gasoline-related injuries and how to prevent them
TRANSCRIPT
Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Gasoline Safety
Preventing Gasoline-Related InjuriesPreventing Gasoline-Related Injuries
Developed by:American Burn AssociationBurn Prevention Committee
Developed by:American Burn AssociationBurn Prevention Committee
Funded by:United States Fire Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency
Funded by:United States Fire Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency
Gasoline Safety
Fire and Burn Death and InjuryFire and Burn Death and Injury
Deaths4,000 deaths a yearfrom fire and burns
Injuries25,000 hospitalized in burn centers
600,000 burn injuries treated at hospital ED’s
Deaths4,000 deaths a yearfrom fire and burns
Injuries25,000 hospitalized in burn centers
600,000 burn injuries treated at hospital ED’s
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association,National Center for Health Statistics)
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association,National Center for Health Statistics)
Gasoline Safety
What We Should Know About GasolineWhat We Should Know About Gasoline
Dangers of gasoline and related products
The proper use of gasoline
Preventing gasoline injury
Immediate injury treatment
Dangers of gasoline and related products
The proper use of gasoline
Preventing gasoline injury
Immediate injury treatment
Gasoline Safety
The Impact of Gasoline Fires and InjuriesThe Impact of Gasoline Fires and Injuries
500 fire deaths Several thousand injuries
treated at hospitals 6,000+ home fires $450M+ property damage
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics National Fire Protection Association
500 fire deaths Several thousand injuries
treated at hospitals 6,000+ home fires $450M+ property damage
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics National Fire Protection Association
Gasoline Safety
Gasoline’s ONLY Proper Use is… Gasoline’s ONLY Proper Use is…
… TO POWER ENGINES… TO POWER ENGINES
Gasoline-powered Engines
Require a Constant Explosion of Fuel
Gasoline-powered Engines
Require a Constant Explosion of Fuel
Gasoline Safety
Gasoline Should Never Be Used as….Gasoline Should Never Be Used as….
– An accelerant (to a cooking grill or any fire)
– A solvent
– A cleaning solution
– A weed or insect killer
– A mind-altering substance
– A fuel in devices designed for kerosene
– An accelerant (to a cooking grill or any fire)
– A solvent
– A cleaning solution
– A weed or insect killer
– A mind-altering substance
– A fuel in devices designed for kerosene
Gasoline Safety
Usual Initial Source of a Gasoline Explosion Usual Initial Source of a Gasoline Explosion
“It’s the vapor”“It’s the vapor”
Gasoline Safety
Flammable Liquid/Gas Danger FactorsFlammable Liquid/Gas Danger Factors
Flash Point
Vapor Density
Flammable Range
Accessibility
Flash Point
Vapor Density
Flammable Range
Accessibility
Gasoline Safety
Danger Factor #1: Flash PointDanger Factor #1: Flash Point
Definition:The temperature at which a product releases vapors that can explode and burn. The lower the flash point, the greater the danger.
Flammable: Vapors are released that can explode and burn at temperatures below 100°F (38°C)
Combustible: No ignitable vapors are released at temperatures below 100°F (38°C)
Definition:The temperature at which a product releases vapors that can explode and burn. The lower the flash point, the greater the danger.
Flammable: Vapors are released that can explode and burn at temperatures below 100°F (38°C)
Combustible: No ignitable vapors are released at temperatures below 100°F (38°C)
Gasoline Safety
Flash Points of Common Liquids and Gases Flash Points of Common Liquids and Gases
Product Flash Point
Flammable Propane -156°F
Gasoline -45°F
Turpentine 95°F
Combustible Kerosene 100°F
Paint Thinner 105°F
Diesel Fuel 125°F
Safety Solvents 100-140°F
Gasoline Safety
Danger Factor #2: Vapor DensityDanger Factor #2: Vapor Density
Definition: The ratio of a product’s vaporto the density of air. (Air = 1)
Definition: The ratio of a product’s vaporto the density of air. (Air = 1)
ProductProduct Flash PointFlash Point Vapor DensityVapor Density
PropanePropane -156°-156° 1.56 (at 329°F)1.56 (at 329°F)
GasolineGasoline -45°F-45°F 3 to 43 to 4
TurpentineTurpentine 95°F95°F 4.84.8
KeroseneKerosene 100°F100°F 4.54.5
Safety solventSafety solvent 100-140°F100-140°F 4.84.8
Paint thinnerPaint thinner 105°F105°F 4.94.9
Gasoline Safety
Danger Factor #3: Flammable RangeDanger Factor #3: Flammable Range
Definition: The range of concentration of a gas or vapor in air, between its lower and upper explosive limits, that will burn if ignited.
Beyond this range, products are too lean or too rich for their vapors to ignite
Gasoline has a high flammable range (Lower Explosive Limit=1.4 Upper Explosive Limit=7.6)
Definition: The range of concentration of a gas or vapor in air, between its lower and upper explosive limits, that will burn if ignited.
Beyond this range, products are too lean or too rich for their vapors to ignite
Gasoline has a high flammable range (Lower Explosive Limit=1.4 Upper Explosive Limit=7.6)
Gasoline Safety
Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur…Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur…
In outdoor recreation
On the job
In and around the household
In outdoor recreation
On the job
In and around the household
Gasoline Safety
Most Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur… Most Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur…
In and around the household Improper storage or
handling Misuse as cleaning liquid,
heater fuel, etc.
In and around the household Improper storage or
handling Misuse as cleaning liquid,
heater fuel, etc.
Gasoline Safety
Gasoline Vapor Risk Factors Combine Indoors Gasoline Vapor Risk Factors Combine Indoors
Low flash point (more ignition sources)
High density (vapors descend to floor)
Wide flammable range (less ventilation)
Low flash point (more ignition sources)
High density (vapors descend to floor)
Wide flammable range (less ventilation)
Gasoline Safety
High Risk Areas for Gasoline Vapor IgnitionHigh Risk Areas for Gasoline Vapor Ignition
Basements and Closed Garages
- Most likely areas for gasoline storage and use
- May have little air movement
- May contain ignition sources
Basements and Closed Garages
- Most likely areas for gasoline storage and use
- May have little air movement
- May contain ignition sources
Gasoline Safety
Potential Gasoline Vapor Ignition SourcesPotential Gasoline Vapor Ignition Sources
Smoking items(cigarettes and lighters)
Heater and furnace pilot lights
Refrigerators and freezers (motors may spark when
activated by thermostats)
Smoking items(cigarettes and lighters)
Heater and furnace pilot lights
Refrigerators and freezers (motors may spark when
activated by thermostats)
Gasoline Safety
What Other Liquids and Gases Can Be Dangerous?What Other Liquids and Gases Can Be Dangerous?
Propane Kerosene Turpentine Ethanol
(grain alcohol) Methanol
(wood alcohol)
Propane Kerosene Turpentine Ethanol
(grain alcohol) Methanol
(wood alcohol)
Gasoline Safety
Kerosene Heater DangersKerosene Heater Dangers
Mistaken use of gasoline as fuel Contact or scald injury to young children Combustion of papers placed nearby Ignition of carpets or rugs if saturated
from frequent spills
Mistaken use of gasoline as fuel Contact or scald injury to young children Combustion of papers placed nearby Ignition of carpets or rugs if saturated
from frequent spills
Gasoline SafetyOther Household ProductsSubject to Ignition Under Certain Conditions
Other Household ProductsSubject to Ignition Under Certain Conditions
Products Turpentine and other paint thinners Solvents Tile Adhesive
Conditions When the vapor of a large amount of exposed liquid or solid product comes into contact with a spark or other flame source
Products Turpentine and other paint thinners Solvents Tile Adhesive
Conditions When the vapor of a large amount of exposed liquid or solid product comes into contact with a spark or other flame source
Gasoline Safety
Propane and Gas Grill SafetyPropane and Gas Grill Safety
Store propane bottles in well ventilated areas away from house, potential flame sources
Check all connections frequently
Keep lid open when starting grill
Open valve only 1/4 to 1/2 turn before lighting
Keep valve closed when not in use
Store propane bottles in well ventilated areas away from house, potential flame sources
Check all connections frequently
Keep lid open when starting grill
Open valve only 1/4 to 1/2 turn before lighting
Keep valve closed when not in use
Gasoline Safety
Charcoal Grills: Safe Lighting ProcedureCharcoal Grills: Safe Lighting Procedure
Use only approved lighter/starter fluids
Use mitt when lighting coals
After soaking the coals with starter fluid
–Wait a minute before lighting
–Allow vapors to dissipate
Use only approved lighter/starter fluids
Use mitt when lighting coals
After soaking the coals with starter fluid
–Wait a minute before lighting
–Allow vapors to dissipate
Gasoline Safety
Charcoal Grills: Cooking and ExtinguishingCharcoal Grills: Cooking and Extinguishing
Keep children away
Never add starter fluidto warm or hot coals
Keep a water supply handy in case of a fire emergency
When extinguishing coals,use ample water
Keep children away
Never add starter fluidto warm or hot coals
Keep a water supply handy in case of a fire emergency
When extinguishing coals,use ample water
Gasoline Safety
How Can Gasoline-related BurnsBe Prevented?How Can Gasoline-related BurnsBe Prevented?
Proper UseProper StorageProper Fueling PracticeProper Transportation
Proper UseProper StorageProper Fueling PracticeProper Transportation
Gasoline Safety
How Should Gasoline Be Stored?How Should Gasoline Be Stored?
In an approved portable container In a small quantity Away from the house
or mobile home In a cool, well-ventilated area With a Class B
fire extinguisher handy Inaccessible to children
In an approved portable container In a small quantity Away from the house
or mobile home In a cool, well-ventilated area With a Class B
fire extinguisher handy Inaccessible to children
Gasoline Safety
An Approved Gasoline Container …An Approved Gasoline Container …
Is:– Bright red – Labeled “GASOLINE”– Small enough to carry
Has: – Two tight-fitting caps – The seal of a standards organization
Is:– Bright red – Labeled “GASOLINE”– Small enough to carry
Has: – Two tight-fitting caps – The seal of a standards organization
Gasoline Safety
How Should Portable Gasoline Containers Be Filled? How Should Portable Gasoline Containers Be Filled?
Place the container on the ground
At least 5 feet from engine or power equipment
Keep dispensing nozzle in contact with lip of container or fuel tank fill tube
Fill slowly
Do not fill to capacity
Place the container on the ground
At least 5 feet from engine or power equipment
Keep dispensing nozzle in contact with lip of container or fuel tank fill tube
Fill slowly
Do not fill to capacity
Gasoline Safety
How Should You Transport Gasoline?How Should You Transport Gasoline?
Use approved container
Wipe off any gas spilled on container
Secure to prevent sliding, tipping in vehicle
Keep filled container in shade
Transport filled containers only for short distances
Use approved container
Wipe off any gas spilled on container
Secure to prevent sliding, tipping in vehicle
Keep filled container in shade
Transport filled containers only for short distances
Gasoline Safety
What is “Huffing”?What is “Huffing”?
A frequent form of solvent abuse Can result in:– Euphoria– Unsteady walk– Confusion– Long-term physical damage
A frequent form of solvent abuse Can result in:– Euphoria– Unsteady walk– Confusion– Long-term physical damage
Gasoline Safety
Why is Huffing with GasolineEspecially Dangerous?Why is Huffing with GasolineEspecially Dangerous?
Gasoline can spill on clothing
Cigarette or other flame source may ignite gas vapors or saturated clothing
Compromised “huffer” may be unable to extinguish or escape flames
Gasoline can spill on clothing
Cigarette or other flame source may ignite gas vapors or saturated clothing
Compromised “huffer” may be unable to extinguish or escape flames
Gasoline Safety
Other Forms of Gasoline Exposurethat Present Health RisksOther Forms of Gasoline Exposurethat Present Health Risks
Skin Contact
Eye Exposure
Lung Exposure
Swallowing
Extensive exposure can affectthe entire body system
Skin Contact
Eye Exposure
Lung Exposure
Swallowing
Extensive exposure can affectthe entire body system
Gasoline Safety
First Aid for Gasoline ExposureFirst Aid for Gasoline Exposure
Move victim to fresh air
Remove affected clothing, shoes, jewelry
Flush 20-30 minutes with running water
Eyes: Blot chemical and flush with water
DO NOT induce vomiting; provide water
Call 9-1-1 and the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222
Move victim to fresh air
Remove affected clothing, shoes, jewelry
Flush 20-30 minutes with running water
Eyes: Blot chemical and flush with water
DO NOT induce vomiting; provide water
Call 9-1-1 and the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222
Gasoline Safety
First Aid for Gasoline Flame BurnsFirst Aid for Gasoline Flame Burns
Protect yourself from similar injury Remove victim from flame source Stop burning process by smothering flames Remove burned clothing that does not stick to the body Cool body with running water Cover victim with clean sheet or blanket Call 9-1-1 Keep gasoline-saturated clothing and belongings away
from ignition sources
Protect yourself from similar injury Remove victim from flame source Stop burning process by smothering flames Remove burned clothing that does not stick to the body Cool body with running water Cover victim with clean sheet or blanket Call 9-1-1 Keep gasoline-saturated clothing and belongings away
from ignition sources
Gasoline Safety
In Summary….In Summary….
Gasoline’s only purpose is to fuel engines
Storing gasoline in the house is dangerous
Handle, store and transport gasoline safely
Wash off or flush gasoline quickly if skin or eyes are exposed to gasoline
For flame injuries, follow first aid guidelines
Gasoline’s only purpose is to fuel engines
Storing gasoline in the house is dangerous
Handle, store and transport gasoline safely
Wash off or flush gasoline quickly if skin or eyes are exposed to gasoline
For flame injuries, follow first aid guidelines
ConclusionConclusionGasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!Gasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!