Material

Fire Safety Notes

Fuels for lawn mowers and other tools

Petrol (including two stroke) is highly flammable and gives off explosive vapours.

• Do not refuel the appliance when the engine is running.
• Do not refuel when the appliance is hot; it must cool down first.
• Use a directional funnel to prevent spills and clean up spills immediately. Do not overfill containers or tanks.
• Refuel in a well ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of explosive vapours.
• Ensure any containers being refilled are placed on the ground to limit the potential for static electricity.
• Storage – see section below.
• Disposal of cleaning rags – see section below.

Fuels used for heaters

Some heating appliances burn ethanol (or methylated spirits) or kerosene.

• Do not refuel the appliance when it is alight/in use. Do not refuel in the vicinity of any other open flame – e.g. lit candle, lit gas cooktop, gas pilot light.
• Do not refuel the appliance when it is hot; it must cool down completely before refilling the tank.
• Do not smoke while refuelling.
• Use a directional funnel to prevent spills and clean up spills immediately. Do not overfill containers or tanks.
• Refuel in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of explosive vapours.
• Ensure any containers being refilled are placed on the ground to limit the potential for static electricity.
• Storage – see section below.
• Disposal of cleaning rags – see section below

See also - Home Fire & Life Safety Fact Sheet “Home Heating.”

Paint thinners and solvents

Turpentine and other petroleum-based solvents are highly flammable and give off explosive vapours.

• Use only in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of explosive vapours.
• Do not use in the vicinity of any open flame – e.g. lit candle, lit gas cooktop, gas pilot light.
• Do not smoke while using these products.
• Disposal of rags – see section below.
• Storage – see section below.

Cleaning products

Methylated spirits and white spirit are sometimes used for household cleaning purposes.

• Use only in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not use in the vicinity of any open flame – e.g. lit candle, lit gas cooktop, gas pilot light.
• Do not smoke while using these products.
• Disposal of cleaning rags – see section below.
• Storage – see section below.

Pool chemicals

Chemicals used for chlorinating swimming pools may react with other stored chemicals that could result in a fire starting.

Granular pool ‘chlorine’ (calcium hypochlorite) may start a fire if it comes into contact with:

• Fuels (e.g. petrol)
• oils;
• brake fluid; or
• detergents.

It also reacts with acids to release the toxic gas chlorine, so must be stored separately from acids such as pool acid (hydrochloric acid).

Liquid pool ‘chlorine’ (sodium hypochlorite solution) is a corrosive liquid. It also reacts with acids to release chlorine and must be stored separately from pool acid (hydrochloric acid).

The different types of pool chemicals - granular pool ‘chlorine’, liquid pool ‘chlorine’ and pool chlorine tablets - should not be mixed or used together. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions.

Aerosols with flammable propellant gas

Common household products such as:

• spray cooking oil;
• hairspray;
• perfume and cologne;
• deodorant or body spray; and
• polish

They are often sold in aerosol form. If the aerosol uses a flammable propellant gas they should not be used near an open flame (bbq grill, lit gas cooktop, lit candle, pilot light) or while smoking.

Acetone

Acetone is commonly used in the home for removing nail polish, dissolving certain types of glue and as a paint thinner. It is highly flammable and gives off explosive vapours.

• Use only in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not use in the vicinity of any open flame – e.g. lit candle, lit gas cooktop, gas pilot light.
• Do not smoke while using acetone.
• Wash your hands after using acetone to remove nail polish.
• Disposal of cleaning rags – see section below.
• Storage - see section below.

Solvent based glues and adhesives

Many glues and adhesives used around the home are solvent based. When the solvent evaporates it may become an explosive gas.

• Use only in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not use in the vicinity of any open flame – e.g. lit candle, lit gas cooktop, gas pilot light.
• Do not smoke while using these products.
• Disposal of cleaning rags – see section below.
• Storage – see section below.