Safety with aerosol cans in the home

Most of us will have many aerosol cans in various locations around the home. Almost every room in the house may contain some kind of aerosol, be it furniture polish, hairspray or antiperspirant.

What must always be remembered is the fact that they can be extremely dangerous if they are not stored and treated with care.

Some aerosol cans are extremely flammable, whether they are full or empty, and can become potential small bombs in the wrong hands, or if mistreated.

Below are some useful tips for using them safely.

• Never leave aerosol cans within the reach of young children or household pets.
• Keep aerosol cans away from any heat source and naked flame, including window ledges where the sun can heat them up
• Never smoke when using aerosols, they can become blow torches and cause severe burns.
• Always read the instructions on the can
• Never aim them at any heat source such as cookers, heaters or open fires.
• Never throw aerosol cans into an open fire or onto a garden bonfire.
  

If you are burning household rubbish, make sure aerosol cans are removed before lighting the fire. THEY WILL EXPLODE AND CAUSE A FIREBALL.

• A single aerosol could cause untold damage if an accident occurs.
• Always dispose of aerosols carefully.

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Information Provider Last Updated Friday October 5, 2001 4:23 PM