an approved safety can?
Are flammable and combustible materials/liquids kept separate from other processes and storage areas?
Is storage in cabinets restricted to regulatory and code requirements?
Are all cabinets conspicuously labeled “FLAMMABLE KEEP AWAY” or something similar?
Are aisle clearances and stacking rules (i.e. prohibiting the stacking of 30-gallon drums) being followed?