Caution, flammable liquids!

Flash fires of gasoline, acetone, benzene, toluene, some alcohols, and ethers, according to rescuer reports, periodically cause fires, resulting in people being hospitalized. The very name "flammable liquids" (FL) speaks for itself, so their use requires special attention.

Any flammable liquid can pose a serious health hazard or fire risk if used improperly. If the concentration of the vapor cloud reaches a certain temperature, the liquid ignites. Combustible liquids have a high flash point, flammable liquids have a low one, making them more dangerous to humans. If a combustible liquid spills, all windows must be opened immediately to ventilate the room. All electrical equipment should be turned off, as it is a source of sparks that can lead to an explosion. If something gets on clothing, remove it; if it gets on skin, wash it off with water as quickly as possible. If a large amount of combustible substance has spilled, people must be evacuated and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) must be called.

Regarding which substances can be stored and where, separate rules are established for organizations and enterprises, regulated by Decree of the President of Belarus No. 7 "On the Development of Entrepreneurship." As for housing, the storage of explosive substances, FL, and CL, cylinders with hot gas, and other explosive substances and materials, as well as containers after their use, is not permitted in auxiliary premises of apartment buildings (common areas), and residential premises must be used for their intended functional purpose.

Be sure to tell children about the dangers of flammable liquids. What a child should know is that FL have a very strong and unpleasant odor. Most often, children come into contact with FL, including paints and varnishes, during play at construction sites or in houses, apartments where repairs are underway. Do not forget that in the context of children's games, FL also include hairspray, cockroach poison, air freshener, and perfume. It is impossible to remove all dangerous items from life, but parents are obliged to talk about the dangers, teach, and show by their own example.

How to extinguish? Flammable liquids must never be extinguished with water. This is because gasoline, kerosene, and similar substances are lighter than water, and attempting to extinguish them with water will cause them to float to the surface, not only continuing to burn but also spreading outwards, increasing the area of the fire.

Since gasoline combustion is impossible without access to oxygen, methods that limit air access to the ignition source can be used for extinguishing it. Flammable liquids can be extinguished using damp pieces of cloth or dense clothing, a powder extinguisher, or by using sand or soil to cover the burning surface. Sand or soil should be poured starting from the outer edge of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then gradually covering the liquid from the edge towards the center until it is completely covered.

Stay safe! And remember: the price of one mistake when using any hazardous substances is a human life.

Inspector of the Fire and Rescue Service Department of the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations O.M. Girzha