Flammable liquids are present in nearly every workplace. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and many common products such as solvents, thinners, cleaners, adhesives, paints, waxes and hand sanitizer may be highly flammable or combustible. If used or stored improperly, flammable and combustible liquids can cause serious injury or death.

Proper storage of flammable liquids is essential in maximizing risk management.

According to a report by The Chickasha Express-Star, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a $6.6 million fine and compliance order to Bordwine Development during an ongoing hazardous waste investigation.

In his report, Rob Singletary, DEQ general counsel, said the large quantities of stored hand sanitizer, especially with a high level of alcohol, is hazardous. [Hand sanitizer] can be ignitable under certain circumstances, he said.

At the building located at 1102 Pikes Peak Rd. in Chickasha, Oklahoma, full and partially full bottles of hand sanitizer were found in a pile on the ground mixed with shredded cardboard and liquid was leaking on the ground, court documents said.

Singletary also stated that contaminants were released into the environment.

“There are aquifers below everywhere in the state. There’s ground water, so we’re looking at that,” Singletary said.

The following work practices must be followed when handling flammable and combustible liquids:

    • Use Class I flammable liquids (any liquid that can ignite at less than 100° F) only where no open flame or other ignition source is in the path of the vapor.
    • All containers must be properly labeled or marked with the complete chemical name.
    • All containers must be metal, sealed with a cap or lid, and not damaged or leaking.
    • Don’t store flammable liquid containers next to exits, aisles, stairways or doors—even for a brief time. Flammable containers should not be placed where they can interfere with the exit from an area or building in an emergency situation.
    • Dispense flammable and combustible liquids with an approved pump or metal self-closing faucets only.
    • Do not transfer liquid unless an employee who is trained to stop the transfer in the event of a spill is present.
    • When transferring flammable liquids from one container to another, the two containers must be connected by a conducting wire, and one container must be grounded.
    • Remember that welding, flame cutting and soldering and other flame-, heat- or spark-producing work is not allowed within 25 feet of liquid use and storage areas.
    • Never smoke in storage and handling areas of combustible and flammable liquids, or in a 25-foot radius around these areas.
    • Maintain access to fire extinguishers and other emergency response equipment at all times. At least one fire extinguisher must be located within 10 feet of any flammable or combustible liquid storage area and within 50 feet of a flammable liquid use area.

For more Environmental Safety Tips, contact INSURICA today.

Information provided on this site does not constitute professional advice: if you have legal, tax or financial planning questions, you should contact an appropriate professional. Statements on this website as to policies and coverages and other content provide general information only and we provide no warranty as to their accuracy. Current and/or potential clients should consult with their licensed agent as to how these coverages pertain to their individual situation.

This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

About the Author

Adam Ewing
Adam Ewing
INSURICA Content and Web Specialist

Share This Story

Stay Updated

Subscribe to the INSURICA blog and receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Related Blogs

Group Health Premiums on the Rise: What Employers Need to Know

September 8th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits, Trending|

In 2025, rising group health premiums are becoming a central concern for employers. Carriers like UnitedHealth, Anthem, and CVS Health have issued projections showing significant cost increases—driven by escalating claims severity, specialty drug costs, and continued labor shortages across provider networks.

SECURE 2.0 Implementation: A New Era in Retirement Planning

September 5th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits|

The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in late 2022 and now in active rollout through 2025, is reshaping the landscape of workplace retirement planning. Designed to expand access, modernize plan design, and improve financial preparedness, the law introduces over 90 new provisions—many of which are now surfacing in HR departments across the country.

Visitor Check-In and Access Control Best Practices

August 27th, 2025|Blog, Education|

Visitor check-in and access control best practices are essential for ensuring campus safety. With increasing security concerns in schools, implementing visitor check-in and access control best practices helps minimize unauthorized access, protect students and staff, and ensure a safe learning environment.

Go to Top