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Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Learn about the risks of gasoline, proper handling, and prevention measures to avoid injuries and fires. Discover tips on storage, usage, and first aid in case of incidents. Stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them

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  1. Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them

  2. Preventing Gasoline-Related Injuries Developed by: American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee Funded by: United States Fire Administration/ Federal Emergency Management Agency

  3. Fire and Burn Death and Injury • Deaths 4,000 deaths a yearfrom fire and burns • Injuries 25,000 hospitalized in burn centers 600,000 burn injuries treated at hospital ED’s (Sources: National Fire Protection Association,National Center for Health Statistics)

  4. What We Should Know About Gasoline • Dangers of gasoline and related products • The proper use of gasoline • Preventing gasoline injury • Immediate injury treatment

  5. The Impact of Gasoline Fires and Injuries • 500 fire deaths • Several thousand injuriestreated at hospitals • 6,000+ home fires • $450M+ property damage Sources: National Center for Health Statistics National Fire Protection Association

  6. Gasoline’s ONLY Proper Use is… … TO POWER ENGINES Gasoline-powered Engines Require a Constant Explosion of Fuel

  7. Gasoline Should Never Be Used as…. • An accelerant (to a cooking grill or any fire) • A solvent • A cleaning solution • A weed or insect killer • A mind-altering substance • A fuel in devices designed for kerosene

  8. Usual Initial Source of a Gasoline Explosion “It’s the vapor”

  9. Flammable Liquid/Gas Danger Factors • Flash Point • Vapor Density • Flammable Range • Accessibility

  10. Danger Factor #1: Flash Point Definition:The temperature at which a product releases vapors that can explode and burn. The lower the flash point, the greater the danger. Flammable: Vapors are released that can explode and burn at temperatures below 100°F (38°C) Combustible: No ignitable vapors are released at temperatures below 100°F (38°C)

  11. Flash Points of Common Liquids and Gases

  12. Danger Factor #2: Vapor Density Definition: The ratio of a product’s vapor to the density of air. (Air = 1)

  13. Danger Factor #3: Flammable Range Definition: The range of concentration of a gas or vapor in air, between its lower and upper explosive limits, that will burn if ignited. Beyond this range, products are too lean or too rich for their vapors to ignite Gasoline has a high flammable range (Lower Explosive Limit=1.4 Upper Explosive Limit=7.6)

  14. Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur… • In outdoor recreation • On the job • In and around the household

  15. Most Gasoline-Related Injuries Occur… In and around the household • Improper storage or handling • Misuse as cleaning liquid, heater fuel, etc.

  16. Gasoline Vapor Risk Factors Combine Indoors • Low flash point (more ignition sources) • High density (vapors descend to floor) • Wide flammable range (less ventilation)

  17. High Risk Areas for Gasoline Vapor Ignition • Basements and Closed Garages - Most likely areas for gasoline storage and use - May have little air movement - May contain ignition sources

  18. Potential Gasoline Vapor Ignition Sources • Smoking items(cigarettes and lighters) • Heater and furnace pilot lights • Refrigerators and freezers (motors may spark when activated by thermostats)

  19. What Other Liquids and Gases Can Be Dangerous? • Propane • Kerosene • Turpentine • Ethanol (grain alcohol) • Methanol (wood alcohol)

  20. Kerosene Heater Dangers • Mistaken use of gasoline as fuel • Contact or scald injury to young children • Combustion of papers placed nearby • Ignition of carpets or rugs if saturated from frequent spills

  21. Other Household ProductsSubject to Ignition Under Certain Conditions Products Turpentine and other paint thinners Solvents Tile Adhesive Conditions When the vapor of a large amount of exposed liquid or solid product comes into contact with a spark or other flame source

  22. Propane and Gas Grill Safety • Store propane bottles in well ventilated areas away from house, potential flame sources • Check all connections frequently • Keep lid open when starting grill • Open valve only 1/4 to 1/2 turn before lighting • Keep valve closed when not in use

  23. Charcoal Grills: Safe Lighting Procedure • Use only approved lighter/starter fluids • Use mitt when lighting coals • After soaking the coals with starter fluid • Wait a minute before lighting • Allow vapors to dissipate

  24. Charcoal Grills: Cooking and Extinguishing • Keep children away • Never add starter fluidto warm or hot coals • Keep a water supply handy in case of a fire emergency • When extinguishing coals,use ample water

  25. How Can Gasoline-related BurnsBe Prevented? • Proper Use • Proper Storage • Proper Fueling Practice • Proper Transportation

  26. How Should Gasoline Be Stored? • In an approved portable container • In a small quantity • Away from the houseor mobile home • In a cool, well-ventilated area • With a Class Bfire extinguisher handy • Inaccessible to children

  27. An Approved Gasoline Container … • Is: • Bright red • Labeled “GASOLINE” • Small enough to carry Has: • Two tight-fitting caps • The seal of a standards organization

  28. How Should Portable Gasoline Containers Be Filled? • Place the container on the ground • At least 5 feet from engine or power equipment • Keep dispensing nozzle in contact with lip of container or fuel tank fill tube • Fill slowly • Do not fill to capacity

  29. How Should You Transport Gasoline? • Use approved container • Wipe off any gas spilled on container • Secure to prevent sliding, tipping in vehicle • Keep filled container in shade • Transport filled containers only for short distances

  30. What is “Huffing”? • A frequent form of solvent abuse • Can result in: • Euphoria • Unsteady walk • Confusion • Long-term physical damage

  31. Why is Huffing with GasolineEspecially Dangerous? • Gasoline can spill on clothing • Cigarette or other flame source may ignite gas vapors or saturated clothing • Compromised “huffer” may be unable to extinguish or escape flames

  32. Other Forms of Gasoline Exposurethat Present Health Risks • Skin Contact • Eye Exposure • Lung Exposure • Swallowing • Extensive exposure can affectthe entire body system

  33. First Aid for Gasoline Exposure • Move victim to fresh air • Remove affected clothing, shoes, jewelry • Flush 20-30 minutes with running water • Eyes: Blot chemical and flush with water • DO NOT induce vomiting; provide water • Call 9-1-1 and the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222

  34. First Aid for Gasoline Flame Burns • Protect yourself from similar injury • Remove victim from flame source • Stop burning process by smothering flames • Remove burned clothing that does not stick to the body • Cool body with running water • Cover victim with clean sheet or blanket • Call 9-1-1 • Keep gasoline-saturated clothing and belongings away from ignition sources

  35. In Summary…. • Gasoline’s only purpose is to fuel engines • Storing gasoline in the house is dangerous • Handle, store and transport gasoline safely • Wash off or flush gasoline quickly if skin or eyes are exposed to gasoline • For flame injuries, follow first aid guidelines

  36. Conclusion Gasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!

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