Hazard of flammable liquids

Serious burns can be caused by carelessness when using flammable liquids.

Flashes of vapors from gasoline, acetone, benzene, toluene, certain alcohols, and ethers are periodically reported by rescuers as causes of fires, resulting in hospitalizations. The name – flammable liquids (FL) – speaks for itself, so their use requires special attention.

Remember that using open flames (matches, cigarettes, etc.) when working with flammable liquids is prohibited. If you have worked with solvents, paints, or spilled FL on yourself, even after some time, a vapor flash from any spark can lead to serious burns. Be attentive and careful when handling FL and combustible liquids.

Be sure to tell children about the dangers of flammable liquids. The main thing a child should know is that FL have a very strong and unpleasant odor. This can be their primary "diagnostic" sign. Most often, children get hold of FL, which include paints and varnishes, during play at construction sites or in homes, apartments where renovations are underway. Do not forget that FL in the context of children's games also include hairspray, cockroach repellent, air freshener, and perfume. For some reason, children sometimes get the idea to spray household aerosols or perfume onto a candle flame or a stovetop burner. The flash will be large-scale and dangerous. Be sure to tell your child about all the hidden dangers of these colorful bottles. It is impossible to remove all dangerous items from life, but parents are obliged to talk about the dangers, teach, and show by their own example.

How to extinguish burning FL?

Unlike burning wood, for example, FL should never be extinguished with water. This is because gasoline, kerosene, and similar substances are lighter than water, and when attempting to douse them, the substances will float to the surface, not only continuing to burn but also spreading outwards, increasing the area of combustion.

Since the combustion of gasoline is impossible without access to oxygen, methods that limit air access to the source of ignition can be used to extinguish it. Flammable liquids can be extinguished using wet pieces of cloth or dense clothing, a powder extinguisher, as well as using sand or soil. This should be done carefully, avoiding sudden throws, as gasoline can be splashed, which, upon contact with surrounding objects, will ignite them.

If possible, it is necessary to eliminate the possibility of fire spreading beyond the boundaries of combustion, in simpler terms, to prevent the liquid from spreading over a large area. To do this, sand or soil should be poured from the outside of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then from the edge towards the center, gradually covering the liquid completely. Sand used to extinguish gasoline or kerosene becomes toxic, so it should be disposed of by burying it away from green spaces, playgrounds, and residential buildings.

If you cannot extinguish the fire yourself, you must call the rescue service by phone 101 or 112!