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GASOLINE
SAFETY
Preventing Gasoline Burn
Injuries |
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Gasoline is an extremely flammable liquid and vapor! |
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Gasoline is readily
available and routinely used in most households. In spite of the routine use of gasoline, many people are
unaware of or unappreciative of the dangers of gasoline. Gasoline is
dangerous because it is highly volatile –the fumes are capable of ignition up to
12 feet away from a pooled source. This inherent danger is further multiplied by its explosive
potential. Flammables burn at close to room temperature (100 degrees F),
when they are near a spark, flame, or even static electricity. It can
float on water and may spread long distances, making ignition and flash
back possible.
Gasoline vapor is
highly explosive and may ignite as a “fireball” with a temperature
of 15,000 degrees F. |
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Two physical properties explain why gasoline is
significantly more hazardous than other flammable liquids found in the
home.
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Flash
point-the minimum temperature at which the liquid will give off
sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air.
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Vapor density –ratio
of density of vapor to the density of air. Subcutaneous with a vapor
no density greater than 1 are heavier than air and tend to
accumulate in low or enclosed spaces.
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Substance |
Classification |
Flash Point |
Vapor Density** |
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Gasoline |
Flammable liquid |
-45°F |
3-4 |
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Propane |
Flammable liquid |
-15°F |
1.5632°F |
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Ethanol |
Flammable liquid |
55°F |
1.6 |
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Methanol |
Flammable liquid |
52°F |
1.1 |
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Turpentine |
Flammable liquid |
95°F |
4.8 |
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Kerosene |
Combustible liquid |
100°F |
4.5 |
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Diesel Fuel |
Combustible liquid |
125°F |
>1 |
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Safety Solvent |
Combustible liquid |
100-140°F |
4.8 |
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Paint Thinner |
Combustible liquid |
105°F |
4.9 |
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Never underestimate the explosive power of gasoline!!
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I have to brush up on
Gasoline
Safety |
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It’s easy!
Just don’t store gasoline near my house!
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It’s easy!
Just don’t start gasoline near my house!
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Supported
by the International Association of Fire Fighters
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