Kerosene safety covers the practices used to store, handle, transfer and burn kerosene to prevent fires, burns, spills and carbon monoxide exposure at work and in temporary heating.
Kerosene safety refers to the practices used to store, handle, transfer and burn kerosene in ways that prevent fires, burns, spills, health effects and carbon monoxide exposure. Kerosene is a petroleum distillate used as a heating fuel, a fuel for portable and temporary heaters, lamps and some engines, and as a solvent or cleaning agent.
Kerosene is less volatile than gasoline, but it still burns readily once heated or atomized. Its flash point is typically between about 100°F and 162°F (38°C to 72°C), depending on the product. Under OSHA's definitions in 29 CFR 1910.106, any liquid with a flash point at or below 199.4°F (93°C) is a flammable liquid, so kerosene typically falls into Category 3 or Category 4. Older NFPA terms describe it as a combustible liquid.
Kerosene safety matters on construction sites, farms, warehouses and maintenance shops, especially in winter when portable kerosene heaters are used for temporary heat. The main risks are fires from fuel mix-ups or spills, burns from hot heater surfaces, and carbon monoxide buildup in poorly ventilated spaces.
The product's safety data sheet lists the specific flash point, hazards, required personal protective equipment and first aid measures.
Portable kerosene heaters are common for temporary heat during construction and outdoor work. In construction, OSHA's standard for temporary heating devices, 29 CFR 1926.154, requires adequate fresh air ventilation, minimum clearances to combustible materials and, for flammable liquid fired heaters, a safety control that stops fuel flow if the flame fails.
During a cold snap, a building contractor enclosed the upper floor of a structure with plastic sheeting so drywall crews could keep working, and set up several portable kerosene heaters. Within an hour, two workers reported headaches and dizziness. The foreman checked a portable carbon monoxide monitor, which showed elevated levels, and moved the crew outside while the area was ventilated.
The contractor's review found that the enclosure had no fresh air openings, one heater had a poorly adjusted wick, and fuel was being stored in an unlabeled red can on the same floor. The company opened ventilation panels in the sheeting, added continuous carbon monoxide monitoring, assigned a person to check heaters every hour, and moved fuel storage to a marked outdoor area using blue kerosene safety cans. Heaters were refueled only outside after cooling.
Yes. Under OSHA's current definitions, liquids with a flash point at or below 199.4°F are flammable liquids, which includes kerosene. It is harder to ignite at room temperature than gasoline, but it burns readily once heated, misted or exposed to flame.
Blue is the common color used for kerosene containers in the United States to help users tell kerosene apart from gasoline, which is stored in red containers. Labels should still be checked before every use.
Some heaters are designed for indoor use, but they need adequate ventilation because they consume oxygen and produce carbon monoxide. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, local codes and workplace rules, and use carbon monoxide monitoring in enclosed spaces.
Do not operate the heater. Remove it from service, drain and dispose of the contaminated fuel safely, and have the heater inspected before it is used again.
Part of SafetyIQ's EHS glossary: plain-English definitions of workplace health and safety terms.
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