Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Gasoline Safety

Preventing Gasoline-Related Injuries

Developed by:American Burn AssociationBurn Prevention Committee

Funded by:United States Fire Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency

Gasoline Safety

Fire and Burn Death and Injury

Deaths4,000 deaths a yearfrom fire and burns

Injuries25,000 hospitalized in burn centers600,000 burn injuries treated at hospital ED’s

(Sources: National Fire Protection Association,National Center for Health Statistics)

Gasoline Safety

What We Should Know About Gasoline

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 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

Gasoline Safety

Gasoline’s ONLY Proper Use is…

… TO POWER ENGINES

Gasoline-powered Engines Require a Constant Explosion of Fuel

Gasoline Safety

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

Gasoline Safety

Usual Initial Source of a Gasoline Explosion

“It’s the vapor”

Gasoline Safety

Flammable Liquid/Gas Danger Factors

Flash Point

Vapor Density

Flammable Range

Accessibility

Gasoline Safety

Danger 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)

Gasoline Safety

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 Density

Definition: The ratio of a product’s vaporto the density of air. (Air = 1)

ProductProduct Flash PointFlash Point Vapor DensityVapor DensityPropanePropane -156°-156° 1.56 (at 329°F)1.56 (at 329°F)GasolineGasoline -45°F-45°F 3 to 43 to 4TurpentineTurpentine 95°F95°F 4.84.8KeroseneKerosene 100°F100°F 4.54.5Safety solventSafety solvent 100-140°F100-140°F 4.84.8Paint thinnerPaint thinner 105°F105°F 4.94.9

Gasoline Safety

Danger 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)

Gasoline Safety

Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur…

In outdoor recreation On the job In and around the

household

Gasoline Safety

Most Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur…

In and around the household Improper storage or

handling Misuse as cleaning liquid,

heater fuel, etc.

Gasoline Safety

Gasoline Vapor Risk Factors Combine Indoors

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 Ignition

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 Sources

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?

Propane Kerosene Turpentine Ethanol

(grain alcohol) Methanol

(wood alcohol)

Gasoline Safety

Kerosene 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

Gasoline SafetyOther 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

Gasoline Safety

Propane 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

Gasoline Safety

Charcoal 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

Gasoline Safety

Charcoal Grills: Cooking and Extinguishing

Keep children away Never add starter fluid

to 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?

Proper UseProper StorageProper Fueling PracticeProper Transportation

Gasoline Safety

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

Gasoline Safety

An Approved Gasoline Container …

Is:– Bright red – Labeled “GASOLINE”– Small enough to carryHas: – Two tight-fitting caps – The seal of a standards organization

Gasoline Safety

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

Gasoline Safety

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

Gasoline Safety

What is “Huffing”?

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?

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 Risks

Skin Contact

Eye Exposure

Lung Exposure

Swallowing

Extensive exposure can affectthe entire body system

Gasoline Safety

First 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

Gasoline Safety

First 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

Gasoline Safety

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

ConclusionGasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!