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Right now, in your home, there are probably dozens of hazardous materials that
could be very dangerous if you have a fire or that could start a fire if they
are stored or used improperly. Protect yourself and your family by becoming
familiar with hazardous materials in your home. When using hazardous
materials, be sure you have at least two unobstructed exits from the area you
are working.
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Begin your tour in the bedroom - the last place you'd expect to find hazardous
materials. Do you have any aerosol cans of hair spray, deodorant or other
personal care products? Aerosol hair spray and similar products are highly
flammable not because of the products themselves but because of the flammable
propellant gas. Never use them near a heat source or open flame. Aerosol cans
can explode if exposed to high temperature. Never dispose of them in trash that
will be burned (that includes apartment building incinerator systems).
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Nail polish is also flammable as are many other fluids that give off strong
vapors. Nail polish and nail polish remover, as well as cotton balls or tissues
used to apply them, burn easily if exposed to flame.
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The vapors given off by mothballs can also be ignited. Mothball containers
should be sealed tight.
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In the bathroom, some disinfectants such as toilet bowl cleaners are caustic.
Drain-cleaning fluids and powders are extremely caustic and can cause severe
chemical burns. Follow the instructions for use printed on the labels of these
products.
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In the kitchen, cleaning products should be stored and used with care. Some
floor and furniture polishes, spot removers and oven cleaners are combustible
liquids that can be ignited.
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If you are unsure if a product is flammable, read the label. Labels are required
to state if the product is a fire hazard.
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Flammable Gases
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Containers of butane (for refilling lighters) and all aerosol cans should be
stored in a cool place. When filling a butane lighter, be sure there is no flame
or heat source nearby that could ignite leaking gas.
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Natural gas and propane piped into your home are extremely flammable and should
be used with care. If you suspect a leak, call the Gas Company, propane
supplier or fire department immediately.
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Propane cylinders for cooking or heating should always be installed or stored
out of doors. Plug cylinder outlets when tanks are not connected for use to
protect them from physical damage.
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In the Basement or Garage
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Your workshop, basement or hobby area is likely to contain many flammable or
combustible liquids, such as turpentine, mineral spirits and other solvents;
oil-based paint stains and varnishes; and camping stove fuels and charcoal
lighter fluid.
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Your basement is also likely to house your furnace, boiler and hot-water heater.
All are sources of heat and flame that could ignite vapors from those flammable
liquids.
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It is best to store all flammable liquids outside of your home, in the garage or
in a shed. Always store flammable liquids in tightly closed original containers
or in approved, labeled safety containers. Never store flammable liquids in
glass jars, which can break easily. Rags soaked in oils or paint thinners will
burn if exposed to flame. Store them in a sealed metal container or dispose of
them after allowing them to dry (or "harden") outdoors.
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Gasoline
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Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Treat it with extreme caution, since even a
tiny spark can ignite gasoline vapors. Store gasoline outside the home -
preferably in a stand alone, locked shed or in the garage and only in
containers designed and approved for that purpose.
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Refuel gasoline-powered machinery in the open, away from buildings or foliage.
Be sure engines are off and cool before refueling. Hot surfaces can ignite
gasoline vapors.
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Never use gasoline as a substitute for charcoal lighter or as a cleaning
solution. The results can be fatal. Never smoke near gasoline.
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Hazardous Materials Outdoors
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The charcoal lighter and propane commonly used for outdoor cooking are familiar
hazardous materials. When starting a charcoal fire, apply starter fluid only to
cold charcoal briquettes. Allow the fluid to soak in for 10 minutes before
lighting. Never add starter fluid to warm or flaming charcoal.
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If you use an outdoor propane grill, follow the manufacturer's instructions and
always keep a close eye on the grill.
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Other flammable or otherwise hazardous household materials include some weed
killers, garden fungicides and fertilizers, pesticides and pool chemicals. Read
and follow product instructions carefully. Do not store fertilizers and pool
chemicals together, these two products can cause a chemical reaction and ignite
spontaneously.
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Portable Fire Extinuisher Usage
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When using household hazardous materials, have an extinguisher nearby that has
been tested and labeled by an independent testing laboratory for use in fighting
Class B (flammable liquid) fires. Do not use an extinguisher labeled for only
Class A (paper and ordinary combustible) fires. These extinguishers use water to
fight the fire and could make a hazardous materials fire worse. Hazardous
materials fires should be fought only with extinguishers using a dry chemical
extinguishing agent. These extinguishers will be labeled for use on Class B:C
fires or on Class A:B:C (Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment.)
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See also: Portable Fire Extingushers
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