Be careful around flammable liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids are extremely dangerous. Yet, many Canadians are injured and killed each year because of misuse or not following proper safety precautions around them.
The vapours of flammable and combustible liquids are serious factors in fire and burns. A normally harmless spark or other minor source of ignition easily can cause a fire or explosion if such vapours are present.
Therefore, gasoline and other flammable liquids must never be used in the presence of heat and flames as explosions, fire, and serious burns easily can occur.
Always store flammable liquids away from heat and ignition sources. Vapours from flammable liquids may ignite near household appliances, such as the pilot light on the water heater.
Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be stored in the house.
Gasoline should be stored in safety containers in small quantities only outside the house. Gasoline should be clearly labelled and recognized as a source of explosion and serious burns if improperly used or stored.
Other types of flammable liquids should be stored in metal containers with tight-fitting lids, and should be clearly labelled. Waste, rags soaked with linseed or other vegetable oil, as well as other combustibles should be disposed of quickly.
If they must be stored, keep them away from heat sources. Also, store them in metal containers.
Grease and fats should be stored in covered containers, away from stoves and other heat sources.
Flammable and combustible liquids are used to fuel many devices around the home. Safety when refuelling a gasoline-powered device is essential to proper fuelling.
Techniques include shutting the device off prior to adding fuel, allowing it to cool, using a funnel to prevent spillage, and never smoking while handling fuel.
Remember, if you never need what you learn about personal safety, you have lost nothing. But if you never learn what you need, you may lose everything . . . your family and your life!
Safety. . . it starts with you!
Tyler Moffitt is a first aid instructor, and served 15 years as a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder.