Serious burns can be sustained due to carelessness when using flammable liquids.
Serious burns can be sustained due to carelessness when using flammable liquids.
Flashes of vapours from petrol, acetone, benzene, toluene, certain alcohols and ethers – according to rescuers' reports, periodically become the cause of fires, resulting in people being hospitalised. The very name – flammable liquids (FL) – speaks for itself, hence their use requires special attention.
On December 17, 2022, at 03:35, the "112" number received reports from eyewitnesses about an explosion and fire in an apartment on Shevchenko Boulevard in Minsk. Unfortunately, 6 people died.
The cause of the fire is being established. In addition to the gas explosion theory, the theory that the fire was caused by a flash of flammable liquid vapours is currently being seriously considered. This is evidenced by containers found in one of the apartments, which possibly contained this liquid. The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case.
Any flammable liquid can pose a serious danger to health or a risk of fire if used improperly. If the concentration of the vapour cloud reaches a certain temperature, the liquid ignites. The substance itself, in a calm state, cannot ignite. Combustible liquids have a high flash point, flammable liquids have a low one, hence they are more dangerous to humans. If a combustible substance has spilled, it is immediately necessary to open all windows and ventilate the room. Turn off all electrical equipment, as it is a source of sparks that can lead to an explosion. If something has got onto clothing, remove it; if onto skin, wash it off with water as quickly as possible. If a large amount of combustible substance has spilled, it is necessary to evacuate people and call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Regarding which substances can be stored and where, organizations and enterprises have specific rules regulated by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 7 "On the Development of Entrepreneurship". As for residential premises, the storage of explosive substances, flammable and combustible liquids (FCL), cylinders with hot gas, and other fire and explosion hazardous substances and materials, as well as containers after their use, is not permitted in the auxiliary premises of apartment buildings (common areas), and residential premises must be used for their intended functional purpose. Therefore, be extremely attentive, as this issue primarily concerns your health and the safety of your family.
Be sure to inform children about the dangers of flammable liquids. What a child should know is that FCL have a very strong and unpleasant odor. This can be their main "diagnostic" sign. Most often, children come into contact with FCL, including paints and varnishes, while playing at construction sites or in houses and apartments undergoing renovation. Do not forget that in the context of children's games, FCL 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 stove burner. The flash will be large-scale and dangerous. Be sure to tell your child about all the hidden dangers of brightly colored bottles. It is impossible to remove all dangerous items from life, but parents are obliged to inform about the dangers, teach, and demonstrate by their own example.
How to extinguish burning FCL?
Unlike burning wood, for example, FCL should never be extinguished with water. This is because gasoline, kerosene, and similar substances are lighter than water, and when attempting to extinguish them with water, they will float to the surface, not only continuing to burn but also spreading outwards, increasing the area of the fire.
Since the combustion of gasoline is impossible without access to oxygen, methods that limit air access to the source of ignition can be used for its extinguishment. Flammable liquids can be extinguished using wet pieces of cloth or dense clothing, a powder extinguisher, or by using sand or soil, which should be thrown onto the burning surface. This should be done carefully, avoiding sudden throws, as otherwise, the gasoline can be splashed and, upon contact with surrounding objects, ignite them as well. Ideally, one should first eliminate the possibility of fire spreading beyond the burning area, or more simply, prevent the liquid from spreading further. To do this, sand or soil should be poured starting from the outer edge of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then gradually covering the liquid from the edge towards the centre. Sand used for extinguishing gasoline or kerosene becomes toxic, so it should be disposed of by burying it away from green spaces, playgrounds, and residential buildings.
Stay safe! It is better to stop at a petrol station for fuel, buy special fire-starting liquids at a shop, or heat stoves with dry firewood. And remember – the price of one mistake when using any hazardous substances is human life.