OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Potential Hazard in Use of Water Spray for Preventing or Controlling the Ignition of Flammable Atmospheres.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19860501
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Potential Hazard in Use of Water Spray for Preventing or Controlling the Ignition of Flammable Atmospheres.
May 1, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
| THRU: | JOHN B. MILES
Director
Directorate of Field Operations |
| |
| FROM: | EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| |
| SUBJECT: | Safety Hazard Information Bulletin: Potential Hazard in Use of Water Spray for Preventing or Controlling the Ignition of Flammable Atmospheres |
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
investigated a potentially serious safety hazard involving the common use of
water spray to control fires involving flammable gas of vapor. Under certain
conditions, the use of water spray may actually increase the severity of
fires and explosions.
NIOSH reports that the use of water spray or fog patterns to prevent
ignition or to control flame propagation when dealing with flammable
materials could be extremely dangerous. For example, an accident occurred
when a rescue team attempted to gain access to a recently-emptied toluene
tank by sawing an opening in the side of the tank. The area which was being
cut was blanketed with water fog both inside and outside the tank. Still, an
explosion occurred which killed one person and injured 15 others.
The use of water spray has evolved because of (a) the traditional use of
water in firefighting, (b) the belief that water sprays provide critical
ventilation, (c) the ready availability of water spray, and (d) the proven
effectiveness of water sprays in controlling some of the hazards of flammable
materials.
Failure of the hose on a fire extinguisher renders it inoperable and may
cause injury to the user. The OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 standards on portable
fire extinguishers are directly applicable in this instance, especially
1910.157(c)(4) which mandates that extinguishers be maintained in a fully
charged and operable condition, and 1910.157(f) which outlines requirements
for hydrostatic testing of extinguishers.
We recommend that compliance and consultation personnel be made aware of the
hazards addressed in this bulletin. Please disseminate this information to
Area Offices, State Plan States, and Consultation Project Offices.
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents |
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