How Do You Prevent Spontaneous Combustion Of Oily Rags?
Spontaneous combustion is not a myth. It happens more than you might think. And all it takes to generate a devastating house fire is a few oil-soaked rags in the workshop. Here’s what you need to know to prevent such a disaster. Be aware of the problem. Some wood finishes, especially those that contain linseed oil, dry by a process called oxidation. Unlike finishes that dry from the evaporation of solvents, those that dry by oxidation will generate heat. Should the heat increase until it reaches the ignition-point of the rag material, the rag can burst into flames. No outside source of spark or flame is needed; all the heat is self generated. The problem is exacerbated when an oily rag is left folded up into a pad or squeezed in a ball. In such cases, the rag ends up with pockets of trapped air, much like an insulated blanket. The blanket-effect prevents the heat from escaping; allowing it to increase at the core of the rag. Linseed oil is added to a number of finishes and paints. To b
