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HOW TO TRANSPORT CHEMICALS SAFELY
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that each year, over 50,000 fires begin due to flammable gases, while more than 160,000 fires start as a result of flammable or combustible liquids. Together, these types of fires cause more than $2.1 billion in property damage and result in over 600 deaths annually. Additionally, the NFPA states that spontaneous combustion and chemical reactions are responsible for more than 14,000 fires per year. The specific cause of ignition in these types of fires can be difficult to determine, but spontaneous heating is often a contributing factor. This occurs when a material increases in temperature without drawing heat from its surroundings, such as dried hay catching fire in the hot sun. Here's a step by step guide to not only transport combustible liquids safely but store them.
Transporting combustible liquids
Most moving companies will not transport household liquids that are flammable or combustible. Therefore, you have two options: either dispose of these liquids according to regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), or transport them in your own vehicle. Examples of such chemicals include weed killer, aerosols, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, and cooking oil. If you choose to transport these liquids in your personal vehicle, you will need to have certain items, which will be listed below:
To ensure that chemicals do not spill during transport, place each chemical in a separate bag. These bags are only for preventing messes, not for preventing fires. To prevent fires, use a transport cabinet that has been approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Larger cabinets are also available. Home Bound Moving Co. strongly emphasizes the importance of having such a cabinet in your home or garage.
Storing chemicals
To safely store chemicals, it is recommended to use a leak and fire proof cabinet located in a garage or storage shed. If purchasing such a cabinet is not feasible, an alternative solution is to tightly seal each chemical in a plastic or metal container. Ensure that a smoke detector and fire extinguishing equipment, such as a fire blanket or wet chemical extinguisher, are easily accessible near the storage area. Fire Blanket:
Disposing of combustible chemicals:
To dispose of combustible chemicals, first check with your local authorities for any specific regulations and guidelines. Next, transfer the chemicals to an approved container and seal it tightly. Finally, transport the container to a designated hazardous waste disposal site for proper disposal. It is important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines when handling and disposing of combustible chemicals to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Ending notes: It's encouraged to do your own due diligence. In using this information you take on the full risk of the aftermath. In this crazy world, Home Bound Moving Co. is not liable for what happens after you read this article. If you are struck by lightning while holding a can of gasoline... we will not be held liable. We have no association with any of the products we suggest. Thank you and good luck.