Caution, flammable liquids!

People can suffer severe burns due to carelessness when using flammable liquids.

Flashes of vapors from gasoline, acetone, benzene, toluene, and some alcohols, according to rescue reports, periodically become the cause of fires, resulting in people being hospitalized. The very name – flammable liquids (FL) – speaks for itself, so their use requires special attention.

On December 17, at 03:35, the "112" number received reports from eyewitnesses about an explosion and fire in an apartment on Shevchenko Boulevard in Minsk. Fire and rescue units were dispatched to the scene, the first of which arrived within 4 minutes. Open flames were observed on the second floor, with heavy smoke, and people from the windows of the upper floors were calling for help.

During the reconnaissance, it was established that a fire had occurred on the second floor of a five-story residential building in two apartments, covering a total area of approximately 40 sq.m.

Rescuers evacuated 12 people from the upper floors, including 3 children. All rescued individuals were

transferred to the arriving ambulance crews for examination. Medics hospitalized 3 people with a preliminary diagnosis of "poisoning by combustion products, thermo-inhalation injury, burns".

Another 10 people were also evacuated from adjacent and upper apartments.

The fire was extinguished at 04:08. 16 units of fire and rescue equipment and over 70 rescuers worked at the scene.

On the second and fourth floors, 6 people were found in the apartments, including a child born in 2011. Medics confirmed their deaths.

The cause of the fire is being determined. In addition to the gas explosion theory, the theory that the fire was caused by the ignition of flammable liquid vapors is currently being seriously considered. This is evidenced by containers found in one of the apartments, which may have contained this liquid. The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case.

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. The substance itself, in a calm state, cannot ignite. Combustible liquids have a high flash point, while flammable liquids have a low one, making them more dangerous to humans.

If flammable substance has spilled, immediately open all windows and ventilate the premises. Turn off all electrical equipment, as it is a source of sparks that can lead to an explosion. If something got on clothes - remove them, if on skin - wash with water as soon as possible. If a large amount of flammable substance has spilled, it is necessary to evacuate people and call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Regarding what substances can be stored and where, separate rules are established for organizations and enterprises, which are 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 allowed to store explosive substances, flammable and combustible liquids, cylinders with hot gas and other fire and explosion hazardous substances and materials, as well as containers after their use", and residential premises must be used for their functional purpose. So be extremely careful, as this issue is primarily a matter of your health and the safety of your family.

Be sure to tell children about the dangers of flammable liquids. What a child should know - flammable liquids have a very strong and unpleasant odor. This can be their main "diagnostic" sign. Most often, children get their hands on flammable liquids, which include paints and varnishes, during games at a construction site or in a house, apartment where renovation is underway. Do not forget that in the context of children's games, flammable liquids also include hairspray, cockroach bait, air freshener, and perfume. For some reason, children sometimes get the idea

the idea of spraying household aerosols or perfume on a candle flame or a burner. The flare-up will be large-scale and dangerous. Be sure to tell the child about all the hidden dangers of bright bottles. It is impossible to remove all dangerous objects from life, but parents are obliged to talk about the dangers, teach, and show by their own example.

How to extinguish burning flammable liquids?

Unlike, for example, burning wood, flammable liquids should never be extinguished with water. This is because gasoline, kerosene, and similar substances are lighter than water, and when trying to extinguish them with water, they will float to the surface, not only continuing to burn but also spreading to the sides, increasing the area of the fire.

Since the combustion of gasoline is impossible without access to oxygen, methods that limit air access to the source of ignition can be used to extinguish it. Flammable liquids can be extinguished with damp pieces of fabric or thick clothing, a powder extinguisher, or by using sand or earth, by covering the burning surface with them. This should be done carefully, avoiding sudden throws, as otherwise gasoline can splash and ignite surrounding objects. Ideally, one should first eliminate the possibility of the fire spreading beyond the burning area, or more simply, prevent the liquid from spreading further. For

Sand or soil should be poured starting from the outer edge of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then gradually covering the liquid towards the center until it is completely extinguished. Sand used to extinguish gasoline or kerosene becomes toxic, so it should be disposed of by burying it away from green spaces, playgrounds, and residential buildings.

Take care of yourself! It is better to stop by the gas station for fuel an extra time, buy special fire-starting liquids in a store, and use dry firewood to heat stoves. And remember – the price of one mistake when using any hazardous substances is human life.