Hazardous and Flammable Materials

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Standard
Operating
Procedure
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials Handling
and Control Procedures

Page:
1 of 12

Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Adopted:
10-30-2002

Jeff Zmuda, division chief, approved this document on 04-13-2014.
Open to the public: Yes
Revision History
Revision date (04/13/2014) version 2.0: Changed references of community custody to minimum
custody, updated header and approval authority, added revision history section.

BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER
None
POLICY CONTROL NUMBER 509
Maintaining Institutional Inventory List
DEFINITIONS
Direct Supervision: Supervision of an inmate or inmates where the supervising staff is
present in the same area as the inmate/inmates being supervised (e.g., a supervisor in a
dayroom that is not separated from the inmate workers by glass, wall, or other partition). A
supervisor in a schoolroom or shop area is in direct supervision of the inmates in that room
or shop. If the supervising staff leaves that area, he is no longer in direct supervision of the
inmates (even if he is still in the same building). In addition, direct supervision cannot be
conducted from a tower or by securing an inmate worker in a cell or room while the work
supervisor attends to other things.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to establish practices for
handling and storing hazardous materials that are both environmentally conscious and
provide for the safety and security of the public, staff members, and inmates at Idaho
Department of Correction (IDOC) correctional facilities.
SCOPE
This SOP applies to all IDOC correctional facilities and governs the accountability, purchase,
storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials as well as related training.
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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RESPONSIBILITY
Facility heads are responsible for implementing this SOP and ensuring that staff members
and inmates practice the provisions contained herein.
Table of Contents
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 3
1. Facility Safety Officer ...................................................................................................... 3
2. General Definitions ......................................................................................................... 4
Hazardous Materials ................................................................................................. 4
Flammable and Combustible Liquids ........................................................................ 4
Corrosive or Caustic Materials .................................................................................. 5
Toxic Materials ......................................................................................................... 5
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) ..................................................................................... 5
Compressed Gas ...................................................................................................... 5
Chlorine Gas ............................................................................................................. 5
3. Materials Classification ................................................................................................... 6
Flammable Class I Liquids ........................................................................................ 6
Combustible Class II Liquids ..................................................................................... 6
Combustible Class III Liquids .................................................................................... 6
Corrosive and Caustic Materials ............................................................................... 6
Toxic Materials ......................................................................................................... 6
4. Inventory and Accountability ........................................................................................... 7
Facility Safety Officers .............................................................................................. 7
Work Area Supervisors ............................................................................................. 7
Hobby Craft Officers ................................................................................................. 7
5. Purchasing ..................................................................................................................... 7
6. General Storage ............................................................................................................. 8
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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Flammable and Combustible Liquids ........................................................................ 8
LPG and Compressed Gas ....................................................................................... 9
General Handling Procedures for All Gas Cylinders .................................................. 9
Caustic and Toxic Substances .................................................................................. 9
7. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) ............................................................................. 9
8. Drawing and Issuing ..................................................................................................... 10
9. Use and Supervision .................................................................................................... 10
Flammable and Combustible Materials ................................................................... 10
Other Specific Materials Standards ......................................................................... 11
10. Disposal ....................................................................................................................... 11
11. Spills ............................................................................................................................ 11
12. Inventory and Audit Process ......................................................................................... 11
Taking Inventories .................................................................................................. 12
Audit ....................................................................................................................... 12
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 12
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Facility Safety Officer
Each facility head must designate a staff member to serve as safety officer at the facility.
The facility safety officer’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Maintaining a master inventory of all hazardous materials as defined in this SOP.
• Updating the master inventory when changes are received.
• Maintaining copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) on all hazardous materials
as discussed in this SOP either being used or stored at the facility.
• Ensuring that master inventories and MSDS are readily available for emergency
preparedness.
• Providing oversight of storage, use, and safety issues related to the hazardous
materials as discussed in this SOP.
• Providing assistance and guidance to work area supervisors regarding proper
storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials as discussed in this SOP.
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Handling and Control Procedures
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• Reviewing products to ensure that the facility is using the safest alternatives
available that achieve acceptable results.
• Conducting facility audits and inspections in accordance with this SOP.
• Reporting safety violations and concerns to the facility head or designee.
• Serving as a liaison with state and local safety inspectors such as the state safety
inspector and fire marshal.
• Ensuring that liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed gas cylinders are refilled
by an authorized representative of a state-licensed vendor.
2. General Definitions
Hazardous Materials
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation
Association (IATA) define hazardous material as substances capable of posing a risk to
health, safety, or property. Hazardous is the inherent characteristic of a material,
condition, or activity that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the
environment. In this SOP, the term hazardous material is used to encompass
flammable, combustible, corrosive, caustic, and toxic materials.
Hazardous materials are present in almost every workplace. Everyone who works with
hazardous materials must be aware of the hazards and how to work with them safely.
Until unknown materials are positively identified, always treat them as very hazardous.
The following are examples of common materials that are considered hazardous:
Aerosols Cleaning fluids Herbicides
Ammonia Corrosives Insecticides
Antifreeze Defoliants Lye
Bleach Explosive gasses Paint thinners
Caustic acids Flammable gasses, liquids & solids Pharmaceuticals
Chlorine Gasoline Yeast
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable and combustible liquids are liquids that can burn. They are classified, or
grouped, as either flammable or combustible in accordance with their respective
“flashpoints”. The flashpoint of a liquid is the lowest temperature at which the liquid
gives off enough vapor to be ignited (start burning) at the surface of the liquid.
Flashpoint is used to classify flammable and combustible liquids because it is directly
related to a liquid's ability to generate vapor thus its volatility. Since it is the vapor, and
not the liquid itself that burns, the vapor generation is the primary factor in determining
the fire hazard.
Generally speaking, flammable liquids will ignite and burn easily at normal working
temperatures. Flammable liquids are liquids with a flashpoint below 100°F. Under no
circumstances will flammable liquids be used for cleaning.
Combustible liquids have the ability to ignite but generally burn at temperatures that
are above normal working temperatures. Combustible liquids are liquids with a flashpoint
at or above 100°F and below 200°F.
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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Corrosive or Caustic Materials
Corrosive or caustic materials are materials that can attack and chemically destroy
exposed body tissues. Corrosives can also damage or even destroy metal. They start
causing damage as soon as they touch the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, digestive tract,
or metal. They might be toxic and hazardous in other ways too, depending on the
particular corrosive material.
Most corrosives are either acids or bases. Basic materials or solutions are sometimes
called caustic or alkaline.
Toxic Materials
Toxic materials, through chemical reaction or mixture, can produce possible injury or
harm to the body through skin absorption, the digestive tract, or the respiratory tract. The
toxicity is dependent on the quantity absorbed and the rate, method and site of
absorption.
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
A product of petroleum gases, principally propane and butane, which must be stored
under pressure to keep it in a liquid state. The flashpoint of LPG is -160°F and the
flashpoint for butane is -76°F.
LPG is extremely flammable and cylinders must be handled with care. Propane is
heavier than air and leaked vapors may accumulate in low areas such as drains. LPG
and natural gas are scented with a pungent odor. If an odor is detected, do not allow any
open flame or other source of ignition such as switching on a light. Vacate the area
immediately and call for professional assistance.
LPG is extremely cold and will cause frost bite if exposed to the skin. Wear protective
clothing when connecting or disconnecting cylinders.
Compressed Gas
Compressed gas includes oxygen, chlorine, argon, and acetylene.
Chlorine Gas
Chlorine is irritating and corrosive to all living flesh. Chlorine liquid is amber colored; gas
is greenish-yellow with a sharp, suffocating odor. Individuals working on a chlorine
system under normal conditions must wear the following protective equipment:
• Gloves that are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Teflon®, or Kel-F®;
• Safety goggles or glasses; and
• An approved respirator with a canister approved for chlorine.
A respirator is only good for about 10 minutes in atmospheres having one (1) to two (2)
% chorine. A respirator will provide protection under normal conditions if a small amount
of chlorine is released when making or breaking connection in a line. A shower, eyewash
station, and self-contained breathing apparatus or positive pressure airline and mask
must be available for use in an emergency. Staff and inmates who work with or could be
exposed to chlorine gas must be familiar with the MSDS.
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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3. Materials Classification
Flammable Class I Liquids
Class IA – liquids with flashpoints below 73ºF and a boiling point below 100ºF.
Class IB – liquids with flashpoints below 73ºF and a boiling point at or above 100ºF.
Class IC – liquids with flashpoints at or above 73ºF and below 100ºF.
Examples of Class I flammable liquids include the following:
Acetone Gasoline Methyl ethyl ether
Benzene Hexane Naphtha Y,M, & P
Contact cement (flammable) Lacquer thinner Petroleum ether
Denatured alcohol Lacquer Toludi (toluene)
Ethyl alcohol Methyl ethyl ketone Xylene (xylol)
Combustible Class II Liquids
Class II liquids are combustible materials having flashpoints at or above 100ºF and
below 140ºF.
Examples of Class II liquids include the following:
Agitane Diesel fuel Mineral spirits
Cleaning solvents Kerosene Motor oil
Combustible Class III Liquids
Class III liquids are combustible materials having flashpoints at or above 140ºF and
below 200ºF.
Examples of Class III liquids include the following:
Guardian fluid Mineral oil Paints (oil base)
Linseed oil Neat’s foot oil Sunray conditions
Corrosive and Caustic Materials
Examples of corrosive and caustic material include the following:
Acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric) Bases (ammonia) Caustic soda
Acids (muriatic, tannic) Bases (drain & oven cleaners) Lye
Toxic Materials
Examples of toxic materials include the following:
Ammonia Defoliants Pesticides
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) Duplicating fluid Rodenticides
Bases (drain & oven cleaners) Herbicides
Chlorine Methyl alcohol
Note: Only small samplings of hazardous materials are listed here. Hazardous materials
include a wide variety of substances that can be solid, liquid, gas and may have more than
one (1) risk; therefore, the safety requirements for all applicable properties should be
considered. Always check the supplier labels on chemical product containers. In general,
hazardous liquids that are diluted before use are no longer considered hazardous materials
once diluted.
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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4. Inventory and Accountability
Facility Safety Officers
The facility safety officers will:
• Maintain a master inventory of all hazardous materials in the facility to include
maps of the storage areas. (See appendix A for the inventory format.) The
inventory can be on a computer; however, a hard copy must also be maintained.
The location of the hard copy of the inventory must be accessible to staff yet
defendable from inmates during an emergency.
• Assist work area supervisors in the identification of hazardous materials.
• Update master inventories based on monthly inventories that work area
supervisors submit.
• Make the master inventories and location maps accessible for emergency
preparedness.
Work Area Supervisors
Work area supervisors (in living units, kitchens, mechanical, and industries shops,
medical, etc.) will:
• Maintain accurate and current running inventories of hazardous materials in their
respective areas. (See appendix A for the inventory format.)
• Limit the number and quantity of hazardous materials that are used and stored to
reduce the risks associated with hazardous materials.
• Update running inventories when new materials are received and maintain close
estimates whenever the materials are drawn down for use.
• Contact the facility safety officer if there are any questions about what materials
should be included on the inventories.
Hobby Craft Officers
Hobby craft officers will:
• Provide facility administrators with a list of hazardous materials inmates use
when participating in hobby craft. Facility administration will approve, by
signature, the materials list, indicating which materials inmates may be allowed to
purchase. Post the approved materials list in the hobby craft areas.
5. Purchasing
The purchase of hazardous materials must be controlled. Whenever possible, staff members
will purchase safe products that are less likely to be abused, misused, or dangerous in a
correctional setting.
In addition to following state fiscal and purchasing procedures, work-area supervisors must
ensure that when hazardous products are purchased that those products are closely
supervised during transit to the storage area and then properly inventoried and secured.
Control Number:
509.02.01.003
Version:
2.0
Title:
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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6. General Storage
Work area supervisors are responsible for the control and accountability of all hazardous
materials stored in their respective work areas.
Storage rooms and cabinets must be properly secured and supervised by staff at all times
when in use. Place cabinets so they do not obstruct access to exits, stairways, and other
areas normally used for evacuation in the event of emergency.
Portable containers (other than original shipping containers) for flammable and
combustible liquids must be approved safety cans listed or labeled by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory and bear legible labels that identify the contents.
Containers must be properly closed when not in use.
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable and combustible materials, including aerosols, are required to be labeled
“Flammable” or “Combustible” under the federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act
and must be stored and used according to label recommendations and in a way that
does not endanger life or property.
In medium and close custody facilities, no flammable or combustible materials,
including aerosols, will be stored inside a secured perimeter whether in cell blocks,
kitchens, administration buildings, medical units, mechanical or industrial shop, etc.
(Exceptions may be approved by the facility head as identified in field memorandum.) In
addition, all materials labeled “FLAMMABLE”, “COMBUSTIBLE”, “DANGER”, or
“CAUTION” will be stored in areas that are inaccessible to inmates.
Storage rooms for flammable and combustible materials must:
• Be graded to divert spills away from living units or other occupied areas or must
be surrounded with curbs or dikes at least six inches (6”) high.
• Have either a four inch (4”) sill or a four inch (4”) depressed floor.
• Have a ventilation system, either mechanical or gravity flow within 12” of the
floor, that provides at least six (6) air changes per hour within the room.
• Be protected against tampering or trespassing and shall be kept free of weeds
and debris.
• Meet electrical code requirements for lighting fixtures and electrical equipment in
storage rooms.
• Be of fire resistant construction.
• Have self-closing fire doors at all openings.
• Be locked at all times when not in immediate use.
Storage cabinets for flammable and combustible materials must:
• Not obstruct access to exits, stairways, and other areas normally used for
evacuation in the event of fire or other emergency.
• Be secured in accordance with Class A tool storage
standards (See SOP 509.02.01.001, Tool Control.)
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Handling and Control Procedures
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• Be grounded, securely locked, and conspicuously labeled “Flammable Keep Fire
Away.”
• Not contain more than 60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids or 120 gallons of
Class III liquids.
LPG and Compressed Gas
LPG and compressed gas must be stored in a safe, authorized location, outside the
facility. The door entering the storage location must be clearly marked “Flammable Keep
Fire Away.” Cylinders must be isolated from heat, ignition sources, and combustible
materials. Never allow containers to reach temperatures exceeding 125ºF.
Oxygen cylinders must be kept in a separate storage location from fuel gas cylinders or
separated by a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a barrier of non-combustible material
at least five feet (5’) high, having a fire rating of at least one-half (½) hour.
General Handling Procedures for All Gas Cylinders
Secure tall cylinders such as oxygen and acetylene with a chain, cable, etc. to prevent
the cylinders from falling over and store small LPG cylinders in a manner that will protect
the cylinders from damage in an earthquake or similar event. Ensure that all cylinders
are clearly marked with their contents.
Separate full and empty cylinders from one another and store all cylinders in an
upright position. Install protective caps when cylinders are not connected for use. Treat
empty containers as if they were full.
Store empty cylinders with their valves closed. Do not drop or abuse cylinders. The
contents of cylinders are compressed under high levels of pressure to the extent that a
cylinder can become a projectile if a valve is broken off. Keep cylinder valves closed and
plugged or capped when not in use. Cylinders must be transported on a hand truck or
cart designed for that purpose and never dragged or rolled.
Check tanks for damage or corrosion. Check valves and connections for leaks with
soapy water. Never use a flame. Never try to force a stuck valve by using a hammer,
screwdriver, pry bar, etc. A licensed vendor must inspect cylinders that have leaks,
damage, or corrosion.
Caustic and Toxic Substances
All toxic and caustic materials are to be stored in their original containers in a secure
area. The manufacturer’s label must remain intact on the container.
7. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The MSDS list information relative to the storage, use, and disposal of the material.
Each work unit supervisor will:
• Obtain MSDS for all hazardous materials used or stored in the work unit.
• Provide the facility safety officer with MSDS for existing and new products.
• Ensure the MSDS are readily available to inmates and staff.
• Be familiar with the MSDS information for hazardous materials used in their area.
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Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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• Ensure that inmates working with hazardous materials have read and understand the
MSDS for the materials they handle and sign appendix B, Material Safety Data Sheet
Log, when being issued hazardous materials. If an inmate has difficulty reading or
understanding the material, the work unit supervisor, or designee must review the
information with the inmate.
8. Drawing and Issuing
Only authorized staff members can draw and issue hazardous materials to inmates. Staff
must log all hazardous materials issued on appendix A, Hazardous Materials Inventory, and
only issue the amount necessary for the job at hand. Return unused portions to storage or
dispose of properly.
Staff must be cautious when dispensing or using methyl alcohol (also known as wood
alcohol or methanol). Methyl alcohol is a flammable poisonous liquid commonly used in
industrial applications (shellac thinner, paint solvent, duplicating fluid, solvents for leather
cements and dyes, flushing fluid for hydraulic brake systems).
The only acceptable methods for drawing hazardous liquids from or transferring these
liquids into containers from a drum or other bulk storage are:
• Transferred through a closed piping system
• Transfer from approved safety cans
• Drawn through the top using an approved pump device
• Gravity-drawn through an approved self-closing system
• Grounding and bonding system must be used when liquids are dispensed from a
drum
9. Use and Supervision
The use of hazardous materials must conform to the provisions and precautions listed in the
respective MSDS.
Flammable and Combustible Materials
In medium and close custody facilities, staff must closely monitor the use of flammable
and combustible materials and following these precautions:
• Inmates using flammable materials must be under direct supervision of staff.
• Fuel dispensed must be limited to the fuel tanks on the machines.
• Inmates must not possess any containers that could carry fuel.
• Precautions must be taken to prevent inmates from removing or disconnecting
fuel lines.
• Inmates must not possess any device that would allow siphoning fuel from fuel
tanks.
• Inmates using any product containing methyl alcohol must be directly supervised.
(Products containing methyl alcohol in a diluted state, such as shoe dye, may be
issued to inmates, but only in the smallest workable quantities.)
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Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Handling and Control Procedures
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• Immediate medical attention is imperative whenever methyl alcohol poisoning is
suspected.
Other Specific Materials Standards
The following standards apply for close, medium, minimum custody, and community
work center facilities that are adjacent to a higher-custody facility:
• Unused portions are to be returned to the original containers in the storage
areas or, if appropriate, stored in the storage areas in suitable, clearly labeled
containers.
• Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and other antiseptic products: Stored and
used only in the medical department.
• Cleaning fluids containing carbon tetrachloride, trichlorochane,
tetrachloride, or trichloroethylene: Used by inmates under direct supervision.
• Dyes and cements for leather: (Use non-flammable products if possible.)
Flammable products must be issued and used in accordance with this SOP.
• Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other poisons: Facility head must
identify the products approved for use. If a product requires an applicator’s
license, only individuals with a current applicator’s license may handle or apply
the product. These products must be stored in a secure area.
• Lye: Stored in a secure area and used only under the direct supervision of staff.
• Cleaning solvents: Hazardous combustible liquids with flashpoints at or above
100ºF may be used for cleaning. Part cleaners or dip tanks must be fitted with
lids that have a fusible link designed to close in event of a fire.
10. Disposal
Hazardous materials must be disposed of properly. The MSDS for each substance states
the proper method of disposal and related precautions. The facility safety officer will
remove hazardous materials needing disposal from the facility and store them in an
appropriate location until they can be disposed of properly. The facility safety officer will
document storage and disposal using appendix A, Hazardous Materials Inventory.
11. Spills
Information regarding the proper procedures for spills is contained in the MSDS for each
substance. If a hazardous material is spilled, staff and inmates must follow the instructions
on the MSDS.
12. Inventory and Audit Process
The IDOC conducts audits and inventories to ensure accountability of hazardous materials.
Staff will complete both processes twice a year. An audit is a check on a portion of the
hazardous materials and processes for handling; an inventory is a physical count of every
hazardous material, confirming it against the written inventory and reviewing all processes
and documentation. If staff members discover exceptions during either process, the facility
head may call for a complete re-inventory, investigation, facility search, lockdown, or other
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Handling and Control Procedures
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response based on the type of exception and the level of risk the exception presents to the
safe and secure operation of the facility.
Taking Inventories
Work area supervisors (or appointed designees) will:
• Conduct inventories of all the work area’s hazardous materials during the first
and third quarters of the year.
• Visually verify that all hazardous materials are inventoried and that the running
inventories are being properly used.
• Notify the facility safety officer of the results of the inventory.
• Notify the facility head if any exceptions are found.
Audit
The facility safety officer will:
• Audit at least 10% of the facility’s hazardous materials during the second (2nd)
and fourth (4th) quarter of the year.
• Verify that work area inventories are present and the running inventories are
being properly used.
• Reconcile purchasing information and inventories to ensure that incoming items
are being appropriately inventoried.
• Check the work area inventories against the master inventory and update the
master inventory if necessary.
• Inspect some storage and work areas for compliance regarding MSDS, MSDS
logs, proper labels, proper use, etc.
• Notify the work area supervisors of the results of the audits.
• Notify the facility heads if any exceptions are found.
REFERENCES
Appendix A, Hazardous Materials Inventory
Appendix B, Material Safety Data Sheet Log
Idaho Division of Building Safety, Idaho General Health and Safety Standards, (Published in
cooperation with the Idaho Industrial Commission.)
Material Safety Data Sheet for Chlorine
Material Safety Data Sheet for Propane
– End of Document –
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Hazardous Materials Inventory
Appendix A
509.02.01.003 v1.3

Work Unit: Date:
Storage Area: Supervisor:
Material:
Beginning Inventory:

Date Beginning
Quantity
Amount
Used
Amount
Received
Ending
Quantity
Issued To Issuing Staff

Closing Date: Closing inventory:
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Material Safety Data Sheet Log
Appendix B
509.02.01.003 v1.3
Work Unit: Date:
Storage Area: Supervisor:
Material:

Date MSDS Reviewed Inmate’s Name (print) Inmate’s Signature