We use combustible and flammable materials every day. Many of these products are found in the home and garage. Because they’re so common, we may tend to forget their dangers and we’re sometimes careless with their use, handling and storage. Many serious injuries are caused by this lack of caution. When we understand the hazards of these materials we can use them safely.

Some liquids, such as gasoline and solvents, form vapors that can easily catch fire. We call and label these liquids flammable. The vapors burn, not the liquids. At a certain temperature a liquid gives off enough vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air. This temperature is called the flash point.

Flammable liquids are divided into two classes:

• Flammable liquids(for example, gasoline) have a flash point below 100 F.or 38 C.
• Combustible liquids (for example, diesel fuel) have a flash point at or above 100 F or 38 C.

Ignition sources can ignite vapors that have traveled quite a distance from the actual liquid. Ignition sources are anything which can cause something to burn or explode. These include:

• cigarette lighters or matches
• pilot light on a gas appliance
• electrical heaters
• electrical switches
• static electricity

Materials which are flammable or combustible are also poisonous. It can be harmful, or even fatal, to inhale their fumes, or to eat or drink these materials.

• Read and follow the manufacture’s instructions before use.
• If the label instructs you to use the substance where there is "adequate ventilation" this means outside. If you use the materials in your home and the smell of the fumes is strong, ventilation is inadequate.
• Keep the materials in their original containers. This way you will always have the safety precautions and directions handy. Don’t let the containers spill onto the label and cover the directions and safety precautions. If this happens, wipe the container immediately.
• Never store materials in pop bottles. Your children might think the contents are safe to drink.
• Don’t use or store any flammable or combustible material near a water heater, furnace or any other piece of equipment that may have a pilot light, or a source of ignition. The explosive fumes can travel quite a distance.

Copyright 1997 SafetyHealth Publishing Inc.