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Spontaneous Combustion |
What Is Spontaneous Combustion?
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines spontaneous combustion as the outbreak
of fire without application of heat from an external source. This combustion can
occur when flammable matter like oily rags, damp hay, leaves, or coal is stored
in bulk. Spontaneous combustion, sometimes referred to as spontaneous ignition,
begins when a combustible object is heated to its ignition temperature by a slow
oxidation process. Oxidation is a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the
air around us gradually raising the inside temperature of something (like a pile
of rags) to the point at which a fire starts.
Spontaneous Combustion Can Cause
Fires
While spontaneous combustion isn’t a common occurrence, it can be
disastrous. In fact, the way combustible materials are stored has a lot to do
with whether or not they’ll spontaneously combust. For example, while an
oil-soaked rag stored in a pail could heat up enough to burst into flames, the
same oily rag laid flat to dry would probably have sufficient airflow to prevent
heat buildup. Similarly, if the oily rag was placed in a tightly sealed jar, it
most likely would not have sufficient air to allow the oxidation process to
occur. That’s why it’s a good idea to look around your garage, storage shed, and
yard on a regular basis to ensure that all flammable materials are properly
stored. Be sure that you:
• Carefully store oil, gasoline, or paint-soaked rags. Store them in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from other combustibles. Or, lay the rags out individually on a flat surface and leave them to dry completely before reusing.
• Store gasoline and all other flammable fluids outdoors.
• Follow the manufacturer’s use and storage directions when storing all chemicals. Store chemicals outside, in a dry place, away from any heat source.
Rags containing linseed, stain, paint and vegetable oil are subject to spontaneous combustion. Other natural oils such as mineral oil, cottonseed oil, cod and other fish oil present similar problems. Rags used with these products should be stored by submersing them in a water filled metal container with a fitted lid.