|
Gasoline Remember that vapours from gasoline are highly flammable. Most people don’t realize how easily gasoline can ignite, or even explode. Store gasoline in approved type safety containers, in limited quantities of less than one gallon, enough for your immediate needs. Containers should bear the labels of nationally recognized certification agencies such as Canadian Standard Association (CSA), Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). Never store gasoline in glass or plastic containers, or in a metal can with any plastic parts. Don’t risk your life, or the life of your family or neighbours by using or storing gasoline improperly. Avoid storing gasoline in the home. At high temperatures, gasoline can self-ignite, and even at normal temperatures gasoline produces dangerous vapours which can spread invisibly. They can spread along the floor to a water heater, an electric motor, a car’s engine. These vapours can be ignited easily, upon impact, or by a spark or flame from a considerable distance. Never carry gasoline in the trunk of your automobile. When heat builds up in the trunk, gas vapours can expand. Any type of spark- for example from a tailpipe - could easily cause a fire. Also, a rear-end collision or any kind of accident could puncture the gas container and cause fire to break out. Always fill lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc., in a well ventilated area outside your home. Move at least ten feet away from the fuelling spot (away from vapours) and then start the motor, cool the engine before refueling. Care should be taken to avoid spillage, gasoline spills should be wiped up promptly. Don’t smoke when you use gasoline or other flammable liquids and never use gasoline, naphtha or other flammable liquids for cleaning purposes. Anyone who uses gasoline at home or at work should have within immediate accessibility an extinguisher marked for "Type B" fires - gasoline and other flammable liquids. If you have to use an extinguisher, familiarize yourself and others around you with how to operate it. The manufacturer’s operating instructions should be strictly followed for your fire extinguisher. If you should ever have a gasoline fire, it’s usually best to forget fighting the fire...get everybody away from it and call the fire department immediately. If you are in a position to fight the fire, do so only as long as you are clearly not putting yourself or anyone else in any danger. Do not fight the fire if the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started, or if the fire could block your exit or if you aren’t too sure how your extinguisher works. Do not try to use water to put out a gasoline fire. If you use gasoline around the house, keep it out of the reach of children at all times...even if you have to lock it up. If your child should ever swallow gasoline, call a Poison Centre or a doctor right away. Gas should never be siphoned by mouth. If gas must be siphoned, a hand pump should be used. Kids aren’t the only ones who get poisoned. Propane Cottagers, campers and many backyard barbecue enthusiasts know that propane can be put to use as an efficient fuel for cooking, refrigeration and lighting. But you should also be aware that the careless use of propane or propane appliances can be hazardous to you and your family. For recreational use, propane is generally sold and stored in a cylinder which, when properly filled, has about 75 per cent of its volume occupied with liquid propane. The space above the liquid to the top of the cylinder contains propane vapour. A cylinder that is over-filled is no bargain. If there is not sufficient space in the cylinder to permit expansion of the liquid propane when the cylinder is exposed to warmer temperatures, the "relief valve" may open and discharge propane, creating a safety hazard. Propane cylinders manufactured in Canada will carry markings which mean that they have been manufactured to an acceptable specification. All propane cylinders are required to be re-qualified for continued service at each 10-year interval starting from the date of manufacture. This is law throughout Canada. No person should fill a cylinder that is overdue for re-qualification. Propane in a cylinder reacts rapidly to changes in temperature. When the temperature drops, the pressure in the cylinder drops. When the temperature increases, the pressure increases. The regulator’s function is to reduce the high and variable pressure in the cylinder to a lower and constant pressure for delivery to an appliance. A regulator should always be installed with its vent opening pointing downwards so that moisture can’t build up inside it, impairing its operation. If this isn’t possible, cover the regulator with plastic or some other material that will keep rain or other liquids from entering the regulator. How Should Cylinders be Handled? Never put a cylinder in place for use without making sure that is secure. Never transport a cylinder lying on its side. A propane tank should always be in an upright position. Never transport a cylinder in a closed trunk, or within a small, closed vehicle. The relief valve may open. Vent the trunk space by blocking the trunk lid open or, if transporting a cylinder inside a car, open the car windows. Never store a cylinder for a season inside a vehicle or any building, including a garage. When purchasing a new cylinder, be sure that it is the size that fits the bracket. Check that all valves on appliances are closed before connecting a new cylinder. When connecting a propane cylinder, use a proper fitting wrench (not pliers) to tighten the connection between the regulator and the cylinder valve. Remember, the fitting that connects to the cylinder valve has to be turned to the left to tighten. Some connectors have a hand wheel and only require hand tightening. With this type, ensure that the rubber "O" ring is in good condition and in place before connecting to the cylinder valve. Use soapy water to test valves and connections for leaks. Bubbles indicate a leak requiring immediate attention and correction. Your propane system should be checked periodically for leaks even if the characteristic "rotten cabbage" odour is not detected. If you do detect such an odour, don’t light a match or turn an electrical switch on or off. Turn off each cylinder valve, ventilate the area well and search out the source of the leak. Very small amounts of propane are required to create a flammable mixture of gas and air. In the limited space of a recreation vehicle, for instance, very little propane is needed to create a hazardous situation. Kerosene Heaters Store fuel in an approved container in a well-ventilated place outside the living area. Remember to keep kerosene away from sources of ignition such as the pilot lights of gas furnaces, stoves and heaters. When filling your kerosene heater make sure it is cool to the touch and outside your home. Remember that open flames consume oxygen. Make sure adequate ventilation is provided when using your heater. Never use any other fuel except kerosene.
|