Maintaining An Oil furnace

Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Kerosene Heater Association have these suggestions to minimize the risk of fire and potential health effects from indoor air pollution for those of you who are using kerosene heaters.

Use only 1 K grade kerosene and never use gasoline.  Gasoline or other volatile fuels or solvents, even in a smallest amount, when mixed with kerosene will drastically increase the risk of a fire or an explosion.

Store kerosene in a separate container, which is clearly stated for kerosene only.  Kerosene containers are usually blue, to help eliminate the mistake of mixing fuels.  Never store kerosene in a gasoline can or container that has previously contained gasoline.

Use care when purchasing kerosene at the pump to ensure that you use the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.  To eliminate this confusion, several service stations have separate islands for kerosene.  In addition, several oil companies have established quality control programs targeted to minimize any chance of gasoline contamination of kerosene.

You should always purchase your 1-K grade kerosene from a dealer who can certify that 1-K grade kerosene is being sold as different grades of kerosene can and often do look the same.  Some states do have state operated and private sector certification programs established to guarantee the quality of kerosene.  Kerosene grades other than 1-K can release more pollutants and possible pose health risk.

When filling a heater, always rill the tank outdoors, away from combustible materials, never inside the home.  In addition, refill heaters only after they have been turned off and have cool down.  Never over fill the tank, as there must be sufficient space to allow the fuel to expand so that the fuel will not leak out when the heater is operating.

Never attempt to move or carry the kerosene heater if there is a flare-up or uncontrolled flaming as this could cause personal injury or make the fire worse.  If the heater has a manual shut-off switch, turn off the heater, if it does this does not extinguish the fire, then leave the house immediately, and call the fire department.  As an added reminder, make sure that your home has working smoke/CO2 detectors near each sleeping area and on each level of the house.  For added precaution, always keep a charged fire extinguisher on hand.

Portable kerosene heaters are very efficient in producing heat, but they also produce low levels of pollutants including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.  To protect you and your family from significant levels of these pollutants, carefully follow these recommended rules for safe operation:
• Only operate kerosene heaters in rooms with proper ventilation.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on operating your kerosene heater.  This includes ensuring that the wick is at the proper level.
• Always follow the cleaning and maintenance procedures recommended by your kerosene heater’s manufacturer.
• Ensure that you have proper ventilation by keeping an outside window opened approximately an inch.  This step should also be followed regardless heating system if your home is relatively airtight to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
• Use only water clear No. 1-K Kerosene.

DANGER: Because of the high risk of explosion, never use gasoline in a kerosene heater.