Fire Safety Tips
Flammable Liquids
One of the major causes of household fires involves flammable liquids. Flammable liquids are an everyday product that we use to make our lives easier, and because of the daily use we frequently loose sight of the inherent dangers of these product - we get complacent!
Why are flammable liquids so dangerous? Because of their extremely low ignition temperature, under 100F; and the wide range of vapor to air mixture ratio for ignition of the vapors (upper and lower explosive level).
Flammable liquids can be easily ignited by a static electrical discharge or an open flame. Contrary to movie myths', flammable liquids and their vapors are not easily ignited by a lit cigarette tossed into the puddle or vapor area, however; the lighting of a cigarette or other tobacco product can and will ignited both vapors and liquids. This is the reason that "No Smoking" signs are posted around gasoline dispensing stations, flammable liquids storage areas and often on storage containers themselves. The vapors are by far the deadliest and the unseen hazards surrounding all flammable liquid use.
Flammable liquid vapors can travel great distances to a source of ignition and then ignite with such ferocity that it creates an 'explosion'. The intensity of that explosion is variable and based on the amount of fuel vapor to air ratio that is present at the time of ignition, humidity and temperature and the containment area of the vapors. If vapors are allowed to light in confinement, the energy expended when the vapors ignite create pressure and if that pressure is contained, such as in a small room or un vented area, the expanding pressure pushes out and may then cause boundary failures such as blowing out windows, walls and doors. Vapor explosions have the potential for injuring or killing with the ensuing fire and hot gases, rapid pressurization and depressurization, as well as the flying debris created in an explosion.
Flammable liquids include gasoline, acetone benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all is gasoline and is probably present in most household garages or garden sheds. To store and use flammable liquids safety you should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements:
- Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled, tightly closed non-glass containers.
- These products are stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances.
- Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of children.
- Flammable liquids are used in well ventilated areas and in moderation.
- Flammable liquids are only dispensed into 'cool' gasoline powered equipment such as lawnmowers, weed eaters and leaf blowers.
- Flammable liquids spills in the garage or inside the home are quickly cleaned up and not allowed to evaporate.
- Flammable liquids are properly disposed of at approved locations.
