Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 25

Fire Prevention Tips
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which is administered by the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, establishes three labeling categories for
liquid consumer products which will burn:
1. Extremely Flammable liquids produce ignitable
vapours at room temperature, and, even when relatively cold (below
20F). Gasoline, white gas (often used in camping stoves and lanterns),
contact adhesives, and some wood stains are in this category.
2. Flammable liquids also produce ignitable vapors, but they do so at
higher temperatures. Among these liquids are paint thinners, some
paint, and automotive products such as brake fluid.
3. Combustible on a label tells you that the fluid will burn once ignited,
but it is less likely to catch fire than those with more ignitable vapours.
Combustible liquids often include furniture polishers, oil-based paints,
fuel oil, diesel oil, and kerosene.
When you select a liquid for a specific job, always look for the one that is likely to
ignite. Some products are not labeled Flammable because are not flammable in
liquid form (as they come from the container). Some paint strippers, for example,
become suppressant chemicals evaporate. Always use solvent-based products of
any kind with adequate air ventilation, and when in doubt assume they are
flammable. The ventilation help protect you from any toxic effects of the vapours, as
well as lessening the chances that the fumes will build up and ignite.
The best means of storing such flammable products as paints, polishes, etc. is to
place them in a metal cabinet, preferably in the garage. The following is a list of
other recommended precautions for the use, disposal storage of common flammable
household products:
1. Discard all empty cans that once contained flammable liquids.
Although empty, the can may still contain flammable vapours.
2. NEVER dispose of aerosol-type dispensers by throwing them into an
incinerator. Even such products as a whipped cream container contain
gases that can become explosive when heated!
3. Gasoline should ALWAYS be stored in a safety can equipped with an
automatic shutting spout. Be sure the can is approved by Underwriters'
Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
4. Use flammable liquids away from any flame or source of sparks. This
includes hidden ones like pilot lights, heaters, electric motors, and even
static electricity from your clothes!
5. NEVER use gasoline for cleaning floors, clothes, tools, etc.
6. Use only liquids labeled "Charcoal Starters" to get charcoal fires going
and NEVER ADD STARTER FLUID AFTER THE FIRE HAS BEEN LIT. Of
course, both charcoal and charcoal starter fluids should only be used
outdoors.
7. ALWAYS pour and use flammable liquids outdoors or in a very well
ventilated space, away from fire or sparks.
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