Flammable goods

Flammable liquids are liquids which have a flash point (the lowest temperature of a liquid when it is emitting steam in an amount such that an ignitable mixture with air is formed) of 100 ° C or lower. Flammable gases are gases which at a temperature of 20 ˚C are able to form a flammable gas mixture with air.

Handling larger quantities of flammables requires permission from the city management (kommunen) and permit holders of Karolinska Institutet's permit is the Vice-Chancellor. The permit is time-limited and conditional. Periodic inpections are done by the fire department to ensure that KI follow the conditions stated in the permit, as well as laws and regulations within the field.

For example, KI is obligated to have a well-structured organization with qualified "Supervisors for flammable goods" and "Flammable goods monitors". All departments have to make sure that flammable goods are handled and stored in a safe manner. Important is to register all flammable goods in KLARA product database with the record "max storage" (more information under Chemical safety and KLARA product database).

Flammable products are stored in fireproof ventilated cabinets. During working hours, only amounts used should be taken out from the storage.

KI´s regulation for handling flammable goods in laboratories at KI

The regulation aims to describe necessary measures to be taken, to ensure safe handling of flammable goods in accordance with the requirements in the Act (2010:1011) of flammable and explosive goods (Swedish only). Furthermore, KI´s regulation is to aid KI´s appointed Supervisors of flammable goods in their task to prevent, forestall and limit accidents and damage to lives, health, environment, and property, that can arise from fire and explosion caused by flammable and explosive goods.

The regulation shall also serve as support documentation in KI´s facility projects aimed at new facility constructions as well as when rebuilding and/or expanding current facilities.  

Storage requirements at KI campus

• Flammable gas - Is stored in ventilated EI 60 classified cabinet/storage.
• Flammable liquid - Is stored in ventilated EI 60 classified cabinet/storage.

Storage cabinets for flammable goods must be made in accordance with SS-EN 14470-1, type 60 for liquids and SS-EN 14470-2, type G60 for gas. Both types of cabinets must be yellow. 

Storage requirements at hospital area

• Flammable gas - Is stored in ventilated EI 60 classified cabinet/storage.
• Flammable liquid - Is stored in ventilated EI 60 classified cabinet/storage.

Fridges and freezers

It is not allowed to store flammable goods in ordinary fridges and frezzers, only specific "non-sparking" lab freezers and fridges shall be used. These refrigerators and freezers should be labelled to indicate that thay contain flammable goods.

Labelling and signs

Flammable products should be labelled with symbols and warnings so that users are informed of the dangers. Labelling is determined by the classification of the product. Cabinets and storage, as well as doors leading to spaces where flammable goods are stored, should be well labelled to inform everyone where flammable good are kept.

Classification of explosive areas

In premises, or part of premises, where open handling of flammable goods may cause an explosive atmosphere, an area classification plan should be drawn. Classified areas must be well marked and only special EX-classified electrical equipment is allowed to be used in such an area. To avoid explosive environments to arise it is preferable to handle flammable goods in closed systems or in ventilated areas (fume hood, benches etc).

Classification drawings

General classification drawings at KI