Solvents, Propane BBQs and Supplemental Heating Sources

Solvents Can Create Flammable Flumes

Before starting projects (such as furniture stripping) using solvents, turn off your water heater, furnace and other heating appliances, including the pilot lights. The use of paint, varnish or glue can lead to a build-up of volatile fumes, and fumes and open flames don't mix.

If the fumes come into contact with the pilot light or any other source of ignition, there could be an explosion. When working in a confined area with solvents, open a window or use fans for extra ventilation!

Never use gasoline as a solvent. Though it works for certain cleaning tasks, gasoline is highly flammable. Even the friction from rubbing a surface with a cloth can cause an explosion. Be Smart. Be Safe. – use a solvent meant for the job.

Storing Propane Barbecues

When putting your barbecue away in the fall, do not store it and the propane cylinder in a garage. The propane tank should be stored outside at least three feet from any opening to the building.

Supplemental Heating Sources

Portable and fixed space heaters and related equipment, including fireplaces, chimneys, and chimney collectors, account for many home-heating fires and associated deaths. Gas-fuelled fixed space heaters have the highest fire death rate and are also associated with deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from inadequate ventilation.

• When buying a unit, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing lab. Have a qualified technician install the unit.
• Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors, and all other solid-fuelled heating equipment need to be inspected by a professional and cleaned annually.
• Portable kerosene heaters must be refuelled in a well-ventilated area that is free of flame and heat sources, and only when the device has cooled completely. Use the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer, and never use gasoline instead of kerosene.
• When buying heaters, look for those with automatic shutoff features.
• Be sure any gas-fuelled heating device is installed with proper attention to ventilation, and never put unvented gas space heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Major causes of home-heating fires include:

• Lack of regular cleaning, leading to creosote build-up, in wood-burning devices and associated chimneys and connectors.
• Failing to give space heaters space, by installing heaters too close to combustibles or placing combustibles too close to heaters.
• Fuelling errors involving liquid- or gas-fuelled heating equipment.

You must notify your insurance company if you change the heating source in your home.