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r replacing your old mattress with a new one if you
are a smoker. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are
required to resist cigarette ignition.
Wearing Apparel
Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly
than others. A significant number of clothing fires occur in
the over 65 age group principally from nightwear (robes,
pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deaths
were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older
age group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital
stays average over one month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters,
and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. These
are followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. The most
commonly worn garments that are associated with clothing
ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes,
shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.
Yes No
1. When purchasing wearing apparel I
consider fiber content and fabric
construction for safety purposes. _____ _____
2. I purchase garments for my children
that are intended for sleepwear since
they are made to be flame resistant. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon,
wool and silk that are difficult to ignite and tend to
self extinguish.
* Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing
cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These
are relatively easy to ignite and burn rapidly.
* Look at fabric construction. It also affect ignitability.
Tight weaves or knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or
napped surface are less likely to ignite and burn rapidly
than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or
piled surfaces.
* Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without
having to pull them over the head. Clothes that are easily
removed can help prevent serious burns. If a garment can
be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury will
be far less severe or avoided altogether.
* Follow manufacturer's care and cleaning instructions on
products labeled "flame resistant" to ensure that their
flame resistant properties are maintained.
Flammable Liquids
One of the major causes of household fires is flammable
liquids. These include gasoline, acetone, benzene, lacquer
thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner,
kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all
is gasoline.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
Yes No
1. Flammable liquids are stored in
properly labeled, tightly closed
no
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