1	Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them
2	Preventing Gasoline-Related Injuries
3	Fire and Burn Death and Injury Deaths 4,000 deaths a year from fire and burns Injuries 25,000 hospitalized in burn centers 600,000 burn injuries treated at hospital ED’s
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 injuries treated 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
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 Products Subject 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 fluid to 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 Burns Be 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 house or mobile home In a cool, well-ventilated area With a Class B fire 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 Gasoline Especially 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 Exposure that Present Health Risks Skin Contact Eye Exposure Lung Exposure Swallowing Extensive exposure can affect the 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!