Flammable Liquids Dangers
Gasoline, barbeque fuel, paint or paint thinner, these are all flammable liquid and pose a fire threat, therefore the word to live by while handling these liquids is CAUTION. Flammable liquids are as common as most of our other commodities we use daily in our homes. They are so common, that we often forget their potential to cause serious injuries or loss of life. Oftentimes, we treat flammable liquids as if they were no more harmless than the water we drink daily.
When vapors of a flammable liquid do ignite, they do so with an explosive force. This can lead to serious injuries of the victims face, hands, and eyes and often results in the victims clothes catching on fire. To make sure you handle flammable liquids safely and prevent any accidents, the Bushkill Twp. Vol. Fire Co. has come up with a few basic safety tips for you to follow.
* Store flammable liquids in an approved container specifically designed for such liquids. NEVER use a glass container. Metal containers are the best option. If you chose plastic, make sure it is designed for flammable liquids.
* Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area, separate from the living portion of your house. Preferably in a storage building away from your home. Keep all hazardous liquids locked up and out of reach of children.
* Read all warning labels on flammable liquid containers and take the precautions indicated.
* Never carry gasoline in the passenger compartment of your car. Avoid carrying it in your trunk except for short distances and in small quantities. (Example: filling a gas can at a gas station for your lawn equipment and back home.)
* Keep all flammable liquids away from corrosives, oxidizers, all ignition sources and open flames. Be aware of spark-producing equipment such as cigarettes, matches, lighters, or pilot lights. REMEMBER many flammable liquid vapors can ignite by a distant flame or spark.
* Re-fuel gas-powered equipment only after the engine has cooled down. (generators, lawn mowers, rototillers)
* ALWAYS use flammable liquids in open, well-ventilated areas to prevent the concentration of highly flammable and toxic vapors.
* Label cabinets with appropriate "flammable liquids" signs.
* NO SMOKING around where flammable liquids are used or stored.
* Minimize your use of flammable liquids.
* Never pour flammable liquids down a sink or drain.
* Ground flammable liquid containers to prevent static charge buildup.
* Dispose of empty flammable containers in an approved manner.
* Wear goggles and protective equipment such as splash aprons when handling flammable liquids.
Flammable liquid health hazards. Overexposure to flammable liquids can cause a variety of side effects:
Inhalation of flammable liquids can cause irritation to the respiratory passages, headaches, muscle weakness, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even death.
Skin contact with flammable liquids can cause the skin's oils to be removed which results in irritated, cracked, dry skin, rashes, & dermatitis.
Eye contact with flammable liquids can cause burning, irritation, and eye damage.
Ingestion of flammable liquids can irritate the digestive tract, poisoning, and death.
When vapors of a flammable liquid do ignite, they do so with an explosive force. This can lead to serious injuries of the victims face, hands, and eyes and often results in the victims clothes catching on fire. To make sure you handle flammable liquids safely and prevent any accidents, the Bushkill Twp. Vol. Fire Co. has come up with a few basic safety tips for you to follow.
* Store flammable liquids in an approved container specifically designed for such liquids. NEVER use a glass container. Metal containers are the best option. If you chose plastic, make sure it is designed for flammable liquids.
* Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area, separate from the living portion of your house. Preferably in a storage building away from your home. Keep all hazardous liquids locked up and out of reach of children.
* Read all warning labels on flammable liquid containers and take the precautions indicated.
* Never carry gasoline in the passenger compartment of your car. Avoid carrying it in your trunk except for short distances and in small quantities. (Example: filling a gas can at a gas station for your lawn equipment and back home.)
* Keep all flammable liquids away from corrosives, oxidizers, all ignition sources and open flames. Be aware of spark-producing equipment such as cigarettes, matches, lighters, or pilot lights. REMEMBER many flammable liquid vapors can ignite by a distant flame or spark.
* Re-fuel gas-powered equipment only after the engine has cooled down. (generators, lawn mowers, rototillers)
* ALWAYS use flammable liquids in open, well-ventilated areas to prevent the concentration of highly flammable and toxic vapors.
* Label cabinets with appropriate "flammable liquids" signs.
* NO SMOKING around where flammable liquids are used or stored.
* Minimize your use of flammable liquids.
* Never pour flammable liquids down a sink or drain.
* Ground flammable liquid containers to prevent static charge buildup.
* Dispose of empty flammable containers in an approved manner.
* Wear goggles and protective equipment such as splash aprons when handling flammable liquids.
Flammable liquid health hazards. Overexposure to flammable liquids can cause a variety of side effects:
Inhalation of flammable liquids can cause irritation to the respiratory passages, headaches, muscle weakness, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even death.
Skin contact with flammable liquids can cause the skin's oils to be removed which results in irritated, cracked, dry skin, rashes, & dermatitis.
Eye contact with flammable liquids can cause burning, irritation, and eye damage.
Ingestion of flammable liquids can irritate the digestive tract, poisoning, and death.
