Health Topics for Personal Safety

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Flammable hazards

Many products found around the home are flammable. This means that they are easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly. Solvents, oil-based paints, charcoal lighter fluid, and gasoline are typical examples of flammable liquids. If open to air, these products vaporize, and may explode if they come into contact with a spark or pilot light.

Always follow the label instructions and these standard safety precautions:

• Keep flammable products tightly sealed and store them away from electrical appliances or open flames.
• Do not smoke cigarettes around flammable chemicals. Do not do anything that can produce a spark, such as hammering, sawing, chiseling, chipping, scraping, or power sanding. Do not allow welding around flammable products.
• Use flammable chemicals only in well-ventilated areas.
• Dispose of old rags that were used with flammable liquids or oil.
• Read and follow product label instructions.
• Properly dispose of unused or unneeded flammables.
• Do not attempt to light a fire using gasoline. Use charcoal starter fluid carefully and according to instructions. Do not add more starter fluid once you have started the fire.
• Carefully check the connections and rubber hoses on any gas- powered barbecue grill. Repair damage before using. Do not store such grills in the sun or where they can get very hot. This will cause the gas in a full tank to expand and possibly explode. Do not use barbecue grills of any type near the house or other structure.
• Keep an ABC-type fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to use it. Check that it is properly charged each month.

For more information, contact your local fire department.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PERS4863.rf2 VRS# 4863 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.