ASVAB · Materials and Shop Safety

What should you do with oily rags after completing a workshop task involving oil-based finishes or lubricants?

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Correct answer

Place them loosely in a metal, lidded container — oily rags can spontaneously combust through oxidation, and proper disposal prevents workshop fires

A Throw them in a regular trash bin immediately
B Place them loosely in a metal, lidded container — oily rags can spontaneously combust through oxidation, and proper disposal prevents workshop fires
C Store them in a pile in the corner
D Leave them on a workbench to dry

Why this is the answer

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION is a real fire hazard with oily rags, especially those soaked in linseed oil, tung oil, or similar drying oils. The oxidation of these oils generates heat — in a bunched pile, that heat cannot dissipate and can reach the ignition point of the cloth. Safe disposal: spread rags flat outdoors to dry completely, OR place in a sealed metal container with water, OR use a metal safety can with a self-closing lid. Regular trash bins and indoor piles are fire hazards.

Source: ASVAB SI, Fire Hazard — Oily Rags

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About this topic: Materials and Shop Safety

Materials and shop safety questions cover common materials — hardwood versus softwood, steel versus aluminium, plastics — and the safety practices that go with them: eye protection, guards, ventilation and safe handling of blades and chemicals. This is one of 11 Shop Information questions on materials and shop safety, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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What should you do with oily rags after completing a workshop task involving oil-based finishes or lubricants?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Materials and Shop Safety

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