PETROL VAPOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1931, Page 6

PETROL VAPOUR

RISK TO HOUSEHOLD USER. CHRISTCHURCH, March It. Thp dangers in. using petrol for cleansing purposes in the lions,, were discussed by members of th L > Christchurch Fire Board hist evening, when eases showing the extent to which petrol vapour impiegnated a large volume of air wer e quoted. Alembers expressed the view that the serious

angers to which some users of petrol exposed themselves should b t . brought before the public. Mr E. El. Andrews quoted an extract from “Eire,” the official organ of the British fire service, as follows: “One pint of petrol will exude sufficient vapour to render 100 cubic feet of air highly explosive. The same quantity of petrol poured on a level surface will cover about eighty square feet with iiiffiimmable vapour.” The

greatest care was necessary in the use of petrol, and housholdcrs were warned against the use of petrol within many feet of a fire, gas ring or electric heater. The practice of cleaning gloves while on the hands was a most-

dangerous one. The chairman (Mr T. M. Charters) said that he had read an article wherein the Deputy-Superintendent of the New York Eire Brigade stated that a pint of petrol had as much explosive power as a pound of gelignite. He had assessed the loss of life as twentyeight a day, the majority of deaths being due to the improper use of petrol. Petrol should not be used in a house at all.