The ITM school's procedure for handling flammable and explosive goods

1. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the handling of flammable and explosive goods is carried out safely from an environmental and health and safety standpoint.

2. Scope/Delimitation

This procedure includes the ITM school's departments, sections and units that have permits for, and which handle, flammable and explosive goods under the provisions of the Act on Flammable and Explosive Products, and which are subject to licensing. This is a local procedure; refer to KTH's central procedure  (in Swedish) for more detailed information.

3. Definitions

Flammable goods

Flammable goods
Has a flash point equal to or lower than 100 degrees C. For example, petrol, acetone, kerosene, concentrated washer fluid and in most cases also diluted washer fluid. Information about the flash point of a liquid can be found in the product sheet for each product that you receive via the supplier.

Class division
From the flash point, the flammable liquid is divided into different classes. Class division determines how the flammable liquid is to be stored and handled. In general, higher requirements are placed on a flammable liquid of class 1 as this is more flammable than a liquid belonging to class 3.

Class division
Class 1 - Liquids with a flash point below 21 degrees C
Class 2 a - Liquids with a flash point equal to or above 21 degrees C, but below or equal to 30 degrees C
Class 2 b - Liquids with a flash point above 30 degrees C, but below or equal to 55 degrees C Class 3 - Liquids with a flash point above 55 degrees C, but below or equal to 100 degrees C

Flammable gases
A gas that at a temperature of 20 degrees

Explosive goods

Substances, mixtures and objects that contain such substances or mixtures, and all other materials made with the intention of causing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect. Typical examples are gunpowder, explosives, ammunition, detonating agents or pyrotechnic goods.

The head and deputy head for flammable and explosive goods

Individuals who are put in charge of handling flammable and explosive goods at ITM departments, premises or spaces. Scope and delimitation must be specified in the assignment description/written delegation.

4. Responsibility

• The head of school must ensure compliance with laws applicable to flammable and explosive goods and must by written delegation of responsibility appoint the school's head of flammable and explosive goods.
• The prefect is responsible for appointing one or more heads through a written delegation of responsibility and for ensuring compliance with laws and requirements for permits.
• The personnel staff unit is responsible for administering and filing a written delegation of responsibility and reporting any new head of flammable and explosive goods to KTH's head of safety.
• The school's head of flammable and explosive goods is responsible for compiling the annual report concerning permit compliance (as per template below) and coordinating work with flammable and explosive goods at the ITM school.
• The head of flammable and explosive goods is responsible according to the delegation and for ensuring compliance with laws and requirements for permits. Also responsible for submitting annual permit compliance reports (as per template below)
• The heads of flammable and explosive goods in departments with their own permits are responsible for administration, applying for and renewing permits concerning flammable and explosive goods. Application to be made in collaboration with the head of safety.

5. Implementation

IT and departments have their own permits or form part of KTH's framework permit regarding flammable and explosive goods.

Purchasing is to take place according to the central chemical procedure (in Swedish)  and also in consultation with local heads for flammable and explosive goods to ensure permits are not breached.

At the time of purchase, check that gas bottles are π(pi) or ASS labelled and have been inspected as required by law.

The heads of flammable and explosive goods must assess where an explosive atmosphere may occur and categorise the same into zones and to assess the risk of ignition. If possible, take measures to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere or if this is not possible, prevent ignition and limit damage should an explosive atmosphere be ignited. This must be documented in a risk assessment.

The risk assessment must be made known to employees concerned.

Under the provisions of the ATEX directive[1], only EX classified[2] electrical equipment may be used in the different zones. Risks zones must be provided with special signs informing that an explosive atmosphere may occur.

Individual gas bottles or aerosol containers with flammable liquids must be placed according to legal requirements. This means that individual vessels must be protected from vehicle impact and that spaces for handling flammable gases must be well ventilated. The amount of gas that may be present in various types of space and buildings must not be exceeded.

Flammable and explosive codes must be handled by individuals with suitable knowledge of the gases being handled and the risks associated with the operation.

Flammable material may not be present in dangerous quantities where flammable gases are handled, and vessels may not be exposed to hazardous heating and naked flames or sparks may not occur in the vicinity of the vessels.

Flammable and explosive goods must be destroyed according to the local chemical procedure and be reported to the local head of flammable and explosive goods.

Every February, the heads of flammable and explosive goods must submit a report using the template below to the head appointed by the school, who in turn will compile and report to the heads of sustainability and safety.

• Maximum simultaneously stored quantity per space and building
• Any changes in handling
• Report confirming permit compliance

Failure to comply with permits must be reported directly to KTH's head of safety (cc prefect concerned, head of school, the school's head of flammable and explosive goods and KTH's head of sustainability).

Accidents and incidents must be handled according to the central chemical procedure (in Swedish)  and  /local crisis plan .

Deviations and proposals for improvements regarding the handling of flammable and explosive materials must be reported to the school's head of flammable goods and the relevant manager for a decision on action, and via the case handling system accessible via the intranet. Report deviations, proposals for improvements and compliance with revised legislation in conjunction with the school's management review of environmental and sustainability work.

6. Documentation

Report incidents or industrial injuries here!

Templates for reporting permit compliance in respect of flammable goods are available via both of the links below:

• intra.kth.se/administration/blanketter/sakerhet

7. Appendices

Permit for flammable and explosive goods; refer to Binding requirements – legal and other requirements

Assignment forms and delegations  for:

• Fire prevention
• Flammable and explosive goods
• Evacuation leader
• Chemical handling
• Lab manager
• Environmental coordinator
• Health and safety representative

8. Amendments log

[1] Atex (Atmosphere Explosive) – the directive concerns environments subject to explosion risk. Read more here

[2] EX classified (explosion classified) equipment means that it is specially designed to avoid igniting an explosive atmosphere through the generation of sparks.