Quick Start Guide Natural Gas Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Flammable Ignition Awareness

Why Address This Issue? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year about 2,000 fires in U.S. homes involve natural gas appliances and flammable vapors. These fires result in more than 300 injuries or deaths. While a number of commonly used liquids such as paint thinner, adhesives, solvents, and other cleaning agents emit hazardous vapors, gasoline remains the primary contributor to flammable vapor fires. Gasoline is one of the most volatile flammable liquids because its vapors can ignite at temperatures well below zero. Accidental gasoline vapor ignition typically occurs when gasoline is used for purposes other than a motor fuel, especially indoors or in an area with inadequate ventilation. Accidental ignition may also occur when gasoline is stored in an unapproved container, near ground level, on the floor, or on an open shelf where it is accessible to young children or where it can be knocked over, leading to spillage. Children are often the victims of these incidents because their caregivers use gasoline in the home or because gasoline was left where children can reach, spill, or play with it. Regardless of actual responsibility, awards to victims can be very high, particularly when the injured party is a child.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program