Safety

(October 1998)

The roots of Fire Prevention Week

The history of Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9 1871. While the origin of this tragic fire has never been determined, there has been much speculation over how it began. One popular legend, which was recently disproven, by a Chicago historian, is that Mrs. O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze.

In the fifty years after its occurrence, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire was commemorated each year in different ways. And in 1922, Fire Prevention Week was observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.

This years Fire Prevention Week Theme is " Fire Drills: The Great Escape!" and Safety & Environmental Services will be conducting its usual fire safety training plus fire drills in all Campus buildings in the fall in accordance with National Fire Protection Codes.  Remember to be fire safe year round.

Safe storage helps prevent fires

Safe storage of lawn mowers, trimmers, barbecues and similar fuel burning appliances at the end of the summer season will do much to reduce fire and personal injury risks in the home environment.  Gasoline powered equipment should have fuel removed from the tank and stored in CSA approved safety containers away from sources of heat or ignition, preferably in outside buildings, such as a shed. You should be aware that it's the gas vapours that represent the fire hazard.  Invisible vapours can travel considerable distances and if these vapours encounter an ignition source, such as an open flame, pilot lights or sparks, a flash back can occur to the fuel source with potentially explosive consequences. Similarly, propane gas tanks for barbecues should be stored away from the main residence in a cool area away from potential ignition sources.

A little common sense and understanding of the hazards associated with flammable liquids and gases will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe, not only this fall and winter, but throughout the year.  For more information on the safe handling and storage of flammable and combustible materials contact the Office of Safety and Environmental Services at 737-4393.

How to get rid of hazardous waste

The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, in conjunction with the City of St. John's, the City of Mount Pearl, the Town of Paradise, and Newfound-land Power, have begun a three-year pilot project on the collection of household hazardous waste.

The scheduled pick-up days are:

•  Oct. 3, St. John's (Municipal Depot, Blackmarsh Rd. and NewTel Parking Lot, Fort William Pl.)

•  Oct. 4, Mt. Pearl (Municipal Depot, Clyde Ave.)

•  Oct. 4, Paradise (Town Hall, Topsail Rd.)

•  Nov. 7, St. John's

•  Nov. 8, Mt. Pearl

•  Dec. 5, St. John's

This program represents a great opportunity to dispose of hazardous material which may be accumulating around your home, such as antifreeze, car batteries, cleaning fluids, fuels, motor oil, paint, pesticides, herbicides, medications, propane tanks and solvents.  These chemicals are harmful to the environment and should not be disposed of in the sewer system or in the landfill.  To safely transport your hazardous waste to the pickup sites ensure the materials are in sealed, labeled containers and secured in the trunk of your car.  Keep materials in the original container, where possible, and do not mix chemicals.  Follow all safety precautions as suggested by the manufacturer when handling the materials.  More information can be obtained by calling the Multi-Material Stewardship Board at 753-0948.