Caution, flammable liquids!

Flashes 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. Turn off all electrical equipment, 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 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, in auxiliary premises of apartment buildings (common areas), it is not permitted to store explosives, flammable and combustible liquids, gas cylinders, and other explosive substances and materials, as well as containers after their use," and residential premises must be used for their intended 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, which include paints and varnishes, during play at construction sites or in houses, apartments where repairs are underway. Do not forget that FL in the context of children's games 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 should 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 fire area.

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 thick clothing, a powder extinguisher, or by using sand or soil, by covering the burning surface with them. Sand or soil should be started to be poured from the outer edge of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then moving from the edge towards the center, gradually covering the liquid completely.

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

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