Page 110 - Fire Insurance Ebook IC 57

Fire and Consequential Loss Insurance

Q10. What is a spontaneous combustion? In which
circumstances it may occur.

Ans. Some substances have internal properties by which
they generate heat and reaches the ignition point.
They are then said to undergo spontaneous
combustion. This can occur under the following
circumstances :
(a) Slow oxidation : Slow oxidation occurs at
ordinary temperature and generates heat. This
heat then raises the temperature , reaches the
ignition point an catch fire. E.g, rags soaked in
oil. These type of materials should be stored in
closed tin containers and should be removed
from the premises every day to prevent
combustion.

(b) Absorption of oxygen from the air by porous
substances - Porous substances like coal have
a chance of self ignition. They should not be
stored in stacks of over 10 ft in height and should
not be more than 200 tons in any stacks to
prevent self ignition. Also ample ventilation can

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