By the Numbers: Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids are responsible for workplace fires and fires at home. You may not realize it, but you probably have at least a few containers hanging out in your garage, basement, or under the kitchen sink.

1. In a recent report, there were 334 incidents involving dangerous goods that required a report to Transport Canada in 2015, down 13.2% from 2014 and almost 40 fewer reportable incidents than the 10-year average dating back to 2006.
2. Almost 70% of these incidents occurred in facilities such as terminals or warehouses.
3. Close to 94% of incidents involved four dangerous good classes – including nearly 61% from Class 3 Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
4. The top 3 causes for the incidents were improper loading/unloading/handling, overfill, and defective fittings, valves, and dome covers.
5. In 2007-2011, U.S. municipal fire departments responded to an estimated average of 51,600 fires per year involving ignition of flammable gas as the type of material first ignited, including 20,260 fires per year in or at homes and 31,340 fires per year in or at other properties. Nearly all these fires involved natural gas, LP-gas, or unclassified or unknown-type gas. The other specific gases identified – acetylene, anesthetic gas, and hydrogen.

Regardless of the location, year, or country, flammable and combustible liquids are a serious fire hazard if not properly used, handled, and stored.