Important Definitions:

Flash Point
The lowest temperature of a liquid which it gives off enough vapour to form an ignitable mixture of vapour and air immediately above the liquid surface.

Autoignition Temperature
The minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion, in the absence of a spark or flame.

The Lower Explosive (flammable) Limit (LEL)
The lowest concentration of vapour in air which will burn or explode upon contact with a source of ignition.

The Upper Explosive (flammable) Limit (UEL)
The highest concentration of vapour in air which will burn or explode upon contact with a source of ignition.

1. Use a flame only as long as necessary and extinguish it when done.
2. Do not use an open flame to heat a flammable or combustible materials. It is generally not recommended to perform a distillation at reduced pressure using an open flame due to the possibility of local superheating.
3. Remove all flammable and combustible materials from the work area before lighting a flame.
4. Notify all others in the lab and note any procedure using flammable and combustible gases and iquids before lighting a flame.
5. Store all flammable and combustible materials properly. All materials must be stored in an approved flammable cabinet except those intended for immediate use (ie. that day).
6. Avoid open flames, use non-sparking equipment and adequate ventilation if a flammable atmosphere may be generated, for example when dispensing flammable or combustible solvents (Ont. Reg. 851 Sec.63).
7. To prevent the potential for static discharge when pouring or transfering flammable solvents, touch plastic and glass containers together while transfering. If you are using metal containers use bonding and grounding straps.

LINK - Western Policy:

Storage and Dispensing of Flammable and Combustible Liquids in Laboratories Policy