2.3 Flammability Control

Ethylbenzene is characterized as a highly flammable liquid. Ethylbenzene vapours may form an explosive mixture with air. Safe handling practices must therefore focus on necessary precautions to avoid the ignition of ethylbenzene. It is strongly advised to keep away sources of ignition (no smoking, no open flames, sparking equipment, or welding operations). Ethylbenzene can accumulate static charges; hence special attention should be paid to take precautionary measures against static discharge (spark hazard).

Suitable extinguishing media are dry extinguishing media, foam, carbon dioxide and halons. Water is considered unsuitable for extinguishing purposes. Water spray however may be used to cool fire-exposed containers and the fire affected zone until the fire is out and danger of re-ignition has passed. Accumulation of water should be avoided, because ethylbenzene may be carried across water surfaces, spreading fire and increasing the chance to contact an ignition source. Personnel are advised to stay upwind and not enter low areas where vapours (fumes) can accumulate.

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Patrick Detournay
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