What is this document?
INDG227 provides practical guidance on working safely with flammable substances in the workplace. It relates to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and offers straightforward advice on preventing fires and explosions.
The guide uses the VICES framework to help you think through the key areas: Ventilation, Ignition sources, Containment, Exchange (substitution), and Separation. These principles apply whether you are working with petrol, paint thinners, welding gases, or less obvious hazards like wood dust or flour.
Who needs to read this?
- Workshop and garage owners handling fuels and solvents
- Manufacturing businesses using flammable chemicals or processes
- Warehouse managers storing flammable goods
- Catering and food production where flour, sugar dust, or cooking oils are present
- Any employer whose workers handle or are exposed to flammable materials
Key points covered
The guide addresses practical fire and explosion prevention:
- Identifying flammable substances including obvious ones like petrol and less obvious ones like dusts and packaging materials
- Understanding the risks from vapours, spills, and ignition sources
- Containment using suitable vessels, lids, and spillage trays
- Ventilation to prevent dangerous build-up of flammable vapours
- Eliminating ignition sources including sparks, naked flames, and hot surfaces
- Substitution where possible, exchanging flammable substances for safer alternatives
- Separation keeping flammable materials away from other processes and general storage
- Spillage control and the risks of flammable liquids flowing towards ignition sources
How this applies to you
Walk through your premises and identify all flammable substances. This includes fuels, solvents, adhesives, paints, aerosols, and any process that creates flammable dusts.
For each substance, consider whether it is stored in a suitable container with a lid. Check whether spills would be contained or could spread. Look at ventilation and whether flammable vapours could build up in enclosed spaces.
Identify all potential ignition sources and ensure flammable substances are kept well away from them. Consider whether you could use a less flammable alternative for any process.
Your local Fire and Rescue Service can visit to advise on fire safety arrangements, including extinguishers, alarms, and escape routes.
For broader fire safety requirements, see our fire safety topic guide. Since flammable substances are also hazardous to health, you should also be aware of your COSHH duties.
This guide covers good practice for common situations. High-risk processes, large quantities of flammable materials, or complex storage arrangements may require a more detailed risk assessment from a competent person.