Flash fire is defined by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) as a type of short-duration fire that spreads using a flame front rapidly through a diffuse fuel, such as dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitable liquid, without the production of damaging pressure.
What is Flash Fire
It can also be said to be a sudden, intense fire, which occurs when a flammable gas, dust, or combustible liquid is mixed with air in concentrations suitable for combustion. It is often characterized by high temperature, short duration, and a rapidly moving flame front. In the majority of exposures, it lasted between 2 to 2.25 seconds.
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Hazards and Risk of Flash Fire
- Heat flux of approximately 84kW/m2 and typically last less than three seconds.
- Flash fire is a particular danger in enclosed spaces, as even a relatively small fire can consume enough oxygen and produce enough smoke to cause death.
- When inhaled, the heated air resulting from a flash fire can cause serious damage to the tissue of the lungs.
- Can cause damage from thermal radiation and secondary fires.
- It can lead to death by asphyxiation.
- Flash fires can lead to smoke burns.
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Flash Fire Prevention Tips
- Do not store hazardous materials inside your home.
- Don’t use combustible and flammable products near a flame or heat source, such as pilot lights, lit cigarettes, and operating equipment or engines.
- Use proper storage containers for hazardous materials (Use recommended containers as specified by the manufacturer) to prevent leaks and spills.
- Keep lids on any chemical products properly closed and sealed always.
- Recycle or dispose of hazardous household materials at your local hazardous material processing center. If it must be stored before disposal, it must be labeled adequately.
- Keep hazardous products out of reach of children
- Clean spills promptly and according to product directions
- Protective clothing made of fire-retardant materials (e.g. Nomex) can reduce or prevent thermal injury in the body areas that they cover during the incident.
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