Storage and Disposal of Oil or Solvent Soaked Rags

I have recently been forced to address the question of proper storage and disposal (or destruction) of oil and solvent-soaked rags.  I am concerned especially after being called about an incident involving an artist using linseed oil as a medium for his paints.  (He also uses relatively small amounts of turpentine, mineral spirits, and damar varnish.)  After finishing a particularly long and involved studio session, he gathered the rags together, and not having any contrary indications, left them in a pile in the studio.  Upon returning to the studio a short while later, the person was assailed by the odour of linseed oil that was rapidly intensifying.  Upon closer investigation, he discovered (just in time) a fire smoldering in the bottom of his rag pile.  This smoke was poring from the pile and the rags had turned from white to charcoal black.  Only quick intervention and separation of the rags averted what may have been a major disaster.

Artists working in any number of mediums, including woodworking, painting, and printmaking. commonly use and dispose of these substances.  In writing this, I would like to caution your readers as to the importance of maintaining proper fire extinguishing equipment and smoke detectors in all areas where flammable and combustible materials are being used and stored.  In addition, I would appreciate a response with recommendations for the safe storage and disposal of such materials.

Sincerely,

Devora Neumark
Art Health and Safety Consultant
Montreal, Quebec, Canada


Art Hazard News, Volume 13, No. 5, 1990

This article was originally printed for Art Hazard News, © copyright Center for Safety in the Arts 1990. It appears on CAR courtesy of the Health in the Arts Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, who have curated a collection of these articles from their archive which are still relevant to artists today.