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| Spray paint + open flame = danger |
Last night on the WSB news website I saw an alarming story of an Atlanta mom and her daughter who were hospitalized with burns after a can of spray paint exploded while they were using it as a hammer to hang Christmas stockings above a lit fireplace. According to the news account of the incident, their home heating system was malfunctioning and they had lit a fire in the fireplace to heat their home. Afterwards - I suppose with the idea of being where the heat was - they began decorating their fireplace/mantle for Christmas. This is where they made, in my opinion, a near fatal mistake -- using a can of spray paint as a hammer. The result was the can was punctured and its contents exposed to the open flame. Both mother and daughter sustained burns that necessitated them being admitted to the Grady Hospital Burn Unit.
To prevent a similar tragedy in your home, here are some safety tips for the proper handling and disposal of aerosol products.
Don't puncture an aerosol can. The contents of a spray can are under extreme pressure, so the smallest hole - puncture - will cause the contents to be expelled under great force -- possibly resulting in an explosion as occurred in this case.
Don't use an aerosol can near an open flame or source of ignition. The flame can ignite the product and the fire can travel back to the can causing an explosion. Likewise, never dispose of an "empty" aerosol can in an open fire. Even a small amount of product or propellant remaining in a can is enough to cause an explosion when heated.
Use aerosol products only in well vented areas. Aerosol products such as paints, stains, carburetor cleaner, and, yes, even hairspray can build-up potential noxious fumes if not used in a well ventilated area.
Until next time . . .
Don't puncture an aerosol can. The contents of a spray can are under extreme pressure, so the smallest hole - puncture - will cause the contents to be expelled under great force -- possibly resulting in an explosion as occurred in this case.
Don't use an aerosol can near an open flame or source of ignition. The flame can ignite the product and the fire can travel back to the can causing an explosion. Likewise, never dispose of an "empty" aerosol can in an open fire. Even a small amount of product or propellant remaining in a can is enough to cause an explosion when heated.
Use aerosol products only in well vented areas. Aerosol products such as paints, stains, carburetor cleaner, and, yes, even hairspray can build-up potential noxious fumes if not used in a well ventilated area.
Until next time . . .
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