Introduction
A fire accident is one of the most devastating events one can experience in life. Whether at home, office or elsewhere, avoiding a fire accident is of utmost priority for people. It is not only a threat to human life, but fires can ruin everything from expensive materials to valuable assets. Therefore, the importance of fire safety cannot be understated.
Most of us are usually careful when it comes to preventing fires. However, there is one area which we could probably improve upon – disposing of flammable liquids safely.
The flammability of a liquid is determined by its flashpoint classification, which is the lowest temperature at which the liquid can produce enough vapor to ignite. Any liquid with a flashpoint below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°Celsius) is considered flammable and is subject to governmental regulations. It is illegal to dispose of flammable liquids in your trash or pour them down the drain.
Flammable Household Items of Everyday Use
It may come as a surprise to learn that many household products are flammable and can pose a fire risk if not disposed of or stored correctly. These products include:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Aerosol cans
- Nail polish remover
- Linseed oil
- Turpentine/Paint thinner
- Hand sanitiser
- Gasoline
- Lighter fluid
- Cooking oil
- Acetone
- Ether
Storing and Disposing Flammable Liquids Safely
It’s crucial to educate people about the safe storage and disposal of flammable liquids to prevent accidents caused by mishandling hazardous substances. Follow the below tips to make informed decisions about storing and disposing of flammable liquids safely.
- All containers holding flammable liquids must be clearly labelled with the types of liquids they contain.
- The containers should be stored away from materials that can ignite, preferably in a fireproof storage cabinet. Additionally, ensure that they are not stored near walkways, exits or stairways.
- When deciding where to store flammable liquids, it’s essential to consider potential ignition sources. Avoid storing them near cigarettes, cigars, hot surfaces, sparks from electrical tools, static electricity or open flames (like pilot lights or heating units). By storing containers filled with flammable liquids safely and properly sealed, away from fire-prone areas, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires on your property.
- When storing flammable liquids, make sure the storage room is properly ventilated and kept at appropriate temperatures.
- Ensure that the containers storing flammable liquids have their vents properly closed to prevent the buildup of fumes.
- While it may be tempting, you must not pour flammable liquids down the drain, even in small quantities. Doing so poses a fire risk and can cause damage to the surrounding environment.
Seek Professional Help
When it comes to disposing of flammable liquids safely, the best thing you can do is to either speak to a professional waste management company, who will be able to dispose of the liquids for you, or to find a local hazardous waste disposal service by entering your postcode on the government website. They will be able to advise you on where you can hand them over for disposal.
How Ideal Response Can Help?
Ideal Response is an upper-tier licensed waste carrier with over 24 years of experience. We are available 24/7 and are open 365 days a year. With our rapid response service, we can be on incident location within 2-4hrs enabling you to be free from worry.
For more information on how Ideal Response can help you, visit our website and give us a call for a FREE No-Obligation Quote for hazardous waste disposal.
If you have encountered a fire, our dedicated team will assist you and give you first-class advice and support. With all our services, we offer a FREE No-Obligation Quote. For any other information, visit our fire damage service.
Don’t panic in case of a fire accident or a prospect of a fire accident. Call Ideal Response for help.