Today we return with part two of Fire Safety for the Automotive Enthusiast.

In Part One we covered the requisite building blocks of fire protection including the types of fires, and the many fire hazards associated with the hobby both in the garage and the car.   In this installment we will cover fire detection and suppression, including the choosing and use of fire extinguishers. 

Parts one and two were written at the same time, and initially the intent was to release the two parts only a week apart.   With the release of part one we had as many of you know, been made aware of a new type of fire extinguisher.  While we were able to contact the company to learn more in short order, our busy driving schedule conflicted with the need to further investigate and apply that new info to part two.   In the meantime however we decided to cover this new extinguisher in an article of it’s own.  Watch for that article coming soon.

Fire Detection


Smoke Detectors 

 

We’d like to think everyone has smoke detectors in their homes already. If not, be aware that in all likelihood you live in an area where they are required by law.  We simply cannot stress enough the importance of smoke detectors in the home.

Unfortunately completely covering the topic of smoke detectors would be an article of its own.  Here we will simply outline a few considerations as they uniquely apply to hobbyists.

Fire detection in the garage is invaluable.  Assuming a fire would only occur while you were present and hard at work would be a mistake. However there is a real challenge in providing appropriate protection while avoiding nuisance false alarms.

Unfortunately much of the work we perform in our garages can confuse the simple technology found in smoke detectors.  Exhaust, aerosols, spray paint, dust, welding fumes, particles from grinding wheels and many others contaminants can set off a detector.  While using a detector that has a ‘hush’ feature that temporarily silences alarms while you perform your work is strongly advisable that alone may not be effective at reducing nuisance alarms.

There are two basic technologies utilized;  photoelectric and ionization. The first is best at detecting smoldering fires, while the latter is best at detecting fast flaming fires.  As one could never anticipate the type of fire they might suffer experts generally recommend the use of a combination unit. However combination units may not be the best choice for the garage if it is used as a workshop.

While placing a detector right above your work bench, or above the cardboard box you use as a makeshift paint booth (we aren’t alone in this are we?) is probably pretty obvious it may take more effort than that.

Each type of technology is more sensitive to certain contaminants than the other so for the auto enthusiast using only one type, or both types placed separately may be a more effective approach. By experimenting with the two types, and their placement in relation to the type of work you perform you may find that false alarms can be eliminated. 

If you find that you simply cannot avoid false alarms, smoke detector dust caps are available.  These are coloured bright red to remind you that they are in place. While not ideal, they are a better solution than pulling the batteries which you WILL forget about when you leave the garage.  Remember while these caps are in place you have no fire protection in that area.

If the garage is attached to the home another solution though offering far less fire protection, could be placing the detector immediately outside the door connecting to the house.  Of course the best solution though pricey is to have a professional install a heat detector.

Whether or not the garage is detached from the home, the detectors should be connected to those inside the home so that if one goes off, they all alarm.  These are available in both hardwired as well as wireless forms.

While it’s a going joke that no one reads instructions, this is a case where we really need to resist that cliché.  Read and keep the instructions that came with your detector they will describe how and where to mount the detector.  Take note of the description of the various alerts such as the low battery alert which is distinctly different from the alarm.  Knowing the difference will avoid unnecessary calls to the fire department, especially in the case of carbon monoxide alarms with no obvious outward signs to confirm the alarm.  Most detectors have a limited lifespan and some batteries now last up to ten years.  The instructions will outline these timelines.

Some basic maintenance will extend the life of your detector including avoiding subjecting them to unnecessary humidity and contaminants, and periodically giving them a light vacuuming with a brush attachment. And remember to replace the backup battery twice a year when you change the clocks for daylight savings.  You did that this weekend riiiight?

 

While on the topic of detectors, and since it is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week we’d be remiss if we didn’t address the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the appropriate use of CO detectors. 

CO or carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas that comes from incomplete combustion of fuels (liquid, gas, or wood, coal etc).  Carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in blood and can result in death. Early signs can include dizziness, headaches, nausea and flu like symptoms.  While high doses can kill in very short order, CO is accumulative, meaning regular moderate doses can build up in the bloodstream over time and symptoms may take days or weeks to appear.

Again, like smoke detectors, we’d like to think you all have at least one CO detector in the home.  Generally most sources advise that carbon monoxide detectors are best left out of the garage.  Even brief exposure from pulling into or out of the garage is enough to set most detectors into alarm. Such frequent exposure will shorten a detector’s lifespan.  That advise is directed at those that keep their daily driver inside the garage, but likely don’t spend much time in the garage.  That generalization may not apply to we enthusiasts.  

We trust you know better than to run a combustion engine in an enclosed area such as a garage.  If during inclement weather an engine must be run inside the garage, it should be for brief periods, the exhaust should be vented outside the structure, and plenty of fresh air available. If your garage is heated any sources of heat, that use combustion should be properly vented and installed following local codes. These codes were designed over time and sadly after many deaths to keep you safe, abide by them.  For the record an open garage door does not necessarily equate to appropriate ventilation. Depending on the direction of the wind, and without a cross breeze fumes are just as likely to accumulate within the garage as not.  

Different jurisdictions will have different laws dictating the use of CO detectors so it is best to consult your local fire department for advice. That said, most put priority on placing them outside sleeping areas rather than near the CO sources themselves (gas furnaces, fireplaces, garages etc.).  While having an additional CO detector in the garage may offer some security it is NOT a replacement for one or more within the home.

The F-Bomb Garage – Frontseat Driving HQ, is as much a club house as it is a workshop.  With a TV, couch and beers close at hand, it’s not uncommon to spend long hours in the garage. With a gas furnace running in the corner, a carbon monoxide detector was a must-have. The odd false alarm, or higher rate of replacement is a fair trade off for our safety.   For great information, tips and downloadable resources please visit this site, or contact your local fire prevention department.

 

While the preceding was certainly far more info on fire detection than you had anticipated there simply is no more important link in the fire safety chain than that of early detection.  Early detection allows you and your loved ones to escape safely and that is our primary goal.  

 

Fire Suppression


Fire Extinguishers

Everyone should have at least one extinguisher in the garage. And more inside the house!

Referring to the fire classifications in can help you   In general for most people a class ABC extinguisher is an adequate choice.

As mentioned extinguishers are rated by the type of fires they most effectively extinguish.  The same nomenclature (A, B, C) used to describe the types of fire is used for extinguishers. For a recap of the types of fire refer again toPart One.  Choosing the appropriate extinguishing agent is essential to safe and effective operation.

An AB extinguisher is only for use on type A and B fires.  An ABC extinguisher can be used on type A, B, and C fires. While uncommon a water extinguisher would only be rated as A as it would be unsafe to use for burning liquids or energized electrical equipment.

Additionally a numerical rating is used to designate the potential size of type A and B fires that the extinguisher can be expected to suppress.  This system is not employed for type C fires.  While there is meaning behind the numbers used, for simplicity sake understand that the larger the number, the larger the fire load (of that type) that the extinguisher can potentially extinguish.  Following is an example of both systems in use; 5-A 10-B C.

The most common extinguishing agents can be grouped into three categories: clean agent, dry chemical, and water.  A forth though generally less common in portable form is actually fairly common in the automotive world.  Most race car plumbed fire systems employ foam.

Selection of an effective extinguisher is not limited simply by the type of fire being extinguished.  Numerous factors specific to your situation can come into play, especially any motorsport governing regulations.  Professional consultation can be a real asset here.  Reaching out to your fire department, race scrutineers, and even fellow hobbyists can be great sources of information. There are however a few general considerations that we can cover here.  Let’s look at each of the agents and their respective advantages or disadvantages.

Carbon dioxide, Halon, or Halotron type extinguishers work fully or in part by displacing oxygen, which of course we need to live so discharging one in the occupied enclosed cabin of a car can be extremely dangerous.  Even a brief lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death.  While realistically, our first course of action would be to evacuate the car this is still worth consideration.

That said, used safely from outside the car they can be very effective at extinguishing cabin fires without the terrible mess of dry chemical extinguishers.  For this reason they are often referred to as clean agent extinguishers. 

While these same agents are effective for energized electrical fires and especially useful with sensitive electronics their effectiveness in a deeply routed Class A fire is limited as they have little ability to cool the fire.  The risk here is that extinguishment is only temporary as the retained heat can quickly cause a rekindle.  As such they may not be the best choice for a typical garage fire and is why they are often only rated BC.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are built of thick steel and the contents are liquefied thus these extinguishers are quite heavy, and generally only available in larger sizes not conducive to automobiles or hanging on a garage wall.

Water extinguishers aren’t terribly practical.  The first drawback is that while they are very effective, they are limited to Class A fires.  To be of any real use the water is generally combined with a source of pressurization, without which you are left with the option of a manual pump.  That brings us to the second draw back – the weight and the size needed for effective fire extinguishment just isn’t suited to a vehicle, nor are they easy to source. 

While a water extinguisher isn’t easy to find, a garden hose in the garage certainly is so let’s quickly discuss using water for fighting fires.  While water as an extinguishing agent can be effective on class A fires, using water to extinguish an energized electrical fire, or a fire involving liquids (gas, oil etc.) is terribly dangerous. 

While the danger of mixing electricity and water should need no explanation, many fail to understand that water can spread a flaming liquid not only driving the fire into contact with other combustibles but even dividing the fire into multiples.  NEVER use water to fight an electrical or flammable liquid fire.

In general ABC rated dry chemical extinguishers are the best all around compromise for car fires.  However while they are effective in the cabin, you may want to keep in mind that they create a terrible mess that will linger for months in the crevices of your vehicle and many agents are corrosive to metals especially the delicate metal electrical connectors.  While a lingering sprinkling of powder on your legs from under the dash while driving is preferable to a torched car you may want to consider one of the clean agent alternatives mentioned earlier for use inside the cabin. 

Dry chemical extinguishers are a great option for fires in the engine compartment.  Not only are they usually appropriately rated ABC there are sizes and weights available for the car.  An engine fire, builds heat quickly,  while ideally dissipating that heat would be part of the suppression technique that isn’t always possible.  While dry chemical extinguishers don’t reduce heat they can leave a lasting layer of powder that cuts the oxygen chain hopefully until the engine cools down.  If this connection isn’t immediately clear please consider reading Part One again to review the brief description on fire science. 

A disadvantage of dry chemical extinguishers is that to be most effective they require a direct line of sight to the fire, which can be tricky in the case of an engine fire where the hood is too hot to lift. 

The ranges of sizes and weights and (usually) ABC rating make dry chemical extinguishers an appropriate choice for use in the garage as well.

 

2 – 2.5 – 5 – 10 – 20 lb extinguishers(duct tape for size reference)

As mentioned earlier the effective fire load that an extinguisher can potentially extinguish is denoted with a number as in this example (5-A 10-B C) and is too technical to appropriately cover in this article.  To effectively address this issue, one should consult their local fire prevention department.  However – given the appropriate choice of agent – there is generally a correlation between size and effectiveness.  Generally the safest fallback is to choose the largest physical size that remains practical. 

It is common to see extinguishers described by the weight of the extinguishing agent contained therein.  Over time these weights, have unofficially become somewhat of a standard method of denoting the SIZE of the extinguisher more so even than the actual amount of agent within.  The photo above depicts the various common sizes in comparison to each other.  While using this weight terminology to determine the size you need is far from technical, it will assist us in discussing practical sizes for the average enthusiast.

Though common a 2.5 lb extinguisher is the very smallest size that should be used.

For automotive use, nothing below a 2.5 lb extinguisher is likely to be effective.  In practice an engine fire would likely dictate at LEAST a 5 lb extinguisher.  Our practice at Frontseat Driving is to run a 2.5 pound clean agent BC extinguisher for cabin use, and in the trunk a 5 lb dry chemical ABC extinguisher.  Both extinguishers are very securely mounted to avoid accidental discharge and to keep secure in case of a collision. 

In the home or garage our opinion is that a 5  lb extinguisher is the bare minimum.  It’s moderate size means ease in portability and use, and it is easily mounted on the wall beside your exits.  That said the 10 pound extinguishers that you see on the walls of offices and the halls of high-rise buildings were enforced by experts for a reason and taking their lead is recommended. 

The F – Bomb Garage is equipped an odd assortment only because of how they were acquired.  One 2.5 lb, and one 5 lb dry chemical ABC extinguisher is found at each door.  A couple 5 lb extinguishers or a single 10 lb extinguisher would be a more typical arrangement.

Extinguishers should be mounted near exits.

 

Ideally extinguishers should be located at the doors of the home or garage.  Mistakenly people often mount their fire extinguishers close to the stove, or tucked away in a nearby cupboard, while they should be located AWAY from the fire.

In the case of a fire your FIRST reaction should ALWAYS be to escape. ALWAYS!

Once you and any other occupants are safely out of the structure (or away from the car), you can safely call the fire department.

Calling the fire department is number two after evacuation. Fire grows and spreads far quicker than most imagine.  Extinguishers have limited capacity and without training, attempts at extinguishment often fail and can actually spread the fire.  The size of a fire is never used to determine whether or not to call 911.  ANY fire is reason to call.

AFTER calling the fire department you can take the time to better evaluate from a distance whether you feel comfortable in attempting to extinguish the fire.

Hopefully now the placement of fire extinguishers makes better sense.  Having them at the exits, not only promotes safe evacuation, it provides a safer place to evaluate.  Furthermore if the decision is made to attempt to extinguish the fire, the individual is automatically establishing a safe route of retreat.

 

NEVER ALLOW THE FIRE TO GET BETWEEN YOU AND THE EXIT.

 

Remember your priorities are ESCAPE and CALLING 911.

 

There are often some other options available when a fire does start. Referring above to the science of fire, removing one or more of Heat, Oxygen, or Fuel will extinguish a fire.

 

Pot on the stove or garbage can on fire?  Protect hands, place the lid on.

 

Puddle of fuel on fire? Smother in kitty litter, or soil.

 

Electrical appliance on fire?  Unplug or cut the power at the breaker.

 

Carburetor fire?  Starting the car often extinguishes the fire.  A wet rag tossed over the carb is also effective.

 

NEVER USE WATER TO EXTINGUISH A BURNING LIQUID OR AN ENERGIZED ELECTRIC APPLIANCE!!!

 

Never turn your back to a fire, even after the fire is extinguished there is a strong likelihood that the fire will retain enough heat to reignite.

Even if you successfully extinguish the fire, it is best to let the fire department confirm extinguishment and ensure that there hasn’t been any fire spread.

Do NOT be embarrassed to call the fire department.  Calling them as soon as possible keeps you, your family, your neighbours, your property, and THEM safer!

Car Fires

 

Okay, so what if you suffer a car fire on the road?

Just like in the house or garage the first priority is escape. 

To do that you first have to remain calm.  Observe traffic and signal as you would in the case of a flat tire and pull safely over to the side of the road.

Remain calm. Unlike on TV the odds of your vehicle exploding are slim to none, especially with modern vehicles with plastic fuel tanks.  For interest sake any ‘explosions’ heard at car fires are usually the tires popping.

After safely pulling over to the side of the road (away from other cars and buildings) place the car into gear, or park, and set the parking brake.  Turn the ignition off, and quickly remove your family.  If you really have your wits about you, pop the hood release.  Make sure you take your clothing if it is cold and or raining, and keep yourselves as far from the roadway as possible. Your greatest risk is no longer the fire but an ensuing collision.

Keep upwind of the vehicle. The plastics, and upholstery release EXTREMELY dangerous smoke.

Keep uphill of the vehicle, often the gas tank will melt, and if it does flaming fuel will run downhill.

Once you and your family are safely distanced from the vehicle, uphill and upwind, just as before the second priority is to call 911.

If you are driving along and discover that you have a fire under the hood the chances are that by the time you safely pull over the fire ,fueled by the rush of air the fire will have grown beyond the ability of a handheld extinguisher. 

Additionally there is a very good chance of burning your hands and face as you attempt to open the hood.  As mentioned you need to approach from upwind, and uphill.  If the flames are escaping the engine compartment or have spread from the engine to the cabin the fire is beyond your abilities, and the danger has grown substantially.  Keep these facts and the roadside dangers in mind as you decide whether or not to attempt to extinguish the fire. 

If you drive a vehicle from the early 80s to in some cases the early 90s a significant additional risk is posed by the compressed gas safety bumpers.   It is certainly worth knowing if your vehicle is equipped with these frightful devices before being thrust into the situation.

An under dash fire caught early is most effectively dealt with by closing all the doors and windows but the one you fight the fire from.  Direct the extinguisher as best as possible under the dash, discharge the extinguisher then close the door.  The closed doors and windows contain the agent within the car.  This is especially important if using a clean agent and on a windy day.

Once again, while we hope to present an informative, and educational article, brevity has to play a significant role.  If you feel that more information or greater detail would be beneficial we’d appreciate that feedback as well.

If you have any need for additional information or have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.  If we don’t know the answer we WILL find it for you, or at the least direct you to an appropriate resource.  The article has been directed to fire safety for the automotive enthusiast which necessarily neglects most of the home.  As we have mentioned many times, your local fire department (usually the fire prevention division) is the first ‘go to’ resource.  Not only is the information reliable, but it is specific to your local laws and regulations.

Please take the time to talk to your family about the risks and danger of fire.  Plan routes of escape, and agree on a safe meeting spot away from the house for all to meet.  When the fire department shows up the first thing they need to know is that everyone is out of the home.  Please consider the tools at your disposaland again more are available through your fire department.

While we have taken great care in gathering and presenting the information, mistakes happen, and editing can be faulty.  If anything in this article seems off to you, or you simply disagree, we want to hear from you.  

Finally, let’s be clear, this is the internet.  NOTHING in this article or anywhere on the interwebs replaces professional consultation or training.  Conduct yourself within the limits of your own knowledge and skill.

 

 


 

Fires happen every day.  In significant urban settings they are happening all over the city every day.  It may seem unlikely but it is absolutely true.

 

Right now, you may be scrunching your brow, pursing your lips and thinking, “Okay if that’s true why don’t I see or hear about them?  

 

Well for one, heavy population density and shift work mean fires are being spotted sooner at all hours of the day.  Add electronic fire detection and protection systems, fire resistant construction, and quick fire department response to the mix and most urban fires these days are more effectively contained than in years past.

 

While most fires of yesteryear resulted in a fully involved house fire, often today’s fires are restricted to a single room (kitchen, bedroom, garage), a single part of the structure (chimney, porch), or even reduced to a single item (oven, mattress).  

 

Another reason that you aren’t hearing about these fires is that in large urban centers all these fires become commonplace to the media outlets. Only the multiple alarm fires with devastating scenes of billowing smoke and balls of fire make for good news.

 

So why are we bringing this up?  Well it seems in general, people have become complacent. Not only do most people doubt the likelihood of a fire, they fail to recognize the hazards, and truly have no idea of the true destructive potential of fire.  While fires can and do happen to anyone, the average auto enthusiast often engages in activities or habits that put them at significant risk, often unknowingly.  Read on for some tips on fire safety for the auto enthusiast.

 

Even a fire detected early, and contained to a single room, is going to result in terrible property loss.  Smoke infiltrates entire structures ruining clothes, carpeting, and window treatments, and causes staining of walls and ceilings.  Water damage ruins electronics, flooring, drywall, books, and artwork not only in the location of the fire but often the floor below and rooms adjacent to the fire.  Of course fire itself consumes nearly everything in its path.  Cleanup and repair will almost certainly displace you and your family for days to weeks, even longer if a structure fire is suffered. 

 

So now that we’ve hopefully convinced you that fire is a real risk, how about we talk about some fire prevention and suppression strategies, as they pertain to us as auto enthusiasts; the garage, and your car itself.

There is a LOT of info to cover, and it’s a challenge to appropriately cover this topic and keep it as concise as contemporary attention spans demand.  We have divided the topic into four main sections in the order that they should be addressed;  Background Info, Fire Prevention, Fire Detection, and finally Fire Suppression.  Part One that you have in front of you will cover the first two.  We’ll cover detection and suppression in Part Two, coming soon.  Grab a beverage, get comfortable and hit it in one go, or perhaps take a section at a time.


The photo above reflects the beauty of a flickering flame that the results (below) don’t.

Science (just a bit)…

 

Likely you have heard of the fire triangle. This is the concept of the three requirements of fire;

Heat (or ignition source)

Oxygen (found in the air we breath)

Fuel (what is burning)

Removing any one of these elements will extinguish the fire. And yes you keeners out there will be muttering something about the Fire Tetrahedron to your computer screen, but let’s not unnecessarily complicate matters.  Instead let’s look at how we can remove each of these elements.

 

Heat is most often controlled by adding water.  It works well, it’s cheap, and it’s plentiful.  Heat in the form of ignition sources can be controlled through prevention.

 

Oxygen is most often controlled by displacing it with another non flammable gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or Halotron.  Another method is to separate the oxygen from the fuel with a blanket of fire fighting foam used by firefighters or a powder as found in most commercially available ABC handheld extinguishers.  Of course the most common example that many have probably experienced, is simply putting the lid back on the pot.

 

Fuel can be taken out of the equation as easily as pinching the fuel line, or as we see most summers, cutting swaths through forests ahead of the windswept forest fires.

 

Fires are classified into types reflected by the materials that are burning.  This classification is important in order to match the best extinguishing agent to the material burning.   

 

 

 

Class A

Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cartons, textiles, and PVC.

 

Class B

Flammable liquids and gases such as, gasoline, oil, paints and propane.

 

Class C

Energized electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, electrical outlets and fuse panels.

 

The keeners will again point out a fourth type of fire.  Class D fires are rare as they involve exotic metals that are rarely found in a hobbyist’s garage, however you may see it referenced while researching extinguishers so to satisfy any curiosity we’ll include it.

 

Class D

Combustible metals, such as sodium, magnesium and titanium.

You’ll notice that fire extinguishers are rated using the same nomenclature, symbols and often colour coding.  Certain extinguishers will most effectively extinguish certain types of fires.  More on that later.

Fire Protection


Fire Hazards

Countless hazards exist in every garage. The key is eliminating as many as possible.

Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a dedicated workshop. This space is often just as likely to be the wood shop, as it is the auto garage, paint booth, games room or even a holiday craft and scrap booking studio.

Without a doubt your garage pulls double duty as the default storage area.

Our garages are home to plastic kids’ toys, and lawn furniture, out of season clothes, cardboard boxes of ‘who knows what’ that never managed to get unpacked from the last move, lumber, sports equipment, lawn mowers, BBQ’s, winter tires, the list is exhaustive and much of it highly flammable. 

Vapours from gasoline, gas/oil mix, natural gas, propane, acetylene, paints, varnishes and many cleaners, degreasers, and aerosols are all highly flammable/explosive.  In terms of the fire triangle the fuel load in a typical garage is tremendous.

Many homes often have the hot water heater, and clothes dryer (often with piloted ignitions) in the garage.   Many hobbyists have a source of heat such as a furnace, space heater, or a wood or oil stove.  Again referring to the fire triangle the fore-mentioned are all sources of heat or ignition.

So we have already identified a ton of common fuels, and a few sources of ignition found in the average garage and we haven’t even addressed, any heat produced by the vehicles or the work you are doing, within the garage.  Heat from the engine and exhaust, sparks from grinding or cutting metal, welding, soldering are all common sources of ignition.

To make all this even worse, most newer homes are built with the garage attached which adds significant risk to the entire structure and your family both from the vapours of stored chemicals, and Carbon Monoxide, but also the spread of smoke and fire.

Let’s look at some of the more common hazards a little closer.

Rags and Spontaneous Combustion

 

Spontaneous combustion is a significant concern for many hobbyists not only because of the high risk but because of the lack of knowledge.  Spontaneous combustion occurs as certain types of oils naturally decompose, in turn creating heat.  If the heat can’t effectively dissipate it can build to the point of self ignition.

Rags, with these oils, paints, or wood stains (even cooking oil) on them are perfect combustibles and when piled together, can provide not only the fuel but the ignition source.  Safe storage and disposal is imperative. 

While gasoline, and automotive oil aren’t at risk of spontaneous combustion they are only an errant spark away from catching fire.

A good method of dealing with used rags, is to hang or lie your rags flat to dry outside the garage followed by storage in a metal can such as an unused paint can. This is particularly practical with volatiles that evaporate quickly and less so for oil saturated rags. 

A couple rags here and there quickly disposed of according to your local regulations is easy to manage however if you are accumulating rags at a steady rate, using a specifically designed metal rag bucket with a gravity-closing lid is a good idea.  These cans are built sturdy with integral ventilation below the can to prevent heat build up however they are quite expensive as they are tailored to industries forced to follow health and safety policies. 

Watch your favorite classifieds, junk stores, and the such for good deals. Ours was generously gifted to the F-Bomb Garage by a good friend’s mother looking to clean out her own garage.  Before we acquired ours we used an old galvanized steel water cooler.  Any metal can with a tight fitting lid can work as a decent substitute, a steel waste can with a self closing lid is ideal.  

Dispose of the rags according to local procedures and frequently so the collection is kept to a minimum and keep the can away from sources of heat.

On a related note, NEVER throw work clothes that have been in contact with oil, fuel, etc, into the clothes drier EVEN after washing. NO washer can take all traces out of the clothing and the heat from the drier can ignite a fire.

Flammable Liquids

 

Obviously storing chemicals and gases is a common issue in any shop or garage. Gasoline, two stroke fuel, camp fuel, oil, lubricants, propane, degreasers, cleaners, paints, stains, epoxies, glues, and resins are all just a few of an exhaustive list of common flammable products kept in the average garage.

The first step of safely storing them is to keep them in approved containers, whenever possible the same container it was sold in, with the lid tightly affixed.

An approved flammable liquids cabinet is a slick piece of gear that is designed to insulate the contents from fire while venting vapours outside the storage area. Unfortunately these cabinets are cost prohibitive for most of us.  However a good source of more affordable cabinets is government auctions.  For deeper cost savings there are some clever ideas for DIY cabinets online.

While not insulated or vapour proof, a salvaged metal locker is spark resistant and can make for decent storage.  At the very least ensure that the storage area is placed away from ignition sources, and any areas that you may find yourself doing any hot work such as cutting, grinding or welding.

Keeping containers clean of over-spill, and keeping them well labelled is another good course of action.  Gasoline should never be stored indoors.  Surely everyone has seen a bulging plastic gas can due to heat fluctuations.  Gasoline vapours are far more flammable than even the gas itself.  Should any leak out of the can they can easily be ignited.

The most common single source of flammable liquid in the average garage is a parts cleaner.  Resist the temptation to use a makeshift parts cleaner.  A decent parts cleaner is very affordable and readily available used for even more savings.  Most importantly a good parts washer has a fusible link that automatically drops the cover should a fire start.   

If you have a parts washer keep the lid closed when not in use and avoid use of it (and any chemicals) without appropriate ventilation especially if an ignition source is present. Don’t forget any pilot lights! 

While we have yet to experiment with it ourselves there are now non flammable cleaning solvents on the market.  Try one of those and report back to us!

Hot Work

 

Hot work is any work that can create a flame, heat, or even sparks.  Welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, cutting of ferrous metals and many alloys, even striking steel with steel (hammering) can cause a spark capable of igniting a fire.

The first defensive action against ignition is to keep a tidy work area.  Ensuring that there are no combustibles (paper, boxes, rags, dust, wood, etc.) in the vicinity is essential.  Common sense  here plays a big role.  The direction of sparks will change with the required  

cuts.  Anticipate the direction of those sparks and contain and direct them using physical barriers such as a fire blanket, welding screen or an appropriate makeshift barrier, such as sheets of metal or drywall. 

Wear the proper attire while performing hot work.  Frayed jeans, go up in flames in an instant, synthetics melt to the skin just as fast.  Cuffed pants, and open boots catch and trap sparks.  Finally plan any hot work to end well before leaving the work area.  That increases the likelihood of being present should any unseen smoldering material burst into flame.  Be aware a smoldering nearly undetectable fire can last for many hours before finally igniting.  

Other Hazards

 

Some hazards unsurprisingly revolve around the vehicle itself.  The two biggest hazards are the electrical and fuel systems.  

Ensure that your battery is mounted securely, and both positive and ground connections are tight, and in good condition. 

While most people are afraid of electricity and few would consider rewiring their own homes, it seems their vehicles are a free-for-all.

If you plan on doing any wiring on your vehicle, make sure you truly know what you are doing.  Start by disconnecting the battery. 

Switches can often be negatively or positively switched.  Know the difference and when each should be employed.  All switches should be used with an appropriate relay if you don’t know why, you probably shouldn’t be doing your own wiring. 

Circuits should be appropriately fused and rarely need to be ‘hot’.  The appropriate gauge wire should be used.  If you don’t know how to choose the correct fuse or wire gauge once again, you probably shouldn’t be doing your own wiring.  Seek assistance. 

Tidy and secure connections free of loose strands, and bare wire should be ensured.  Whenever possible protect wire from abrasion and the elements.  Any added devices should be mounted securely and connections prevented from inadvertently shorting or grounding. 

Before welding on the car, disconnect the battery.

Before working on the fuel system, disconnect the battery.

Never place your tools on the top of the battery, one slip can result in a short capable of starting a fire or causing you to jump and strike your head on the car’s hood.  Don’t bother asking how we came up with that scenario.  

Fuel filters should should be metal, perhaps glass, but not plastic.  They should be located in a manner that prevents any leaks from falling onto a hot engine or exhaust components.  

All fuel lines should be made of approved fuel line, routed away from hot surfaces whenever possible and connections should be appropriately secured and protected from abrasion.

If you are going to work on your vehicle’s fuel system, ideally pull it out of the garage first.  If things go awry, losing a car, and not the garage or house is clearly preferable.

Finally never cut or drill into your vehicle without knowing for certain what is on the other side of the work surface.  Compromising hidden fuel and brake lines, fuel tanks, wires, or compressed gas cylinders (bumpers, seat belts, air curtains, hatch struts, fire extinguishers – you know who you are LOL) will result in a dangerous situation at worse and a bad day at best.

We could never appropriately cover all possible hazards you may encounter so we will move on from fire protection to fire detection and suppression in Part Two.  If you have some hazards you think we should have included here please let us know, we’ll do our best to address them quickly.  

While the utmost care has been taken in compiling this post, mistakes may have slipped through editing.  If something doesn’t seem right bring it to our attention, or ask a competent expert. 

For the sake of brevity much detail has necessarily been reduced to generalizations,  however for more info on anything covered in this post ask in the comments below or on our Facebook page Frontseat Driving.

This article specifically addresses fire safety for the auto enthusiast while leaving many home fire risks uncovered.  Your local fire prevention department is always happy to provide resources and answer any of your questions, and is the single best resource for info regarding your local codes and best practices.

 

 

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